Find out what is an IT service provider, the services they offer, and how they help businesses stay secure and efficient.

Similar to other IT service vendors, specifically Managed Service Providers, an IT Service Provider is a third-party company that provides technical services and ongoing support to businesses that need assistance with their technology. Their services may include the following:

• System setup and maintenance
• Help desk support
• Cybersecurity solutions
• Cloud infrastructure and management

Unlike IT consultants, who focuses on strategic planning and advisory, IT service providers are hands-on professionals who implement and maintain a business’ technology infrastructure. Here are some of the types of IT service providers:

• Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
• Cloud service vendors
• Cybersecurity firms
• Local IT support companies

3 Types of IT Service Providers (and a few more you should know)

When it comes to choosing your IT support, it’s important to identify what your goals are to know what service provider you need. Below are the 3 types of service providers that are most used by businesses and the issues they address; and next are other types of IT service providers that you can also consider.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

MSPs are companies that provide proactive and ongoing IT support to businesses or organisations. Unlike with IT consultants, who are more on strategy, MSPs serves as the implementation and maintenance of a business’ technology infrastructure. They (MSPs) help businesses either work the in-house IT or become the IT management since not all businesses are experts in technology nor have the resources to build an in-house IT department.

Their common services are:

• 24/7 system monitoring
• Cybersecurity protection
• Data backups and disaster recovery
• Remote help desk and on-site support

MSPs are ideal for businesses that want to fully outsource their IT department. And you can read more about them at our article:  What is a Managed Service Provider?

Cloud Service Provider

Cloud Service Providers basically offer cloud-based platforms for businesses to help them modernize or scale their storage. They also support businesses in migration or infrastructure hosting. The common platforms being offered for cloud-based platforms are:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Microsoft Azure
• Google Cloud Platform

IT Support Companies

Unlike MSPs who are hired for long-term partnerships to manage a business’ IT infrastructure, IT support companies work mostly on a break/fix model. In this model, you call an IT technician when something breaks, and you’re billed per incident or by the hour. See it as a pay-as-you-go type of model. So instead of having a monthly free subscription, you’ll only pay when you need something done.

Their services mostly include:

• Computer repairs
• Network troubleshooting
• Hardware installations

This type of service provider is best for businesses that only need occasional IT assistance, such as local Sydney-based companies looking for fast and in-person support.

Bonus: Other Key IT Providers!

Cybersecurity Service Providers

Specialize in risk assessments, firewall setup, penetration testing and incident response.

Telecom & Network Vendors

Provide internet, VoIP systems, and manage network installations and maintenance.

IT Service Providers vs IT Consultants: What's the Difference?

A common question heard is: what is the difference between an IT service provider and an IT consultant?

 IT consultants are like car brands or car manufacturers. They engineer, design, and build cars for specific performances. After building the car, they also provide an ongoing support and maintenance for the unique design they’ve made. They know the ins and outs of the vehicle. They help you answer the big questions: What do we need? Why? How do we get there? And then provide the services on the upkeep of that specific system.

Now, IT service providers (or MSPs) are like the general auto mechanic shops. They can do routine maintenance, such as oil, changes, brake checks, engine diagnosis, body repairs, wheel alignments—the common day-to-day maintenance and repair of a vehicle. But what they can’t do is tune it to the specific way the manufacturer has designed it to be.

In practice, the roles often overlap. And that’s important to recognize. Here’s a more visual example to it: 

There are times when companies already have an external Managed Service Provider (MSP) managing their infrastructure. However, when they require custom app development, they often turn to specialized IT consultants. 

These consultants do more than just strategize. They provide an end-to-end solution that includes planning, strategy, implementation, and delivery. Once the app is built and deployed, the IT consultant typically establishes a support agreement to maintain the application.

 If a user encounters an issue while using the app, they raise a ticket with the consultant, who then investigates and resolves the problem. If the root cause lies outside the application, for example, a Microsoft 365 account issue or a network problem, the issue is escalated to the company’s MSP.

How Our Sydney IT Consulting Firm Helps You Choose the Right Provider

Choosing between all these service providers isn’t easy and often overwhelming when you yourself don’t know what it is your business needs. You may know the goals, you know the vision, but working on the technical aspect can be difficult. That’s why we’re here.

MYtech Consulting Services offers an end-to-end IT solution, from strategic planning to implementation. See us as your all in-one IT consulting services, where we can guide you to making strategic decisions when it comes to your technology, and implement said technology to your operations.

Our IT consulting services in Sydney provide services, such as:

• Conduct comprehensive IT assessments
• Match you with vetted, reliable MSPs and service vendors
• Offer project management and long-term strategy tailored to your goals

And with our deep knowledge of Sydney’s business and technological landscape, we can help you avoid costly trial-and-error and make confident IT decisions.

Conclusion

Understanding what an IT service provider is, and the differences between the 3 types of service providers is the first step to building a strong technology foundation for your business.  Whether you need ongoing IT support, cloud solutions, or one-off troubleshooting, the right provider can make a big difference in your operations and growth.

Need help finding the right IT provider in Sydney?

Talk to our consulting team today — and let’s get your tech working smarter, not harder.

Related Article:   The Definition and Role of Service Vendors in IT