Perhaps the biggest difference lies in the fact that these managed cloud services have been specifically developed for the public cloud. In our case for Microsoft Azure, for example. Therefore, we can make optimal use of the possibilities and functionality that the platform offers us.

1. More than management

After all, managed cloud services are about more than just managing an environment. If you still have to migrate to the public cloud, we will review and plan in advance how we can optimize your environment for that public cloud. Governance plays a crucial role in this. But planning isn't the only part of cloud managed services, setting up the environment, managing it (that is still part of it, yes) and automating certain tasks and functions to work even more efficiently are in the scope as well.

2. More than infrastructure

A next generation cloud service provider no longer  looks at infrastructure alone, but can also offer a lot of expertise in the field of applications and data. After all, these are interwoven in the public cloud in such a way that you only achieve optimal results if you have expertise in both these areas as well. Think of DevOps, but also other concepts such as application modernization, data modernization, artificial intelligence, etc.

3. Driver or passenger

Many providers opt for a classic model in which you as a customer pass on your wishes, requirements and problems to the provider's helpdesk, which then tries to deal with your questions and comments to the best of its ability.This provides a safe environment, but does make you lose control and speed. You can adjust little or nothing yourself without the help or approval of the provider.

In a modern version we in a model that combines control, flexibility, safety and speed through a controlled “Landing Zone”. Both you and our cloud engineers can get started right away. Of course, engineers from your provider will still monitor everything and intervene in case of problems. But you or your development team also have the opportunity to adjust or change things. In this way you can also grow as a customer and in the long term develop a Cloud Center of Excellence that you will then manage together with your cloud service provider or alone.

In short: you can choose to be in the driver's seat and take us as a passenger (read: trusted advisor) or you can turn the tables. We then take the lead and you can adjust things yourself (as a passenger) and learn from our expertise.

4. Sharing knowledge

The aim of modern managed cloud services is to share knowledge and expertise. Before, during and after the migration. And of course also when managing your Azure environment. And when new Azure Services are rolled out. This way you stay up-to-date on the most important and relevant developments in Azure. The role of the managed cloud service provider t extends to knowledge sharing and training.

5. One stop shop

Next-Generation Managed Cloud Service Providers are strongly supported by the major cloud providers. After all, they benefit from the fact that users of their platform are supported by a party with expertise. And those providers can also offer a lot of extra services.

At Microsoft for example, you have the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program where you can not only buy various cloud services from a Managed Service Provider (MSP), but can also immediately take a set of managed services. In fact, if you still need on-premise licenses and / or software, your MSP can help you with that too, bringing it very close to a one-stop-shop experience. The advantage: all your costs are transparently covered by one provider.

And who doesn't love having to take just one party by the throat? 😉