What Is an AWS Managed Service Provider, and Why Do You Need One?

Businesses put a lot of trust in their cloud service providers. As a result, many companies hire an AWS managed service provider (MSP) to help them manage and optimize their AWS workloads. But what does that mean? And why should you consider hiring one if you don’t already have one in place? Read on to find out.

What Is an AWS Managed Service Provider?

An AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a service provider that offers managed services for AWS. This means they provide support and maintenance for customers who want to use AWS but may need more resources or expertise to do so independently. They also guide you on how best to use AWS, such as recommending the services most suitable for your business needs. 

Additionally, an MSP can help you with any issues you might encounter while using the platform, whether setting up an instance or troubleshooting an error message when trying to connect an application via an API gateway.

What Are the Key Benefits of Using an AWS Managed Service Provider?

Suppose you are considering whether or not to use Amazon Web Services (AWS) to power your business. In that case, it’s essential to understand the benefits of working with an AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP).

An MSP offers several benefits over managing your own AWS account.

• Time Savings – An MSP can help you get up and running with AWS quickly, which means less time spent getting acclimated to new technology and more time focused on growing your business. They also provide expertise in areas such as security and compliance.
• Cost Savings – An AWS Managed Service Provider will help ensure you use only the resources necessary for your business. This means lowering costs by eliminating unused services or unnecessary subscriptions. This can save you a ton of money over time since MSPs typically charge per hour for their services instead of monthly fees, as most cloud providers do.
• Cloud Expertise & Support – An MSP provides 24/7 support for all aspects of your cloud infrastructure so that no problems go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Simply put, an MSP allows you to utilize the capabilities of your AWS solutions fully.

How Do You Find the Right AWS Managed Service Provider?

The first step in finding the right AWS Managed Service Provider for your business is ensuring they have the right experience. You want someone who knows what they are doing and can help you get off the right foot with your new cloud services.

Next, ensure this provider is a good fit for your business. Is their pricing reasonable? Do they offer 24/7 support? How long has this company been around? When researching potential partners before signing on with one of them, these are all questions to ask.

Finally, check their references and reviews from previous clients so that you know what kind of work they do before hiring them yourself.

Here are some additional points to consider regarding AWS Managed Service Providers:

1. Scalability and Flexibility: As your business grows, your AWS infrastructure needs may evolve. An MSP can help you scale up or down as needed, ensuring your cloud resources align with your changing requirements. They can also provide recommendations and implement best practices for optimizing your AWS setup.
2. Security and Compliance: AWS MSPs often have dedicated teams specializing in security and compliance. They can help you design and implement robust security measures, conduct regular audits, and ensure that your AWS environment meets industry-specific compliance standards.
3. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: An MSP can help you set up disaster recovery solutions and backup strategies to safeguard your data and applications in case of unforeseen events. This ensures business continuity and minimizes downtime in the event of a disaster.
4. DevOps and Automation: MSPs can assist in streamlining your development and operations processes through DevOps practices and automation. They can help you leverage AWS tools and services like AWS CodePipeline and AWS CloudFormation to automate your deployment pipelines and infrastructure management.
5. Proactive Monitoring and Management: An MSP continuously monitors your AWS environment to identify and address performance bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, or potential issues before they become critical problems. This proactive approach helps maintain the stability and reliability of your systems.
6. Access to Advanced AWS Services: AWS is a vast and rapidly evolving platform with numerous advanced services and features. An MSP keeps current with the latest developments and can advise you on leveraging new AWS services to optimize your applications and workflows.
7. Training and Knowledge Transfer: While managing your AWS infrastructure, an MSP can train your in-house IT team, helping them build the necessary skills to handle specific tasks independently. This knowledge transfer empowers your team to take over particular responsibilities, reducing dependence on external support.
8. Focus on Core Competencies: By offloading AWS management to an MSP, your business can focus on its core competencies and strategic initiatives. This can improve productivity and innovation as you allocate more resources to your primary business goals.

Remember, not all AWS Managed Service Providers are the same, so take the time to evaluate different options and find one that aligns with your business needs and goals. A reliable and experienced MSP can be a valuable partner in your cloud journey, helping you make the most of AWS and driving your business forward.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about AWS Managed Service Providers:

• What exactly does an AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP) do?

 An AWS MSP offers managed services for AWS, which includes handling the setup, configuration, monitoring, and management of your AWS infrastructure. They provide support, guidance, and expertise to optimize your AWS environment for performance, security, and cost-efficiency.

• How is an AWS MSP different from AWS Support from Amazon?

 AWS Support from Amazon is a service provided directly by AWS, offering technical support for AWS products and services. On the other hand, AWS MSPs are external service providers that provide more comprehensive managed services, including managing your entire AWS infrastructure, ongoing optimization, and proactive monitoring.

• Can I use an AWS MSP if I’m starting with AWS? 

Yes, definitely! An AWS MSP can be an excellent asset for businesses new to AWS. They can assist you in getting started with AWS, help you design and deploy your infrastructure, and provide ongoing support as your cloud environment grows.

• How much does it cost to hire an AWS Managed Service Provider?

 The cost of hiring an AWS MSP can vary depending on the level of service and the scope of support you require. Some MSPs may charge a flat fee or a monthly retainer, while others may bill hourly based on the services provided. It’s essential to discuss pricing and service agreements with potential providers to find a suitable arrangement for your budget and needs.

1. Can I still have control over my AWS environment with an MSP managing it?

Absolutely! An AWS MSP works collaboratively with you, and you retain complete control over your account. They act as an extension of your team, providing expertise and support while following your organization’s policies and guidelines.

• What certifications should I look for in an AWS Managed Service Provider? 

When evaluating an AWS MSP, consider looking for certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer. These certifications demonstrate the MSP’s expertise in designing, managing, and optimizing AWS environments.

• How do AWS MSPs ensure security and compliance? 

Security and compliance are top priorities for AWS MSPs. They implement best practices, follow AWS security guidelines, and conduct regular audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Many MSPs also offer compliance-focused services to help you meet industry-specific regulatory requirements.

• Can an AWS MSP help with migration from another cloud provider to AWS? 

Yes, many AWS MSPs have experience in cloud migration projects. They can help you plan and execute a smooth migration from another cloud provider or an on-premises environment to AWS, minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless transition.

• What level of customer support can I expect from an AWS Managed Service Provider?

 AWS MSPs typically offer 24/7 customer support to address any issues that may arise promptly. It’s essential to discuss the support level and response times with your chosen MSP to ensure it aligns with your business needs.

• Can I switch to a different AWS MSP if I’m unsatisfied with the services?

 Yes, you can switch to a different AWS MSP if you are not satisfied with the services provided by your current provider. However, planning the transition carefully is essential to avoid any disruptions to your AWS environment.

Conclusion

With an AWS Managed Service Provider, you can focus on your business while they handle all the technical details. This means you don’t have to worry about setting up and maintaining serverslong-term. Instead, you can focus on what matters: growing your company.