The IT industry just loves acronyms and jargon so let's put this in plain English.

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is an external company, who looks after a business's IT equipment.

There are 2 types of equipment, Infrastructure (network devices, servers, firewall etc.) and End User Systems (desktops, laptops etc.).

Think of it like a car servicing plan with a local garage. The garage makes sure you get regular services, checks things like the tyres and brakes aren't worn out. And in doing ensures that not only it is safe but also reliable, as it is less likely to suffer a breakdown.

MSP's do the same with your IT but instead of waiting for the next service booking, they proactively watch over it, intervening to resolve issues when they arise.

Simply put, they become your IT department, supporting your users, managing the maintenance of your IT equipment, undertaking future planning and by doing so ensuring that the money you investment in technology continues to provide the business benefits you require.

As a result your IT budget becomes foreseeable, allowing you to plan your investments over time rather having to make unexpected reactive investments.

But just like the mechanics of a car, IT equipment will sometimes fail unexpectedly but over time regular maintenance and support will increase reliability and reduce your overall costs and overheads.