Navigating the world of Information Technology can be a bit overwhelming. There are many buzzwords, processes, and tools to learn and try to understand.
One major concept is the difference between the three branches of IT services, what they cover, where they intercept, and why they exist.
Understanding the three branches can help clients better understand their IT provider’s abilities and focus. For example, an IT Security Provider will have a different skill set and focus than an IT Managed Service Provider. Does this matter? Yes!
WEBIT Services has been developing IT strategies, procuring equipment, and deploying technology for over 25 years for hundreds of clients in the greater Chicago area.
By reading this article, you will learn the differences between three crucial IT services: IT Support & Management, IT Security (cybersecurity), and IT Compliance.
3 IT Specialties
IT services can be divided into three specialties. IT providers might offer services in one, two, or all three areas of expertise.
1. IT Support & Management
IT support & Management can be summarized as "support, proactive maintenance, and strategy."
IT Support & Management includes help desk access and on-site technician visits. They help resolve questions about access issues, program errors, etc.
Field technicians are typically reserved for proactive maintenance and IT project work.
The provider's vCIOs (Virtual Chief Information Officers) handle IT strategy. They help clients achieve their IT goals and address various planned IT projects by bridging the gap between business and technology. IT projects may include new or upgraded hardware or software, procurement, etc.
IT Support & Management focuses on creating a positive user experience.
2. IT Security
IT Security is the ongoing task of IT risk management. Its goals are to protect businesses from various IT risks, including cyberattacks and data loss.
They should follow recognized and proven security frameworks such as CIS controls or the NIST framework. These guidelines help IT Security providers deliver effective security practices.
The IT security provider should be familiar with a client’s current systems and perform regular risk assessments every quarter or after a significant change in the IT environment.
They also utilize IT security tools like firewalls and endpoint protection systems that align with security framework requirements.
3. IT Compliance
Depending on the industry, a company may have regulatory or compliance requirements.
IT compliance is determined first by a client’s industry. Certain regulatory bodies create compliance standards for different industries (i.e., banking, healthcare, etc.).
Many of these compliance regulations have an IT element focusing on policy, documentation, and security.
A provider offering IT compliance services must be familiar with relevant compliance standards. This specialized knowledge is necessary to help clients apply and maintain compliance.
A company could face auditing and potential legal action if compliance standards are not met.
Connection Between IT Specialties
As you can see in the image above, these different services overlap because they may share tools, strategies, or practices. However, despite some similarities, they are still separate services.
For instance, IT Support & Management has cybersecurity aspects in ensuring systems are appropriately installed and configured. It also has elements of compliance by helping to create and maintain network policies and documentation.
In the same way, IT Security requires some compliance knowledge to ensure proper security systems are in place that align with those requirements. The Center for Internet Security provides a great tool to see how security and compliance intersect.
And, of course, IT Compliance requires the knowledge and cooperation of the two other services.
Each service is unique and has its own experts to deliver results to clients.
Evolution of the Services
Once upon a time, a lone IT provider could handle all three services. However with the rise of technology and cyber threats, specialization became crucial.
As technology advanced, so did cybercrime. IT Security had to change to match cybercriminals.
More complex systems needed specialized experts, leading to the birth of the three specialized branches of IT services.
How IT Providers Utilize the 3 Service Branches
Quality IT providers understand the importance of these three services—that they require specialists and aren’t interchangeable.
Quality IT providers are honest about their strengths and limitations.
For example, if a provider is a pro at IT Support & Management but lacks IT Security or Compliance resources, they might team up with another company for those needs.
Other providers may offer IT support & management and security services but do not cover compliance.
Compliance is an industry of its own, offering aid within specialized vertical markets such as CMMC for manufacturing and HIPAA for healthcare providers.
Next Steps to Learn More About the 3 Branches of IT Services
IT providers generally offer one to three services: IT Support & Management, IT Security, and IT Compliance. While these three services share similarities, they have each become very specialized as technology advances.
The three branches and their focuses are:
- IT Support & Management: Focuses on customer experience, system maintenance, resolving IT issues, and IT strategy.
- IT Security: Follows cybersecurity frameworks, tools, and processes to reduce IT risk.
- IT Compliance: Specializes in regulations and compliance standards for regulated industries.
If you’d like to learn more, you can ask your IT provider how they view IT support & management services, IT security, and IT compliance.
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients in the Chicago area build successful IT strategies and processes while utilizing effective technology.
If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see how WEBIT can help.
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