Managed Service Provider
A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that remotely manages a customer’s IT infrastructure and services on an ongoing, subscription or contract basis. Many MSPs are also Microsoft CSP partners, reselling and managing Microsoft cloud services alongside their own managed services.
Key Takeaways
- Manages customer IT on a recurring, contract basis.
- Often also a Microsoft CSP partner.
- Bills a mix of managed services and Microsoft subscriptions.
- Needs billing that handles both together.
How MSPs operate
An MSP delivers ongoing IT management, support, and services under contract. Microsoft-centric MSPs also sell and manage Microsoft subscriptions and Azure, which means billing spans managed services, recurring subscriptions, and usage.
Why it matters for Work 365
MSPs that resell Microsoft need billing that combines managed services with CSP subscriptions and Azure usage in one place, which is exactly the operational load Work 365 automates.
How Work 365 supports MSPs
Work 365 automates billing, reconciliation, and renewals for Microsoft-centric MSPs. See Solutions for MSPs.
Related terms: CSP, PSA, VAR, System Integrator.
FAQ
What does MSP stand for?
Managed Service Provider.
Are MSPs also CSP partners?
Many are. They resell and manage Microsoft cloud services alongside their own managed services.
