Service provider alphabet soup

Much of the confusion in the service provider space is the result of the many names and labels assigned to vendors offering disparate services. What are MSPs and ASPs? Well it depends on the services offered and finding an accurate and meaningful definition is almost impossible.

For example, in the managed service provider (MSP) market there are vendors that provide full-service management functions covering remote monitoring, remote management and on-site services. 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. When you look for a supplier you don't necessarily care what it's called but whether it can provide you with the services you need. 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. Within that is a wide variation; some vendors offer a full menu of services, while others provide niche services.

Depth refers to the different levels of service, such as remote monitoring, management and testing, and/or on-site support. 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. As Shakespeare said, " A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. "

Dennis Drogseth is a director with Enterprise Management Associates, a leading analyst and market research firm based in Boulder, Colorado, focusing exclusively on all aspects of enterprise management. Dennis has extensive experience in network management platforms and products and is researching trends in management software and changing IT roles internationally. His 18-plus years of experience in high-tech includes positions at IBM and Cabletron. He has been quoted in the press and is a speaker at industry events. He can be reached via e-mail.

Audrey Rasmussen is a research director with Enterprise Management Associates in Boulder, Colorado, a leading analyst and market research firm focusing exclusively on all aspects of enterprise management. Audrey has more than 20 years of experience working with distributed systems, applications and networks. Her current focus at EMA is e-business, SMB/SME and MSPs. She can be reached via e-mail.

Enterprise Management Associates in Boulder, Colorado, is a leading analyst and market research firm focusing exclusively on all aspects of enterprise management software and services.

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