When it comes to IT services, there are two main types: managed services and professional services. Both of these services help organizations simplify their IT needs, but they differ in terms of time frame and scope of work. Managed services are continuous and generally work with a contract. They cover many aspects of an organization's IT needs on a daily basis.
Professional services, on the other hand, are project-based and typically address a specific problem or challenge. Professional IT services help companies overcome specific challenges through a dedicated project, such as migrating to the cloud or deploying new hardware. This is a one-time project, but it is often comprehensive; the scope can extend from planning and strategy to design, implementation, adoption and training, and can even involve ongoing support in the future. The challenges that are solved through managed services and professional services are similar, but the needs and use cases for these services are different.
Professional Services also helps organizations on the front end, before and during the process of deploying a new product. Managed Services work with your business to provide ongoing support as it grows. Managed services include a variety of different offerings. They are designed to address the day-to-day IT needs of your organization, reducing or eliminating operational burdens so you can focus on your single product.
Professional Services help you understand public cloud and all its possibilities and complexities, allowing you to stay ahead of your competitors. It's important to know what to look for in both a managed service provider and an IT professional service provider. You will most likely benefit from both managed services and professional services. That's why I strongly recommend that when looking for a managed service provider or professional services provider, you resist any sales pitch that looks like a pre-designed plan or package. Managed Services are generally a better choice because of their affordability and variety of services, not to mention the advantages of partnering with an entire team that stays to understand the nuances of your business.
With an SLA customized to your specific business needs, working with a managed service provider gives you a team that is available and ready to address any sudden problem or respond to any opportunity immediately. By partnering with managed service providers and professional services, these skills will be available to you without the need to create or maintain your own team. Understanding the services available to you will maximize success during the designated term with your professional service provider.
