What Does an AWS Managed Services Provider Do?

Many organizations begin their cloud journey asking “what is AWS Managed Services?” They wonder how an experienced partner can help them succeed. In short, an AWS Managed Services Provider (MSP) acts as an extension of your IT team: managing, optimizing and securing your AWS cloud environment so your staff can focus on business innovation rather than infrastructure maintenance.

Why should you use a managed service for AWS?

An AWS Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a company that provides various services to help organizations manage their Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment. These services can include provisioning, monitoring and security.

An AWS MSP provides continuous oversight across cloud workloads, ensuring performance, compliance and cost efficiency. Many providers are part of the AWS MSP Program, a certification that validates their expertise in architecting, automating and managing complex AWS environments.

MSPs can help organizations with all aspects of their AWS environment, from initial setup to ongoing management. They can also provide expert guidance on best practices for AWS, including architecture design, cost optimization and (again) security.

Working with certified AWS managed services partners also helps reduce complexity during cloud adoption. These experts use frameworks like the AWS Cloud Managed Services model to accelerate provisioning and enhance scalability.

By working with an Amazon managed services partner, you can transition to the AWS cloud or complete an AWS migration without having to redirect your internal team. Your AWS managed service provider can deploy, manage and monitor your cloud platform and help you make the most of your cloud services.

What are the key benefits of using an AWS managed services provider?

There are many benefits to using an AWS managed services provider. While many are similar to the benefits of using an MSP altogether, some relate to the complexity of the AWS cloud platform and the benefits of AWS partnership.

A qualified AWS MSP brings structured governance, automation and reporting into your environment, all key elements of AWS fully managed services that allow organizations to operate efficiently at scale.

1. Increased Efficiency. MSPs can help organizations optimize their AWS environment for maximum efficiency. They can also help troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise. AWS environments can be difficult to use; they have a very high barrier to entry in terms of raw technical skills. An MSP can ease this transition.
2. Cost Savings. Amazon MSPs can help organizations save money on their AWS environment by providing cost-effective solutions. AWS solutions, in particular, can easily become money sinks. Because their costs are relative to the resources used, they can become unwieldy over time if they aren’t cost-optimized. Transparent AWS managed services pricing gives clients predictable monthly costs, while proactive monitoring prevents unnecessary resource overuse and billing surprises.
3. Enhanced Security. Amazon managed services providers can help organizations secure their AWS environment and protect data with robust security measures. AWS environments are exposed to threats because of their cloud-based, always-on nature, but by the same token, their advanced resources make them exceptionally strong and well-fortified in the hands of an expert.
4. Expert Guidance. AWS managed services partners can provide expert guidance on best practices for using AWS, including (as noted) architecture design, cost optimization and security. AWS is a very advanced platform that frequently requires expert consultancy and guidance; with an MSP, you create a partnership that will last as long as your AWS service usage.

Because certified AWS MSPs operate under the AWS MSP Program, they’re required to demonstrate continual improvement, automation maturity and client success, ensuring you receive ongoing strategic support rather than one-time consulting.

In short, an Amazon managed services provider helps you make the most out of your AWS solution. AWS deployments are advanced – you may not be able to leverage them to their fullest extent without the help of an experienced professional.

What tasks does an AWS managed services provider handle?

An AWS managed services provider can handle a wide variety of tasks, from initial set up to on-going management. They can also provide expert guidance and consultancy on best practices for using AWS.

Whether operating under a standard or AWS fully managed services model, these providers oversee day-to-day administration, proactive monitoring and continuous improvement across compute, storage and security layers.

Some of the specific tasks that an MSP can handle include:

1. Migration. An MSP can help you provision your AWS environment, meaning they can help you set it up and configure it according to your needs. With the migration acceleration program (MAP), they can make provisioning, migration and deployment even faster.
   Many AWS managed services partners leverage MAP and automation tools to reduce downtime and accelerate time to value during migrations.
2. Monitoring. An MSP can help you monitor your AWS environment for performance and security issues. They can also provide you with tools and resources to help you troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
3. Security. An MSP can help you secure your AWS environment and protect your data with robust security measures.

In addition, top-tier AWS MSPs often integrate compliance reporting, threat detection and backup automation to maintain continuous alignment with AWS best practices and governance standards.
But every MSP is different. You can work with your Amazon managed services provider to find out more about what they can provide your organization – and the custom services that your company may need.

How do you find the right AWS managed services provider?

What should you look for when finding an AWS managed services provider? The best AWS cloud managed services partners combine technical depth with a customer-first approach, offering tailored service tiers that match your operational maturity and budget.

There are a few key factors to consider when finding an Amazon MSP:

1. Experience. Make sure you find an Amazon managed services provider with experience in managing AWS environments. They should have a good understanding of the platform and how to optimize it for your organization’s needs.
2. Services. Not all AWS managed services providers offer the same services. Make sure you find an MSP that offers the specific services you need for your AWS environment. Ideally, you want an MSP who understands your organization, its industry and the platforms that you want to use.
3. Cost. Make sure you understand the cost structure of the Amazon managed services provider you’re considering. AWS environments can be expensive, so it’s important to find an MSP that can provide cost-effective solutions.
   Comparing AWS managed services pricing across providers can reveal which partners deliver true value through automation, scalability and transparency, rather than just lower rates.
4. Security. This is critical, as AWS environments are exposed to threats when they aren’t properly configured. They must be architected to be secure from the start.
   Certified AWS managed services partners use continuous monitoring and proactive auditing to ensure compliance with the AWS Well-Architected Framework, a key advantage over generic cloud consultants.

And, of course, there are some factors that are always the same when looking for a good managed services provider. You should find a provider who provides 24/7 monitoring and support, who can promise you the uptime you need and who meshes well with your organization. Ultimately, your provider is going to be a partner who works closely with your internal staff – make sure the relationship is a smooth one.

Conclusion: Working with Amazon managed services providers benefits businesses

AWS is a powerful, versatile platform – but it’s also complex and can become time-consuming and expensive when not properly managed. An MSP can help you make the most out of your AWS environment by providing expert guidance, optimization strategies and ongoing management.

Partnering with a certified AWS managed services provider means gaining access to automation, 24/7 visibility and scalable resources designed for long-term success. Whether you need AWS fully managed services or targeted AWS cloud managed services, the right partnership drives measurable business outcomes.

When finding an MSP, look for one with experience in managing AWS environments – and those who can provide your organization with expert-level suggestions. Your MSP will help you grow your AWS environment with your business; you need one that can look to the future.

At Red River, we have expert AWS technicians who can help you with all levels of your AWS transformation and implementation. Contact us today to find out more.

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