A managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party organisation that administers a customer’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems from a remote location. MSPs are hired by small and medium-sized businesses, NGOs, and government organisations to provide a set of day-to-day management services.

MSPs frequently handle administration services on a regular basis, allowing customers to focus on developing their services rather than worrying about prolonged system downtimes or service interruptions.

MSPs often work remotely through the internet to do their jobs. Printers are maintained and consumables are supplied by managed print service providers. For example, managed security service providers provide specialised services like remote firewall administration.

On customers’ premises, in their MSP’s data centre (hosting), or in a third-party data centre, a managed service provider (MSP) provides services such as network, application, infrastructure, and security through continuing and regular maintenance and active administration.