Did you know that 67% of enterprise infrastructure is cloud-based?
You may have heard the terms “managed services” and “cloud computing” before, but what do they mean?
It can be tough to figure out which of these options is best for your business. Do you need someone to manage your IT infrastructure for you, or can you handle things yourself by using cloud-based software and services?
Keep reading because in this article we will show you the differences between managed services vs cloud computing, so you can make the right choice for your business.
Cloud Computing – What Is It?
In the most basic sense, cloud computing is the delivery of computing benefits. These contain servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation.
This way, users can access their data and applications from anywhere in the world with just an Internet connection.
And because all the resources are stored in the cloud—rather than on individual computers or other devices—users don’t have to worry about installing or maintaining any software or hardware.
In addition, cloud computing provides several other benefits, including enhanced collaboration between users, easier scalability and flexibility for businesses, and increased efficiency and cost savings.
What Is a Managed Service?
Many businesses rely on technology to run their operations and manage their data. However, successfully managing these systems can be a complex and time-consuming task.
For this reason, many organizations choose to outsource the management of their IT systems to third-party providers. These providers offer a variety of services, including monitoring, management, and problem resolution.
By outsourcing these tasks, businesses can focus on their core operations and leave the management of their IT systems to professionals.
In addition, managed service providers often have access to resources and expertise that businesses may not have internally.
As a result, managed services can be an effective way for businesses to improve their infrastructure while reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
The Difference Between Cloud Computing and Managed Services
Now that we’ve defined both cloud computing and managed services, let’s take a look at the key differences between the two:
1. Cloud Computing Is a Type of Technology, While Managed Services Is a Type of Service
The first thing to note is that cloud computing is a type of technology, while managed services are a type of service. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
This means it’s important to understand the difference between them before making a decision about which one is right for your business.
Managed services are generally more expensive than cloud computing, but they can be a good option for businesses that don’t have the internal resources to manage their own IT infrastructure.
With managed services, you’ll have access to a team of experts who can handle all of your IT needs, from system updates and security to data backup and recovery.
The downside is that you’ll be locked into a long-term contract with a single provider, and you won’t have as much control over your IT infrastructure.
Cloud computing, on the other hand, can be a more cost-effective solution for businesses that are comfortable managing their own IT.
With cloud computing, you’ll rent space on a remote server and access your applications and data over the internet.
2. Cloud Computing Is Self-Service, While Managed Services Are Hands-on
Self-service is one of the key advantages of cloud computing. With cloud computing, users can access and use the resources they need without having to go through an IT department or service provider.
This gives users more control and flexibility over their IT resources and can help to reduce costs.
On the other hand, managed services is a more traditional approach to IT, where users will typically need to contact the service provider to get the resources they need.
This can provide more peace of mind for users, as they know that someone is always there to help if they run into any problems. However, it can also be more expensive, as service providers will charge for their time.
3. Cloud Computing Is Pay-As-You-Go, While Managed Services Are Typically a Fixed-Fee
Another key difference is that cloud computing is pay-as-you-go, while managed services are typically a fixed fee. With cloud computing, you only pay for the resources you use, when you use them.
This can be a great advantage if you only need occasional or fluctuating levels of computing power. You can avoid paying for capacity that you’re not using, which can save you money in the long run.
On the other hand, with managed services, you typically pay a fixed fee for the services, regardless of whether you use them. This can be advantageous if you need a steady and reliable level of computing power.
Even if you don’t use all the services included in your package, you know that they’ll be there when you need them. In addition, fixed-fee pricing can provide budget predictability, which can be helpful in planning and forecasting.
4. Cloud Computing Is Scalable and Elastic, While Managed Services Are Typically Fixed
A final key difference is that cloud computing is scalable and elastic, while managed services are typically fixed. This means that with cloud computing, you can scale up or down as needed, and only pay for the resources you use.
On the other hand, with managed services, you typically have a set amount of resources that you pay for, regardless of whether you use them.
This can be advantageous if you know exactly how much you need and are confident that your users will not change, but it can be costly if your needs fluctuate.
With cloud computing, you only pay for what you use, so it can be more cost-effective in the long run.
The Benefits of Cloud Computing
There are many benefits of cloud computing. They include:
1. Increased Agility and Flexibility
With cloud computing, you can quickly provision and deploy resources as needed, which gives you increased agility and flexibility.
2. Pay-As-You-Go Pricing
As mentioned above, one of the key benefits of cloud computing is pay-as-you-go pricing. With this model, you only pay for the resources you use, when you use them.
3. Scalability and Elasticity
Another key benefit of cloud computing is that it is scalable and elastic. This means that you can scale up or down as needed, and only pay for the resources you use.
4. Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Cloud computing can also help increase efficiency and productivity. With self-service provisioning, users can access the resources they need without having to go through an IT department or service provider.
This can help reduce time and increase productivity.
5. Improved Security
Cloud computing can also provide improved security. With the pay-as-you-go model, you only pay for the resources you use, which can help reduce the chances of overspending on unnecessary resources.
Additionally, with increased agility and flexibility, you can quickly respond to security threats as they arise.
The Benefits of Managed Services
There are many benefits of managed services. They include:
1. Increased Uptime and Reliability
With managed services, you can increase uptime and reliability. This is because the service provider will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the resources.
2. Improved Security
Managed services can also provide improved security. This is because the service provider will be responsible for managing and monitoring the resources. Additionally, with the pay-as-you-go model, you only pay for the resources you use, which can help reduce the chances of overspending on unnecessary resources.
3. Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Another key benefit of managed services is increased efficiency and productivity. This is because users will typically have direct access to the resources they need.
Additionally, with the pay-as-you-go model, you only pay for the resources you use, which can help reduce time and increase productivity.
4. Scalability
Managed services can also be scaled as needed. This means that you can add or remove resources as needed, without having to worry about over provisioning or under provisioning.
5. Fixed-Fee Pricing
With managed services, you typically pay a fixed fee for the services, regardless of whether you use them. This can help budget for the resources ahead of time, and avoid unexpected costs.
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Ready to Try Managed Services?
Cloud computing and managed services are two different types of services. Cloud computing is a type of service that provides resources on-demand and is typically pay-as-you-go.
Managed services, on the other hand, is a type of service where you have a set amount of resources that you pay for, regardless of whether you use them.
There are many benefits to both cloud computing and managed services. It’s important to understand the differences between the two before deciding which one is right for you.
Want more articles like this on IT management and data security? Check out the rest of our blog!