Cloud Managed Services: Types, Business Benefits, Use Cases and More

Last Updated on: April 1, 2024

As a business owner, you know the importance of staying ahead in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Imagine this → It’s Monday morning, and your team is gearing up for another productive week. Suddenly, your website crashes, halting all online operations. As panic sets in with the realisation that your website crash is due to your cloud infrastructure; you reflect on the advice from your entrepreneur friend about the necessity of implementing Cloud Managed Services for your business.

Managing cloud infrastructure presents challenges, especially for businesses with limited IT resources. Tasks like provisioning, configuring, and securing cloud environments can overwhelm even seasoned IT teams. Cloud-managed services offer a solution to the complexities of cloud management by outsourcing tasks to a trusted provider. 

Table of Contents

• What are Cloud Managed Services?
• Key Cloud Managed Services
• Types of Cloud Managed Services
• How Can Businesses Benefit from Cloud Managed Services?
• Business Types Which Can Benefit from Cloud Managed Services?
• Common Business Use Cases for Cloud Managed Services
• How to Choose the Right Cloud Managed Service Provider?
• Why makes Systango Your Trusted Cloud Managed Services Partner?

With cloud managed services, you can streamline operations, enhance security, and refocus your efforts on driving business growth. Let’s explore how cloud managed services can transform your cloud experience.

I. What are Cloud Managed Services? 

These services involve outsourcing the management and maintenance of a company’s cloud infrastructure to a specialised service provider. This arrangement allows businesses to offload the complexities of cloud management, enabling them to focus on their core operations. 

Here is why businesses must think seriously about hiring a cloud managed services provider –

1. The cloud computing industry continues to grow, with many companies adopting cloud solutions at a rapid pace, highlighting the trend towards cloud technology adoption.
2. 48% of organisations plan to migrate at least half of their applications to the cloud in the next year, with 20% intending to move all their applications to the cloud.
3. The market for cloud-managed services was valued at USD 102.19 billion in 2022 and is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7% from 2023 to 2030.

The above statistics highlight the imperative for businesses to adopt cloud managed services, ensuring operational efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness in their digital transformation journey.

II. Key Cloud Managed Services

Here are some key services offered by cloud managed service providers to optimise cloud operations and enhance business performance:

III. Types of Managed Cloud Services

Managed service providers offer a variety of cloud services tailored to meet organisational needs, including:

1. SaaS (Software as a Service)

SaaS delivers cloud-based applications over the Internet on a subscription basis, allowing users to access shared software instances without individual copies.

2. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

IaaS enables organisations to rent virtual computing resources, such as infrastructure, processing power, storage, and networking components, on demand from a third-party provider.

3. StaaS (Storage as a Service)

StaaS provides storage capacity from a cloud provider on a subscription basis, offering options like raw storage volumes, network file systems, and storage applications.

4. PaaS (Platform as a Service)

PaaS grants developers access to an application development platform in the cloud, including development tools, operating systems, middleware, and databases, without the need to maintain the underlying platform.

IV. How Can Businesses Benefit from Managed Cloud Services?

After having a look at the diverse types of cloud managed services, let’s delve into how businesses can benefit from their implementation –

1. Reduced IT Workload

By delegating routine cloud management tasks to experts, the internal IT team can reallocate their time and resources towards strategic projects and innovation, driving the business forward.

2. Enhanced Security 

Dedicated security experts implement proactive measures such as threat monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and security patching to safeguard against evolving cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of critical business data.

3. Cost Optimisation 

Through continuous monitoring, analysis, and optimisation of cloud resources, businesses can identify inefficiencies, eliminate wastage, and optimise spending, resulting in significant cost savings without compromising performance or reliability.

4. Increased Scalability

With the flexibility to scale resources up or down on demand, businesses can respond swiftly to changing market conditions, seasonal fluctuations, and spikes in demand, maintaining operational agility and competitiveness in dynamic environments.

5. Focus on Core Business

By entrusting cloud management to experienced professionals, businesses can redirect their focus and resources towards core business activities such as product development, customer engagement, and market expansion, driving innovation and growth.

6. Improved Disaster Recovery

Robust disaster recovery plans, backup solutions, and failover mechanisms ensure rapid recovery and minimal data loss in the event of unforeseen disasters or disruptions, safeguarding business continuity and maintaining customer trust.

7. Access To Expertise

Partnering with cloud managed service providers grants businesses access to state-of-the-art technologies, best practices, and industry expertise, enabling them to leverage the latest innovations and stay ahead of the competition.

8. Simplified Compliance 

By adhering to industry-standard security frameworks, regulatory requirements, and compliance controls, businesses can streamline compliance management processes, minimise risks, and ensure adherence to legal and regulatory obligations.

Our Reading Recommendation: Cloud Implementation Services: Models and Solutions

V. Which Type of Businesses Can Benefit from Cloud Managed Services?

These services cater to a diverse range of businesses, providing tailored solutions to address specific challenges. Here’s a breakdown of businesses that can benefit the most:

1. Businesses with Limited In-house IT Expertise

• Small businesses or startups lacking dedicated IT departments can benefit from the expertise of cloud managed service providers to handle their cloud infrastructure efficiently.
• Example: A local retail store expanding its online presence can rely on these services to manage its e-commerce platform without the need for internal IT expertise.

2. Businesses Experiencing Rapid Growth

• Companies experiencing rapid growth may struggle to scale their IT infrastructure to meet increasing demands. Cloud managed services offer scalability and flexibility, enabling seamless expansion.
• Example: A software startup launching a new app can utilise managed cloud services to accommodate sudden spikes in user traffic without compromising performance.

3. Businesses with Security Concerns

• Organisations operating in industries with stringent security requirements, such as finance or healthcare, can benefit from the advanced security measures provided by these services.
• Example: A financial institution entrusts a cloud managed service provider to implement robust security measures and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

4. Businesses with Budgetary Constraints

• Small businesses or startups with limited budgets can leverage cloud managed services to access enterprise-level infrastructure and expertise without hefty upfront investments.
• Example: A boutique design agency optimises its IT spending by utilizing these services to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs.

VI. Common Business Use Cases for Managed Cloud Services

Cloud managed services offer versatile solutions to address a variety of business needs. Here are some common scenarios where these services are indispensable:

1. Managing Cloud Virtual Machines (VMs)

• These services assist businesses in provisioning, configuring, and managing virtual machines in the cloud, ensuring optimal performance and resource utilisation.
• Example: A software development company utilises these services to deploy and manage virtual servers on AWS, facilitating seamless development and testing processes.
  

2. Ensuring Smooth Business Operations 

• These services help businesses deploy, monitor, and maintain critical business applications hosted on the cloud, ensuring high availability and performance.
• Example: An e-commerce retailer relies on managed cloud services to ensure the smooth operation of its online store, handling peak traffic periods and minimising downtime.
  

3. Implementing Disaster Recovery Plans

• Managed cloud services provide businesses with robust disaster recovery solutions, including regular backups, failover configurations, and rapid recovery procedures.
• Example: A healthcare provider implements a disaster recovery plan with the help of a cloud managed service provider to ensure patient data integrity and regulatory compliance.
  

4. Optimising Cloud Storage Utilisation

• These services assist businesses in optimising cloud storage utilisation through data tiering, compression, and deduplication, minimising costs and maximising efficiency.
• Example: A media company utilises Cloud Management Platforms to optimise storage utilisation for its vast library of digital assets, reducing storage costs while ensuring accessibility.
  

5. Providing Ongoing Security Monitoring

• Cloud managed services offer continuous security monitoring and threat detection to protect against cyber threats and unauthorised access, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Example: A financial institution partners with a cloud managed service provider to implement real-time security monitoring and incident response capabilities, safeguarding sensitive financial information from cyber attacks.

VII. How to Choose the Right Cloud Managed Services Provider?

Selecting a trustworthy Managed Cloud Service Provider is crucial for ensuring a seamless and efficient cloud experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide for business owners on how to do it:

1. Evaluate Your Needs

Identify your specific challenges and desired outcomes from cloud managed services. Consider factors such as scalability, security, and compliance requirements.

2. Research Potential Providers

Look for Cloud Managed Service Providers with a proven track record and extensive industry expertise. Consider factors such as:

• Proven Track Record: Assess the provider’s history of successful implementations and client satisfaction.
• Industry Expertise: Choose a provider with experience in your industry vertical, as they will better understand your unique requirements.
• Focus on Customer Service: Evaluate the provider’s commitment to customer support and responsiveness to inquiries and issues.

3. Compare Service Offerings

Understand the services included in the provider’s offerings and their pricing structures. Compare features such as:

• Cloud Management Platforms: Assess the platforms and tools used by the provider for managing cloud infrastructure.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Review SLAs for uptime, performance guarantees, and support response times.
• Scalability Options: Ensure the provider offers flexible scaling options to accommodate your growing business needs.

4. Ask Questions

Before finalising your decision, ask the provider relevant questions to ensure they align with your needs and security requirements. Consider asking about:

• Data Security Measures: Inquire about the provider’s security protocols, encryption standards, and compliance certifications.
• Disaster Recovery Plans: Understand the provider’s disaster recovery capabilities and procedures for data backup and recovery.
• Technical Support: Assess the provider’s support offerings, including available channels, response times, and escalation procedures.

You might also like to read: Your Small Business Guide to Cloud Computing & Its Technology Benefits

VIII. What Makes Systango Your Trusted Cloud Managed Services Partner?

At Systango, we’re dedicated to providing top-tier cloud managed services that empower your business to thrive. Here’s why you can confidently choose us as your partner:

1. Tailored Solutions for Your Success

We offer end-to-end solutions customised to your specific needs, covering:

• Cost optimisation
• Scalability
• Cloud migration
• Monitoring & alerting
• Infrastructure management
• CI/CD
• DevOps
• 24/7/365 support
• Cloud Security
• Legacy modernisation

Our expertise spans across Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS. Whatever your requirements may be, we have the expertise and resources to address them comprehensively.

2. Industry-Leading Practices with Guaranteed Results

• Our approach is grounded in industry-standard practices, backed by SLAs that ensure the delivery of exceptional results. 
• With us, you can trust that your cloud infrastructure will consistently meet or exceed your expectations.

3. Expertise Across Cloud Platforms

• With extensive experience across Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS, our certified team possesses the expertise needed to optimise your cloud infrastructure regardless of the platform you choose. 
• You can rely on us to leverage the full potential of your chosen cloud environment.

4. Reliable Support, Every Hour of Every Day

We understand that downtime is not an option. That’s why our dedicated support team is available 24/7/365 to address any issues and ensure that your operations run smoothly at all times.

5. Flexible Collaboration Models

Choose from a range of collaboration models tailored to your preferences and requirements:

• Fully Managed: Let us handle every aspect of your cloud infrastructure, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives.
• Staff Augmentation: Supplement your team with our experts to address specific needs or projects.
• Co-Managed: Share responsibility for critical systems, leveraging our expertise while maintaining hands-on control.
• 24*7 Ops Support: Trust us to keep your systems running smoothly around the clock, allowing you to focus on your core business.

6. Adaptability as Per Your Needs

We understand that your needs may change over time. That’s why we offer flexible services that can adapt to your evolving requirements, ensuring that you always have the support you need, precisely when you need it.

Choose Systango as your cloud managed services partner, and experience the difference that expert, tailored solutions can make for your business.

Concluding Thoughts

Cloud managed services offer businesses a comprehensive solution for managing their cloud infrastructure efficiently and securely. Key takeaways include:

• Streamlined Operations: Outsourcing cloud management tasks reduces the burden on internal IT teams, allowing businesses to focus on core activities.
• Enhanced Security: Access to dedicated security experts and robust security measures safeguards data and applications from cyber threats.
• Cost Optimisation: Efficient resource utilisation and flexible pricing structures minimise expenses while maximising value.
• Scalability and Innovation: Cloud managed services enable businesses to scale resources dynamically and leverage cutting-edge technologies for competitive advantage.

As businesses embark on their cloud journey, it’s essential to choose the right Cloud managed service Provider and stay abreast of future trends and advancements in cloud technology. Take action today to explore cloud managed services and unlock a more efficient and secure cloud experience for your business.