What are cloud managed services?
Cloud managed services are outsourced IT services that help businesses manage their cloud infrastructure, applications, and operations. These services typically include monitoring, maintenance, security, backups, and support—ensuring that cloud environments run efficiently, securely, and with minimal downtime. Managed service providers (MSPs) take care of the technical complexities so organizations can focus on their core business goals.
What’s included in cloud managed services?
Cloud managed services usually include both day‑to‑day operations and strategic optimization. Here’s a list of everything that’s usually included.
- Cloud infrastructure monitoring
- Patching
- Cloud security management
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Cost management
- Performance tuning
- Ongoing cloud system management (new or existing systems)
- Governance and compliance support
- Architectural guidance
- Cloud migration consulting
- Cloud migration execution
- Cloud integration
Which cloud platforms do managed service providers support?
Most cloud managed service providers support major public cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. Many also manage hybrid and multi‑cloud environments that integrate on‑premises systems with one or more public clouds.
How are cloud managed services different from cloud consulting?
Cloud consulting focuses on planning and implementation, while cloud managed services focus on ongoing operation and optimization. Consulting typically ends after deployment, whereas managed services provide continuous monitoring, support, and improvement after the environment is live.
Do cloud managed services replace internal IT teams?
No—cloud managed services typically augment internal IT teams rather than replace them. Providers handle operational burden and specialized expertise, allowing internal teams to focus on business initiatives, application development, and strategic projects.
What are some potential pitfalls of cloud migration?
First off, there are 7 types of cloud migration that you should know about.
- Retire
- Retain
- Rehost
- Relocate
- Repurchase
- Replatform
- Refactor or re-architect
Learn all about these 7 types here: Cloud Migration Strategy.
Given these 7 types of migration, not every system is a good fit for the cloud. You want to make sure the cloud offers benefits for your use case while not introducing significant risks, unsustainable costs, or technical debt.
Here are 4 principles that we recommend in deciding whether to migrate a system to the cloud.
- Retire as many systems as you can
- Try replatforming or repurchasing rather than retaining or rehosting
- Prioritize cloud services over cloud servers
- Look at the benefits of repurchasing as well as the costs
Which is best, AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud?
Each option has different strengths and weaknesses. Your provider can align your needs with the features of the right platform.
AWS is a big player, yet hybrid cloud implementations may be more challenging.
Azure is ideal for companies that already use Microsoft 365.
Google Cloud is a great fit if you need to integrate with other Google products and services.
Learn more here: Cloud Managed Services – AWS vs. Azure vs. Google Cloud.
What should you look for in a cloud managed service provider?
Not all cloud managed service providers are created equal. Some will excel at certain disciplines. Others will offer more favorable pricing. Here are 10 things you should look for.
- 100% predictable monthly pricing
- C-level consulting expertise
- Specialized cloud expertise
- Cybersecurity expertise
- Knows your cloud provider thoroughly
- Knows your industry
- Can provide fully managed or co-managed cloud services
- Won’t push you to the cloud if it’s not a good fit
- Knows how to optimize cloud costs
- Can advise on cloud repatriation
Get the full picture here: Cloud Managed Services – Finding the Right Partner.