The terms managed services, and cloud computing usually confuses a lot of people. Also, some managers are running some organizations but have not yet bothered to know what these two terms offer. Some of them have already outsourced services from managed it services providers or cloud providers without even being aware.

This article will assist you to understand the difference between managed services and cloud computing and which service is suitable for your business.

Managed services

This term is commonly used when organizations outsource their IT infrastructure to a third party. Most of the outsourced services protect the IT infrastructure assets as well as conduct regular monitoring to the company’s servers.

Also, outsourced managed services provide constant monitoring to their respective clients. Once organizations enter into an agreement with their managed service providers, they get the opportunity to focus on their core business, without having to worry about common IT challenges and the risks associated with owning IT department.

Cloud computing

This has become the common slogan in small and medium sized businesses as well as well established businesses. In cloud computing, businesses are given the platform to store their data or programs on a third party application. With cloud computing, businesses and their employees are usually able to access their data from any location using the internet.

Cloud computing services are commonly offered in three models:

• Public cloud – this is the common cloud model which has been adopted by many businesses. Here, the businesses share their infrastructure with others. This model is adopted by small businesses which have challenges in spending on infrastructure management. The service provider manages all the issues related to cloud application security and software updates.
• Private cloud – this model allows businesses manage their cloud infrastructure. This is the best model for businesses which want to have complete control over their data but is usually very expensive.
• Hybrid cloud – this model combines public and private cloud features. In hybrid clouds, the in-house IT team manages some of the cloud services, and the rest are managed by the cloud service provider.

Managed services or Cloud computing: which is good for you and why?

In the last few years, the topic of managed services providers vs. cloud services providers has been very hot. Each of these topics has their benefits.

Services

Managed services offer a wide range of options like data backup and recovery, software installations, and upgrades, hardware updates and security audit amongst others.

Managed services are most suitable for small businesses which do not want to spend excessively on in-house staff to manage the internal IT infrastructure. Businesses can enjoy updated IT infrastructure without worrying about the associated risks or challenges.

Cloud computing services are offered based on the user needs. Most cloud service providers allow their clients to capitalize on the benefit of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. Users rely on this model while using cloud application to meet their data storage needs. The SaaS model can be offered through either pay-per-use or subscription basis.

Under the cloud computing model, the service provider is responsible for data backup, application security, and data updates. Cloud computing is mostly preferred by businesses which like conducting their businesses remotely.

Cloud computing allows employees to access company files and collaborate remotely. The cloud platform automatically synchronizes all stored documents. This means that employees can access their updated files anytime. Additionally, cloud computing is the best model for the businesses which don’t want to spent on IT infrastructure costs.

Charges

In managed services providers offer their services in monthly fee packages, and they charge their clients depending on the services or devices managed.

Cloud services providers allow their clients to pay only for the servers they have used. Cloud users usually subscribe to their preferred cloud model and then choose the services or features they want to keep.

Both managed services and cloud computing allow organizations to operate efficiently. However, if the IT environment becomes complex, most businesses opt to choose managed services over cloud computing.