Managed services vs professional services: Differences and applications

Every business reaches a point where strategic IT decisions shape its future. Do you engage a professional services firm for specialized expertise and project execution, or invest in a managed services provider (MSP) for continuous optimization and long-term stability?

The answer isn’t always straightforward. Both services offer unique benefits that can help you — but which one is right for your organization? By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of what each service entails, along with how businesses might decide between the two.

Managed Services vs. Professional Services: A Strategic Comparison

Managed Services: Ongoing Operational Excellence

Managed services involve continuous, proactive oversight of a company’s IT infrastructure by an external provider. This approach ensures systems remain secure, optimized, and up-to-date while preventing potential issues before they disrupt operations. Businesses benefit from round-the-clock monitoring, maintenance, and support. Common managed services include:

1. Infrastructure management: MSPs oversee servers, networks, and storage, ensuring seamless performance and quick issue resolution.
2. Network security services: Tasks like firewall management, intrusion detection, and vulnerability assessments protect businesses from cyber threats.
3. Help desk support: Employees receive assistance with technical issues, such as troubleshooting software or resetting passwords.
4. Cloud management: An MSP handles cloud applications like Microsoft 365 or Salesforce, taking care of provisioning, configuration, and maintenance.
5. Data backup and disaster recovery: These services protect critical data and ensure rapid system restoration in case of outages or breaches.
6. SaaS management: MSPs optimize and secure SaaS applications through ongoing updates and configuration.

Imagine investing in a cloud platform, only to find that as traffic surges and customer expectations rise, your system struggles to keep up. That’s exactly the challenge one of our clients faced—until they partnered with Dedicatted.As a direct result of the platform maturity and support provided through our MSP engagement, the client successfully navigated their most critical commercial period—Black Friday—without a single service disruption. 

Case study

Dmytro Petlichenko

5 min to read

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Benefits of managed services

Many businesses turn to managed services to ensure their critical infrastructure is always maintained, allowing them to stay focused on their core operations without IT distractions. This approach is also more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team, eliminating the need for upfront investments in hiring, salaries, and ongoing training.

Knowing why managed services matter is just as important as knowing what they are.Here’s why managed services stand out:

• Proactive problem-solving: MSPs monitor and manage IT systems continuously, identifying and resolving potential issues before they disrupt operations.
• Predictable costs: With a subscription-based model, businesses can plan their budgets more effectively and avoid unexpected IT expenses. Compared to an in-house IT team, MSPs eliminate hiring, training, and salary expenses, often cutting IT costs by 25–45%
• Expert support: MSPs provide specialized expertise and resources that might not be available internally, improving efficiency and security.
• Business focus: By outsourcing IT management, companies can dedicate more time and resources to strategic priorities and growth.
• Scalability: As businesses expand or adopt new technologies, MSPs can adapt their services to meet evolving needs.

Professional Services: Expertise for Specific Goals

Professional services focus on specialized, project-based tasks that require deep expertise. Typically engaged for specific initiatives with a clear scope and timeline, these services help businesses solve complex challenges, implement new technologies, and develop tailored solutions. Examples include:

1. Technology consulting: Strategic planning and advice to enhance IT infrastructure and align technology with business objectives.
   
2. Software development: Custom application design, development, and deployment to meet unique business needs.
   
3. System integration: Connecting disparate technologies to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.
   

Benefits of professional services

When tackling complex or large-scale projects, businesses often turn to professional services for specialized expertise and efficient execution. Whether it’s deploying new software, migrating to the cloud, setting up IT infrastructure, or implementing a data recovery plan, these services provide the skills and resources needed to get the job done right.

Here’s what makes professional services invaluable:

• Specialized expertise – Professional service providers bring deep technical and industry knowledge, ensuring tailored solutions that align with business objectives.
• Flexibility – Engaging experts on a project-by-project basis gives companies access to the right skills when needed—without long-term commitments.
• Custom solutions – Off-the-shelf software may work for some, but tailored solutions are what drive efficiency, scalability, and competitive advantage.
• Speed & efficiency – With defined scopes and dedicated specialists, projects are completed faster, allowing businesses to implement new technologies and strategies without delays.
• Innovation-driven approach – Professional service providers stay ahead of industry trends, offering fresh insights and cutting-edge technologies that help businesses evolve.

Choosing the right service for your business: Checklist 

1.Define Your Business Needs

Do you need continuous IT support for infrastructure, security, and system maintenance? Managed services ensure your critical systems run smoothly, freeing your internal team to focus on strategic business initiatives. 

Or are you dealing with a one-time, specialized project like software development, cloud migration, or system integration? Professional services provide the targeted expertise needed to complete complex tasks efficiently.

2. Plan Your Budget

Professional services typically have one-time, upfront costs, whereas managed services require ongoing investment. Customers with short-term budgets may favor PS, while those seeking predictable spending prefer MS.

3. Evaluate your in-house capabilities

Managed services can fill skill gaps, providing ongoing support and reducing the need for additional hires. Small businesses can save costs this way, while larger companies can outsource specific functions like cybersecurity.

Or does your team just need temporary expertise for certain projects? Professional services provide high-quality, specialized assistance for short-term needs without long-term commitments .

4. Consider Flexibility & Growth

Is your business growing or experiencing fluctuating IT demands? Managed services offer scalable solutions that adapt as your company evolves.

Or do you need expert assistance for a specific, short-term project? Professional services allow businesses to bring in specialists only when required, offering agility without long-term contracts.

Important note: Managed services can handle complex, multi-faceted environments with integrated solutions, while professional services are better suited for specific workloads.

5. Align with Your Strategic Goals

Are you looking for a long-term IT partner to support your company’s growth and infrastructure improvements? Managed services provide continuous support, strategic guidance, and proactive maintenance.

Or do you need immediate results from a project-focused engagement? Professional services offer the expertise required to complete specific initiatives without ongoing commitments.

MS is the better fit if the customer’s goal is an ongoing operational outcome, such as reduced downtime or improved performance. Professional services are more appropriate if the result is a completed project, such as migrating to a new platform.

Instead of Choosing Between Managed Services vs. Professional Services, Choose A Provider That Can Offer Both

One unique advantage of partnering with an MSP is that most of them can do the project-based work that professional services handle. There’s no reason for you to outsource professional services if you already have a managed IT contract. 

By choosing Dedicatted as your IT partner, you’ll get the best of both worlds. With fast response times and over 12 years of experience in the industry, we offer quick, effective results: whether you need someone to manage your day-to-day operations, spearhead a new hardware rollout or something in between, Dedicatted is there. If you’re still not sure which approach is best for you or if you want more information about our services, reach out  today!