The top managed services providers (MSPs) provide a wide range of IT and business management services under a single subscription model or on a contract basis. These IT managed services companies can help enterprises and small businesses handle complex operations by implementing the latest technology and engaging expert resources.
The overwhelming demand for the top managed services providers is creating a market that’s getting more crowded with new entrants offering a broad spectrum of services. We evaluated the top managed services providers to see how they compared on offerings, pricing, and customer satisfaction—here are our picks for the top 10 MSPs for 2024.
- Azure Managed Applications: Best for Cloud Solutions
- Rightworks: Best for Staffing Requirements
- Cygnus Systems: Best for IT Solutions
- Magna5: Best for Cybersecurity
- Cortavo: Best for IT Budget and Cost Management
- Navisite Services: Best for Digital Transformation
- Meter Network: Best for Internet Infrastructure
- IBM: Best for Hybrid Cloud
- Rackspace: Best for Multicloud Solutions
- NTT Data: Best for Data Analytics Services
Table of Contents
Featured Partners: Managed Service Provider (MSP) Software
Top Managed Services Providers Comparison Chart
Here’s how the top 10 managed services providers compare at a glance.
Customer Focus | Configurability | Scalability | Reporting and Analysis | Pricing | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Azure Managed Applications | Strong customer focus with its Service Catalog | Easily configurable across the cloud | Highly scalable | Detailed analytics and reports with Azure tools extensions | Pay-as-you-go structure with a free account |
Rightworks | Customized packages based on business needs | Streamlined data import and export, | Scalable solutions | Rightworks ConnectIQ for real-time results and analytics | Varies as per business requirements |
Cygnus Systems | Prompt customer support | Only cloud integration | Scalable IT services | Automated Business Reporting process | Flat-rate fees and bundled packages |
Magna5 | Comprehensive protection and support | Easy integration | Efficient and scalable operations. | Expert audits with real-time visibility | Customized pricing |
Cortavo | Client-first mode. | On-prem, cloud, and hybrid integrations | Highly scalable services | Detailed reporting and analytics reports | Productivity Plan, Connectivity Plan, and Techtility Plan. |
Navisite Services | Comprehensive support | Easy cloud migration | Scalable solutions | Dynamic reporting features | Pay-as-you-go pricing model |
Meter Network | User-friendly products and solutions | Redundant designs and fast installations | Rapidly scalable network infrastructure | 24/7 network monitoring | Charges by square foot with a monthly billing cycle |
IBM | Customer-centric initiatives to drive engagement | Access to the IBM ecosystem | Highly scalable solutions | Detailed reporting with IBM tools and applications | Customized pricing plans |
Rackspace | Incredible customer experiences | Effective multi-cloud strategies | Scalable technology solutions | Always-on data availability | Varies as per services |
NTT Data | Client-centric portfolio of data services | Flexible delivery models | Scalable data and AI architectures | Extensive reporting and data analytics features | Customized pricing plans |
Azure Managed Applications
Best for Cloud Solutions
Overall rating: 4.2
- Pricing: 4/5
- Easy Integrations:5 /5
- Product Capabilities: 4/5
- Customization: 5/5
- Service and Support: 3/5
Azure Managed Applications help businesses with easily deployable and operational cloud solutions offerings. It facilitates the necessary infrastructure and support with two managed applications: Service Catalog and Azure Marketplace.
The Azure Service Catalog is used for developing internal solutions in compliance with organizational standards. Azure Marketplace is also open to businesses, letting them build and deliver fully managed turnkey applications and opening up new revenue opportunities.
Pricing
- No upfront costs or termination fees
- Free account with a $200 credit, followed by pay-as-you-go model
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Based on hyper-scale Azure infrastructure | Pricing structure needs Improvement |
Hassle-free administration and maintenance by Azure | Service and support could be improved |
Features
- Turnkey solutions for stronger customer relationships
- Comprehensive security and built-in compliance features
- Customizable publisher and customer permissions for full control
Rightworks
Best for Staffing Requirements
Overall rating: 4.4
- Pricing: 4/5
- Easy Integrations: 4/5
- Product Capabilities: 4/5
- Customization:5/5
- Service and Support: 5/5
Rightworks offers staffing solutions to help businesses build dream teams without going through extensive recruiting processes. It leverages the best recruiters to identify the top talent efficiently using advanced recruiting tools and technologies.
The company operates across various industries, including finance and accounting, chemical services, communication, construction, energy, cybersecurity, engineering, F&B, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and more.
Rightworks offers intelligent cloud solutions, actionable guidance, and customer training, and stands out over competitors for its customer service.
Pricing
- Customized packages for specific business needs
- For detailed pricing, contact the sales team
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Strong online customer service | Frequent connection issues |
Easy-to-use interface | Extra fee for accessing Microsoft Office |
Features
- High-end security solutions with data protection
- Cloud-based Quickbooks for simplified business operations
- Streamlined data import, export, and deletion with Transaction Pro
Cygnus Systems
Best for IT Solutions
Overall rating: 3.4
- Pricing: 3/5
- Easy Integrations: 4/5
- Product Capabilities: 3/5
- Customization: 3/5
- Service and Support: 4/5
Cygnus Systems offers highly responsive managed IT services, VoIP systems, remote issue resolution, network security, and cloud computing solutions. It is a complete technology solution provider with quality systems and processes for small and mid-sized enterprises.
Cygnus Systems goes a step further by using plug-in systems for remote problem-solving. It has a streamlined service ticket system that ensures quicker response times, but customer support scores are lower than some competitors.
Pricing
- Offers fully scalable services at flat-rate fees, as well as bundled packages
- For pricing details, contact Cygnus
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Prompt and helpful customer support | Lack of transparency and knowledge sharing |
Comprehensive project management | Does not offer in-house assistance |
Features
- Comprehensive security solutions for a protected IT infrastructure
- Built-in data backup and secure data storage
- Easy-to-use intuitive tools for system management
Magna5
Best for Cybersecurity
Overall rating: 4.8
- Pricing: 5/5
- Easy Integrations: 4/5
- Product Capabilities: 5/5
- Customization: 5/5
- Service and Support: 5/5
Magna5 offers advanced solutions for essential IT operations, optimizing business systems and minimizing customer’s data-related risks. It delivers comprehensive protection and unrelenting support and caters to businesses of all sizes.
Magna5 primarily offers managed IT services, cloud, private cloud, and data center services, and cybersecurity solutions. Currently, it serves over 600 clients.
The Pentaguard suite of services from Magna5 is ideal for efficient and scalable business operations. However, the company operates only across the American market—some competitors, like Azure Managed Applications, have global presences.
Pricing
- Offers customized pricing plans for specific business needs
- For more details, contact the sales team
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Technical expertise | Troubleshooting takes a lot of time. |
Transparent pricing structure | Slow after-hour support |
Features
- Real-time visibility and around-the-clock reliability
- Airtight protection against security threats, expert audits, and tailored remediation plans
- Rapid incident response for faster recovery
Cortavo
Best for IT Budget and Cost Management
Overall rating: 4.4
- Pricing: 5/5
- Easy Integrations: 4/5
- Product Capabilities:5 /5
- Customization: 4/5
- Service and Support: 4/5
Cortavo offers a range of managed IT services, cybersecurity, hybrid workforce management, and cost management solutions. It can efficiently accommodate the requirements of hybrid, in-site, and remote workplaces.
Cortavo has all-inclusive service plans for consolidating IT costs and serves businesses of all scales and sizes, whether a startup or a large enterprise, and gets better IT desk support scores than some of its competitors.
Pricing
- Three pricing plans with different features: Productivity, Connectivity, and Techtility
- Productivity plan starts at $95 per user, per month; Connectivity plan starts at $155 per user, per month; the Techtility plan starts at $195 per user, per month
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Quick response time and on-site support | Takes time for initial setup |
Easy ticketing system | Frequent connectivity issues |
Features
- Unlimited IT service desk support and expert-designed tailored cybersecurity strategies
- Client-first model that puts customer priorities at the top
- Simple budgeting with flat fee plans
Navisite Services
Best for Digital Transformation
Overall rating: 4.2
- Pricing:3/5
- Easy Integrations: 4/5
- Product Capabilities: 4/5
- Customization: 5/5
- Service and Support: 5/5
Navisite is a top choice for businesses looking for digital transformation and optimization strategies. It can manage enterprise applications and cloud systems, data and analytics functions, automation, and cybersecurity aspects, eliminating risks and threats. The MSP also has industry-specific solutions to address specific concerns and challenges and foster growth in the relevant market space.
One major differentiating factor of Navisite is its strategic partnerships with leading cloud providers and technology companies. The company also has global capabilities, unlike Cortavo, Magna5, or Rightworks, which operate only in the U.S. market.
Pricing
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model; standard fixed rate for all services
- Pricing varies according to the services
- For more details, contact the support team
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
High-level service and support | Pricing models can be improved |
End-to-end platform and application expertise | User configuration is a little complex |
Features
- Full-range solutions for maintaining powerful databases
- Easy migration and continually innovative solutions across the cloud
- Comprehensive support
- Dynamic and adaptive security programs with multiple tiers of protection
Meter
Best for Internet Infrastructure
Overall rating: 4.6
- Pricing: 5/5
- Easy Integrations: 5/5
- Product Capabilities: 3/5
- Customization:5 /5
- Service and Support: 5/5
Meter offers efficient and secure internet infrastructures that help businesses stay connected and expand their capacities. It has high-end solutions for network setup and management, DNS security, high-speed internet connection, ISP procurement, and network design.
Meter’s redundant designs and fast installations ensure high availability, granular visibility, and full control. The company is best known for network infrastructure solutions, but does not offer a suite of managed services like some of its competitors.
Pricing
- Charges by square foot with a monthly billing cycle
- Offers end-to-end services in a single plan, eliminating upfront costs and unexpected onsite bills
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
User-friendly products and solutions | Lacks advanced workflows |
Robust enterprise-level support | Installations can be improved |
Features
- 24/7 network monitoring with automatic software updates
- Automated software network management without any manual configuration
- DNS security, malware protection, and VPN capabilities for preventing unauthorized access
IBM Application Management
Best for Hybrid Cloud
Overall rating: 4.4
- Pricing: 5/5
- Easy Integrations: 4/5
- Product Capabilities: 5/5
- Customization: 5/5
- Service and Support: 3/5
IBM Application Management is a one-stop solution for automating and modernizing IT applications. The tech giant helps businesses with essential artificial intelligence and hybrid cloud technologies to uncover organizations’ untapped potential.
IBM’s open ecosystem simplifies and enhances the digital experience with strategic partnerships. The company also offers customer-centric initiatives to drive engagement at every touchpoint. IBM Application Management stands out for its continuous cloud modernization solutions at a global scale. It has a broad client base compared to competitors like Magna5 or Covato, primarily because of its proven capabilities in automation, mining, and FinOps.
Pricing
- Offers customized plans for all services
- For pricing details, contact IBM Services
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Real-time monitoring and analysis | Poor customer support |
Reduced downtime and enhanced efficiency | Integrations can be complex |
Features
- Custom and data-managed services with intelligent automation, self-healing, DevSecOps, platform engineering, and SRE
- Specialized services for increased cybersecurity
- End-to-end framework for ideating, building, and scaling solutions with IBM Garage
Rackspace
Best for Multicloud Solutions
Overall rating: 3.8
- Pricing: 4/5
- Easy Integrations: 4/5
- Product Capabilities: 4/5
- Customization: 4/5
- Service and Support: 3/5
Rackspace offers expert modern cloud solutions that help businesses work faster and smarter. Its scalable technology solutions can create incredible customer experiences with world-class automation and standardization.
The MSP helps its customers with effective multicloud strategies with minimized risks, disruptions, and downtimes. However, it is more costly than some other providers, like IBM Managed Applications.
Pricing
- Different pricing structures for different solutions
- Contact sales and support for pricing plans and included features
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly scalable and reliable solutions | Quite expensive |
Easy file sharing and remote access | Poor customer service and support |
Features
- At-scale capabilities across different cloud environments
- Always-on data availability with industry-leading technologies
- Innovative and differentiated customer experiences
NTT Data
Best for Data Analytics Services
Overall rating: 4.4
- Pricing: 4/5
- Easy Integrations:3/5
- Product Capabilities: 5/5
- Customization: 5/5
- Service and Support: 5/5
NTT Data has an innovative client-centric portfolio of data services. Its cutting-edge data and intelligence services offer actionable insights for faster and more effective decision-making. The company follows a consultative approach, offering practical and scalable IT solutions.
It implements world-class advanced technologies to design a flexible delivery model combining near-shore and offshore capabilities. However, it has a smaller global presence than IBM or Azure.
Pricing
- Request pricing details from the company
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly qualified expert pool | Frequent connection failures. |
Strong customer focus | Integration support needs to be improved. |
Features
- Technology modernization and governance strategies
- Best software development practices for end-to-end data security
- Scalable data and AI architectures
Key Features of Managed Service Providers
Not all MSPs can provide the necessary services to businesses of all sizes and scales. Investing in a reliable and competent service provider is essential for ensuring the success of critical business operations. Here are some key features that can help you in critically assessing MSPs.
Customer Focus
Although all MSPs offer essential services, businesses often require customized solutions catering primarily to their specific requirements. The provider should be well-equipped to configure these services and drive the expected outcomes per organizational goals. A customer-centric approach ensures that services align with the organization’s distinct objectives, challenges, and growth trajectories.
Industry Expertise
MSPs operate across different industries and offer services according to emerging market trends and needs. Choose a service provider that aligns with your industry’s best practices and standards.
Dedicated Customer Service
Tech and integration challenges are common pain points while working with an MSP. Service accessibility is an essential factor, and dedicated customer service can help your business respond to challenges with swift and effective resolutions.
Security
MSPs require access to your company data to solidify processes and sort information in an easily accessible way. Service providers must have a robust security framework to protect the company’s mission-critical data and intellectual assets. Ensure that your MSP follows high standards when it comes to data protection, accessibility, and governance are maintained at all levels.
Automation and Integration
One of the key reasons to integrate with an MSP is improved operational efficiency through advanced strategies. Using automation features offered by a service provider can help enhance your workflows and drive consistency while modernizing everyday procedures. Look for a service provider that actively assists in leveraging automation and integration of cutting-edge solutions.
How to Choose the Best Managed Service Provider for Your Business
Managed service providers act as an extension of your existing business structure, offering access to the newest functionalities with a wide variety of service options. When choosing an MSP, focus solely on needs and expected outcomes. When determining the type of support needed, be specific—if technical support is all that’s required, it may not be necessary to pursue a long-term partnership or subscription-based model.
Consider how well the MSP can customize solutions to fit your business needs and address any skill gaps. Additionally, look for an MSP that offers excellent onboarding features and extensive support to ensure a smooth transition of business processes.
While pricing is certainly a factor to consider, pay attention to other vital factors in favor of a more affordable option, as this could end up costing you more in the long run.
How We Evaluated Managed Service Providers
We compared MSPs on the criteria most important to enterprise customers and scored them based on their results.
Pricing | 20 percent
We researched free trials, credits, subscriptions, and pricing details to identify the most cost-effective options.
Easy Integrations | 20 percent
Since MSPs function as extended business units, they must integrate into existing systems. Integration challenges can be a significant bottleneck in the process.
Product Capabilities | 20 percent
We added product capabilities as an evaluation criteria to determine how well MSPs can help improve business performance. We checked the depth and breadth of their offerings and how satisfied customers are with the results.
Customization | 20 percent
Companies require customized solutions catering to their unique needs and challenges, so we took into account the MSP’s ability to offer tailored offerings.
Service and Support | 20 percent
Dedicated service and support are crucial for any business, as it helps resolve critical issues in real time. We scored MSPs that offer round-the-clock customer support, fast response times, and expert technical assistance higher than those that don’t—additionally, MSPs that provide customized service and support packages based on specific business needs and requirements are highly valued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do MSPs work?
Managed Service Providers strategically work towards improving business operations by filling in the gaps in the existing systems or resources. They assess your current organizational environment, identify improvement areas, and offer recommendations. Based on your business needs, MSPs can work remotely using remote monitoring & management tools and cloud environments.
Why do businesses need MSPs?
Businesses deal with a wide range of operations, and hiring enough resources or updating the technical infrastructure is not always viable. This is where MSPs help. They can handle critical and non-critical operations, maintenance, and monitoring activities.
Primarily, MSP partnerships can help in:
- Maintaining continuity
- Accessing emerging technologies
- Increasing productivity
- Adding new capabilities
- Reducing operational and maintenance expenses
How do MSPs decide on pricing?
MSPs do not have any standardized pricing systems. Instead, they use a subscription model where the pricing is based on the number of users or devices used. Some of the standard pricing models adopted by MSPs are:
- Per-device Pricing: Fixed fee for each device managed.
- Per-User Pricing: Fixed fee for each user.
- All-inclusive Pricing: Fixed cost for infrastructure support and management services.
- Tiered Pricing: Bundle of services at a fixed price.
Bottom Line
When considering partnering with an MSP, it’s important to take the time to analyze all technical and tangible aspects to make an informed decision. This can drive innovation, efficiency, and flexibility into your business framework, allowing you to focus on core competencies and revenue growth.
Don’t rush into mediocre services; invest adequate time in drafting your business needs and evaluating potential MSPs. Doing so lets you find the right partner that aligns with your desired goals and brings synchronicity to your enterprise system.
Read the Top 75 Software as a Service Companies to find out more about the best providers for enterprise needs across a wide range of services.