Managed Services vs. Professional Services: What’s the Difference?

by Danny Tehrani | Aug 01, 2023

When it comes to managed services vs. professional services, we’ve got a tale of two powerhouses. They both offer their unique brand of expertise and support, but they cater to different needs and bring some mighty distinct advantages to the table. It’s like having two incredible superpowers, each with its own special twist.

“Both professional and managed services are a game changer in empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of IT management and unleash their full potential”, says ___ at Computers Made Easy.

We’re diving deep into the world of professional services and managed IT services in this blog! Stay tuned as we unravel the unique secrets of each and arm you with the knowledge you need to make a well-informed decision that perfectly aligns with your organization’s goals. Get ready to unleash your inner IT genius and choose the ultimate IT solution for your business!

Why Outsource Your IT Management? The Benefits

Did you know that IT outsourcing has become such a popular option for businesses that over 92% of G2000 firms now do so? This has caused the managed IT services market to grow by USD 834.7 billion till 2032, with 11.9% CAGR. 

Image Credit: Market.US

And you can see why. The advantages of outsourcing IT services are numerous:

• Access to diverse expertise
• Focus on core business competencies
• Cost efficiency
• Enhanced security
• Scalability and flexibility
• Increased data and system availability
• And more

By embracing outsourced IT services, your business can harness the expertise, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility needed to stay ahead in today’s technology-driven world. It allows your internal team to focus on what they do best while leveraging external support to manage IT needs efficiently and effectively. Check out these resources to learn more!

What’s The Difference Between Managed & Professional IT Services?

When it comes to managed and professional IT services, one of the biggest differences lies in the scope of work they provide. 

Professional IT services bring in specialized skills and expertise to handle specific projects, allowing businesses to tap into external knowledge and experience. On the other hand, managed services include ongoing support and proactive management, ensuring that your IT environment remains secure and optimized while you focus on your core competencies.

What are some other distinct differences between managed services vs. professional services?

1. Proactive vs. Reactive Approach

One key difference between managed services vs. professional services in IT is their approach. Managed services adopt a proactive stance by constantly monitoring systems, identifying potential issues, and resolving them before they become problems. 

Professional services, on the other hand, tend to be more reactive, focusing on addressing specific challenges of implementing new IT initiatives based on your specific requirements.

2. Cost Structure

When it comes to cost, managed services have got your back with a subscription-based model. You pay a regular fee, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. It’s like having a fixed monthly budget for your IT support and maintenance. 

On the other hand, professional services follow a project-based billing system. You pay based on the scope and duration of the engagement. It’s a flexible approach that lets you bring in the pros for those specific projects or initiatives without committing long-term.

3. Scalability and Flexibility

Scalability and flexibility are where managed services shine. They grow with your business, adapting to your evolving IT needs. They’re like chameleons, always ready to blend in with the changing tech landscape. 

Professional services, though, offer that bespoke touch. They tailor their solutions to your specific challenges or projects, using their specialized skills and knowledge without tying you down to long-term commitments.

4. Ownership and Control

When it comes to managed services, the service provider assumes a significant portion of the responsibility for the IT infrastructure. They have ownership and control over the systems they manage, providing consistent support and ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs). 

In the nature of professional services agreements, however, the client retains ownership and control over their IT assets, with the IT provider offering expertise and recommendations but limited ownership. This distinction affects decision-making authority and accountability in IT-related matters.

Managed Services vs. Professional Services: Which Are Right For Me?

When deciding between managed and professional IT services, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the services that fall under each category. 

Managed IT services typically encompass services such as day-to-day IT support, server and network monitoring, infrastructure management, network support, data backup and recovery, and cyber security.

These services are geared towards ongoing maintenance and support of your IT infrastructure. On the other hand, professional services offer insight and expertise for project-based engagements, such as software development, system integration, IT consulting, performance auditing, digital transformation support, and more.

These services are more focused on specialized expertise and addressing specific IT challenges or strategic initiatives. 

To make a decision, evaluate whether you require continuous IT management and support or if you have specific projects or initiatives that demand specialized skills and knowledge. Assess your budget, scalability needs, and the level of control and ownership you desire over your IT assets. Taking these factors into account will help you find a managed services provider (MSP) and solution that meets your needs. 

Choose Computers Made Easy (CME) For All Your IT Services Needs

With a proven track record of success and 27+ years of industry experience, our team at Computers Made Easy has built a solid reputation for delivering reliable and effective IT solutions. 

Trust in our expertise, professionalism, and SLA-backed quality of service to provide top-notch IT solutions for your business. Get fast support that meets your budgetary needs. Learn more about how we can help – get in touch today.