Types of Managed Services
The categories
Infrastructure management (networks, servers, endpoints), security services (monitoring, endpoint protection, identity), help desk and user support, cloud management (M365, SaaS sprawl), backup and disaster recovery, telecom and UCaaS, and vendor/contract management — the one almost nobody offers and where the money usually leaks.
Which ones you actually need
Depends on your stack and your risk. A 15-person professional services firm needs identity security, cloud management, and contract oversight more than it needs a NOC. The audit answers this for your specific business — not a package someone wants to sell.
How they're priced
Per user, per device, or flat tier. Watch for per-incident add-ons disguised as 'management' — if the invoice spikes when things break, it's break-fix wearing a managed-services name tag.
What's included in basic managed services?
Usually monitoring, patching, help desk, and endpoint security. Read what's excluded — exclusions are where break-fix billing hides.
Can I mix managed services with my own IT person?
Yes, and it often works well — we cover depth and vendor leverage while your person keeps institutional knowledge.