Yet, there are others that just offer desktop management services, focus exclusively on the enterprise space, or provide services for Web-based initiatives. This issue is not unique to MSPs, but is equally shared by other service providers, particularly as they expand and evolve their services. The result is overlap and the distinction between the different categories is becoming increasingly fuzzier. A better way to categorize the sector is to examine the services on offer. For example, if you want a partner to manage your Web site, you may look to a MSP or an application service provider but they may not have the solution you want.
Service providers offer a wide range of services, both in breadth and depth.
The breadth refers to the different IT functions offered, such as networks, applications, systems, desktops, security and storage. Many xSPs provide a subset of these, while others provide the full spectrum. While the use of labels and names was meant to clarify the situation they appear to add confusion in the market. To complicate matters further, some service providers are coining their own terms, such as managed application provider and managed infrastructure provider. If you re looking for a partner, my advice is to look at the services on offer and map them to your requirements.