What is Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
A company that remotely manages a customer’s IT and network infrastructure under a subscription or retainer model.
Definition
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a company that takes ongoing responsibility for managing some or all of a client’s IT and network infrastructure. Instead of hiring and maintaining a full in-house team for every specialism, an organisation contracts an MSP to monitor, maintain, secure, and support its systems.
MSPs typically work on a subscription or monthly retainer basis, with a service level agreement (SLA) that defines uptime guarantees, response times, and the scope of services delivered.
Why it matters
For many businesses, an MSP delivers enterprise-grade expertise and 24/7 coverage at a predictable cost — often less than building the equivalent capability internally. This is especially valuable where specialist skills are scarce or expensive to retain.
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