Desktop Support deals with end users and office equipment, this service would include break-fix and limited technical guidance and support, usually offered remotely, to support and fix any software related issues on a users’ computer and the company’s networks, phones and printers.
IT Support is a broad term which refers to technical assistance in the planning, set-up and maintenance of hardware and software computer systems and networks more in server rooms rather than desktops.
Managed Service typically refers to the technical support of servers, load balancers, hosting, firewalls, etc; but really any service could be managed or fully managed, it just specifies the extent of the service you should expect to receive. Managed Service is a more proactive approach to IT support as your systems will be monitored and maintained remotely by your managed service provider. It is important to understand which service is managed and which is just break-fix is so there are no misunderstandings in the future. This is usually a hardware-only package and will likely not include routine jobs, like adding new users and desktop support unless it’s written into the contract.
Fully-Managed Service is the same as Managed Service, but would also include the day to day actions, such as adding new users, deleting old ones and changing passwords.
This is not an exhaustive list and only includes terms pertaining to outsourced IT support. If there are any terms that you feel we may have missed please let us know in the comments.
Please keep in mind that though these terms are accepted by the industry as a whole, there are some providers which may use them more loosely. When given a quote by an IT support or Managed Service Company be sure that you are fully aware of what services are included. Some companies have been known to offer a break-fix service whilst calling it a managed service. If the quoted price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.