Microsoft 365 management doesn't sound all that complicated. After all, you've been using Word since high school. How hard can it be to manage for your team?
As it turns out, pretty hard indeed.
As you've probably discovered, keeping users compliant is enough trouble on its own, not to mention providing consistent support (and troubleshooting every last hiccup or update bug). Without the right expertise, these tasks can quickly become overwhelming.
Unless you decide to outsource to someone else, of course.
The good news that outsourcing Microsoft 365 management is easy. It can also grant some pretty significant benefits, like cost savings, boosted productivity, and enhanced security.
This guide explores the top advantages of outsourcing, provides a few leading managed service providers (MSPs), and touches on how integrations like digital signage can maximize the value of your Microsoft 365 suite.
But first: what is Microsoft 365 management?
You probably already know what Microsoft 365 is: a full suite of products designed to make your day-to-day work life easier.
So you can probably guess what Microsoft 365 management was designed to do: pilot behind-the-scenes efforts to make your workplace collaboration tools run smoothly.
Microsoft 365 management covers everything from setting up user accounts to managing permissions. But depending on your service, it can go much deeper than that:
- Troubleshooting technical issues
- Monitoring system performance
- Rolling out software updates and patches
- Integrating third-party applications
- Providing user training and support
While internal IT teams can handle Microsoft 365 management, many businesses find that outsourcing to MSPs and enterprise service management companies takes the burden off their shoulders. This allows them to focus on more important business goals.
The result? A smoother, more secure experience for your team. 😌
5 benefits of Microsoft 365 management
Outsourcing your business to Microsoft services providers comes with some seriously useful advantages.
Here’s what you're set to gain with a trusted MSP:
1. Cost efficiency
Hiring, training, and retaining in-house IT staff for Microsoft 365 management can be pretty expensive (read: a couple hundred dollars per employee per year). With MSPs, however, you'll get access to highly skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost. Plus, predictable monthly fees mean fewer budget surprises.
2. Stronger security
MSPs specialize in safeguarding sensitive data, even if you and your team do not. They can deploy advanced threat detection tools, enforce compliance standards, and monitor systems 24/7 to neutralize security risks before they escalate. They can also help you set up multi-factor authentication - one of the biggest risk factors in 99.9% of Microsoft 365 data breaches.
3. Streamlined productivity
A well-managed Microsoft 365 environment means employees can work without fear of system failures, downtime, or configuration issues. Considering downtime can cost ~$427 per minute in a worst case scenario, many MSPs offer accelerated troubleshooting services to minimize interruptions for your business.
4. Scalable solutions
Need to onboard new employees? Or drop a few seasonal contractors? MSPs can help adjust your Microsoft 365 setup based on your needs — all without you lifting a finger.
5. Expert guidance & proactive management
MSPs stay abreast of all industry trends, best practices, and emerging tools so you don't have to. Their expertise ensures your system is optimized, updated, and configured for long-term success so you can do what you do best: keep your business running.
💡Related: 5 Essential Features & Benefits of ESM Platforms
Best Microsoft 365 MSPs
It's one thing to decide you want a Microsoft 365 MSP. It's quite another to pick an actual provider.
Making the right choice could save you thousands of dollars. Making the wrong choice? Well, you do the math.
With this in mind, here’s an overview of the best global MSP providers (plus a few different things that make them stand out).
Techvera: best for businesses prioritizing productivity
Techvera is a leading IT support provider dedicated to helping small businesses maximize productivity through streamlined technology solutions. Their services span across managed IT support, cybersecurity, and of course, cloud solutions. The company's ultimate goal is simplifying IT environments to reduce frustrations and improve workflow efficiency.
Techvera is known for delivering proactive support, ensuring issues are addressed before they escalate into major problems. Their team works closely with businesses across multiple industries to develop tailored solutions that drive success.
No need to take our word for it, though. Take a look at what they have to say:
"Great IT should make work effortless. At Techvera, we help businesses get the most out of Microsoft 365 by taking care of the details. From seamlessly onboarding and offboarding users to managing settings, permissions, and roles, we handle the administration so businesses don’t have to.
We also prioritize security, implementing advanced measures to protect your data and ensure compliance with industry standards. Our proactive monitoring and regular security audits help prevent potential threats before they become issues. And if an issue comes up, our experts troubleshoot and resolve it fast. We pride ourselves on supporting our small business customers quickly and efficiently, so they can focus on their core business needs." — Todd Schlett, VP of Operations, Techvera
Main offerings
✔ Managed IT services designed for small business operations
✔ Proactive system monitoring and issue resolution
✔ Expertise in streamlining business technology
What customers love
- Responsive and friendly customer support
- Focus on improving workflow and productivity
- Knowledgeable professionals who understand small business needs
Heads up
⚠️ Limited focus on larger enterprise-level needs
⚠️ Availability of advanced features may vary by service tier
IntelliComp Technologies: best for professional services
IntelliComp Technologies offers a wide variety of managed services to legal firms, marketing agencies, and other professional services. Their biggest claim to fame is proactive management, rapid response times, and custom training, which ensures your team gets the most from their Microsoft 365 setup.
You can lean on IntelliComp's team for O365 migrations, optimizations, management, and everything in between. It helps to know they offer 100% security on the IntelliCloud — and with nearly 30 years of experience under their belts, they're a tried-and-true option for professional service teams.
Main offerings
✔ Personalized onboarding and ongoing communication
✔ Strong focus on cybersecurity solutions
✔ Tailored packages for small businesses
What customers love
- Hands-on approach
- Quick response time to support tickets
- Affordable pricing is a plus for smaller teams.
Heads up
⚠️ Some clients report occasional delays during onboarding
⚠️ No free trial available (yet)
ITRegulators, Inc.: best for virtual IT departments
ITRegulators, Inc. positions itself as an extension of your business — think a virtual IT department — businesses of all sizes. They also cover the full spectrum of Microsoft 365 management, including proactive monitoring, migrations, and security enhancements. for your business.
With ITRegulators, Inc., you’ll gain access to a dedicated team of experts that boast 18+ years of experience. You'll also get reduced acquisition and maintenance costs, which makes it easier to scale your business over time. Whether you’re brand-new startup or an established mid-sized organization, it's hard not to see the value of their virtual IT support services.
Main offerings
✔ Dedicated virtual IT department service model
✔ Comprehensive security audits
✔ Scalable plans for smaller businesses
What customers love
- Exceptional customer service
- Customized Office 365 support
- Reliability in meeting deadlines and addressing support tickets
Heads up
⚠️ Some services may cost extra as add-ons
⚠️ Limited 24/7 support options if you're at smaller service tiers
Networks Plus: best for healthcare organizations
Networks Plus is a trusted provider specializing in IT support and managed services, particularly for healthcare organizations. They focus on ensuring HIPAA compliance, data security, and uninterrupted operations for medical practices.
With a dedicated team and specialized knowledge in healthcare IT, Networks Plus supports electronic medical records (EMR) systems, secure data storage, and robust network infrastructure. Clients appreciate their expertise in handling industry-specific challenges and their proactive approach to minimizing downtime.
Main offerings
✔ Expert support for cloud strategy and hybrid system configurations
✔ Proactive performance monitoring and optimization
✔ Tailored onboarding for cloud-first setups
What customers love
- Smooth cloud migration processes
- Proficient in hybrid systems and advanced cloud tools
- Responsive and knowledgeable customer support
Heads up
⚠️ Premium services may be priced higher for smaller businesses
⚠️ Limited focus on non-cloud infrastructures
SWK Technologies: best for manufacturing and distribution industries
SWK Technologies is one of the most popular managed IT services for manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain businesses. Their expertise in enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration, along with Microsoft 365 management, makes them an excellent choice for companies looking to streamline multiple internal operations.
As you might imagine, SWK Technologies focuses on delivering solutions that align with industry-specific needs (think automation, inventory management, and production scheduling). According to the website, they focus on minimal downtime and optimized system performance to help businesses maintain a competitive edge.
Main offerings
✔ Extensive knowledge in ERP integrations
✔ Scalable solutions designed for manufacturing and distribution
✔ Strong emphasis on infrastructure security and compliance
What customers love
- Expertise in industry-specific tools and applications
- Reliable support with quick resolution times
- Personalized service tailored to business operations
Heads up
⚠️ May not be the most affordable option for small-scale businesses
⚠️ Some advanced ERP-related services are available only on high-tier plans
Clever Ducks: best for micro businesses
Clever Ducks has carved out a niche as a premier IT service provider specializing in top-tier services without top-tier dollars. They offer 24/7 support for Microsoft 365 tools and beyond, not to mention vendor management and budget planning so you never have to worry about running into nasty surprises.
The best thing to note about Clever Ducks? They genuinely care about their customers. If they're not the best fit for your business, they're refer you to someone who is. It can't get much more proactive than that, especially for smaller or micro-level businesses.
Main offerings
✔ Flexible support plans tailored to small business needs
✔ Expertise in Microsoft 365 support and employee training
✔ Managed IT services that scale with your organization
What customers love
- Friendly and approachable team with clear communication
- Hands-on support and training for Microsoft 365 tools
- Affordable pricing options for small businesses
Heads up
⚠️ May not have as much industry-specific knowledge compared to other providers
⚠️ Limited advanced IT services available in lower-tier plans
Synoptek: best for security-obsessed organizations
Synoptek is a global IT service provider catering to mid-sized and large enterprises across a wide range of industries. Its most popular services include IT infrastructure management, cloud services, and cybersecurity, although their Microsoft 365 management services come highly recommended by customers.
Synoptek also comes with heavy emphasis in security, like leveraging AI and machine learning to optimize IT systems, detect vulnerabilities, and enhance overall productivity. If you work with sensitive data or need to keep an airtight deal on your cloud services, Synoptek is definitely worth a place on your shortlist.
Main offerings
✔ Enterprise-level IT infrastructure support and cloud services
✔ Advanced cybersecurity measures with proactive threat detection
✔ Scalable solutions designed for growing enterprises
What customers love
- Comprehensive IT management services for large-scale needs
- Proactive approach to resolving IT challenges
- Expertise in integrating advanced technologies like AI and machine learning
Heads up
⚠️ Some highly specialized services may require additional costs
ETG Systems: best for cloud-focused businesses
ETG Systems specializes in cloud-based IT solutions for businesses of all sizes. With expertise in cloud infrastructure management, data migration, and hybrid cloud integrations, their goal is to help small businesses tap into cloud computing while ensuring best practices for data security and compliance.
Customers rave about customer service with ETG Systems, including their ability to align cloud solutions with business goals, providing scalability and flexibility that grow with your organization. Don't see what you need from their Microsoft 365 management? Fear not: the company offers bespoke solutions so you can leave your IT challenges in their capable hands.
Main offerings
✔ Comprehensive cloud management and hybrid cloud services
✔ Expertise in data migration and cloud optimization
✔ Scalable solutions designed to fit businesses of all sizes
What customers love
- Skilled consultants who prioritize business-specific needs
- Smooth and secure migration to cloud environments
- Proven track record of boosting operational performance
Heads up
⚠️ Advanced customization options may have longer implementation times
⚠️ Higher-tier solutions can be costly for smaller operations
Ntiva: best for businesses needing all-in-one IT solutions
Ntiva is a versatile IT service provider that focuses on delivering comprehensive, all-in-one solutions. Their primary services include managed IT support, cybersecurity, and of course, Microsoft 365 management, making them an excellent choice for organizations looking for a well-rounded partner.
A standout feature of Ntiva is their 24/7 help desk, which is staffed with knowledgeable technicians ready to assist clients with any challenges. If you're looking for a provider that does it all while maintaining a high level of customer care, Ntiva might be the right fit for your business.
Main offerings
✔ Comprehensive managed IT services and strategic consulting
✔ 24/7 help desk support for continuous assistance
✔ Robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data
✔ Expertise in maximizing Microsoft 365 capabilities
What customers love
- Reliable and responsive support at any time of day
- Strategic approach to aligning IT with business objectives
- Ability to simplify complex IT environments
Heads up
⚠️ May not have deep experience in specific industries (compared to other providers)
⚠️ Pricing may be higher than competitors for small organizations
Mytech Partners: best for client support and education
Mytech Partners is a managed IT firm that prides itself on building strong relationships with clients. In addition to its management services for Office 365, it also offers Microsoft governance, risk, and compliance consulting services.
You can also find transparent pricing listed directly on their website. Both of their tiers — Quarterly or Monthly — assist with compliance, cost, clutter, and Copilot so you're 100% prepared to manage tasks on your own. Whether it's optimizing workflows, securing sensitive data, or providing proactive IT support, Mytech Partners aims to make O365 accessible and stress-free for customers.
Main offerings
✔ Tailored IT solutions designed to meet business-specific goals
✔ Experienced team focused on proactive IT management
✔ Expertise in enhancing Microsoft 365 productivity and security
What customers love
- Personalized approach to IT challenges
- Transparent communication and reliable service
- Solutions that adapt to evolving business needs
Heads up
⚠️ May have limited services for businesses requiring niche industry expertise
⚠️ Customizations may lead to slightly longer implementation times
Network Doctor: best for businesses seeking hands-on IT support
Network Doctor offers a robust portfolio of IT services to companies that value personal, hands-on attention. Their claim to fame is helping such a large number of customers — they've protected 296 TB of data for 19,267+ users.
Office 365 management from the Network Doctor promises the seamless implementation of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. They're also well-versed in creating hybrid clouds, which may be an option if you're looking to maximize reliability and productivity.
Main offerings
✔ Personalized IT services with a client-first approach
✔ Proactive support to minimize downtime and disruption
✔ Dedicated expertise in Microsoft 365 management and integration
What customers love
- Strong emphasis on building trusting client relationships
- Quick response times and proactive problem-solving
- A commitment to understanding and addressing specific business goals
Heads up
⚠️ Limited scalability for companies experiencing rapid growth
⚠️ May lack advanced features required by larger enterprises
Razor Technology: best for businesses prioritizing advanced cloud solutions
As the name implies, Razor Technology focuses on providing cutting-edge IT services with a strong emphasis on advanced cloud solutions (see what we did there?!). The company's 11 years of expertise encompasses everything from cloud infrastructure design to seamless Microsoft 365 management, making them an ideal partner for organizations seeking a competitive edge in the cloud.
Keep in mind Razor Technology is highly decorated — they've won dozens of awards since their founding in 2004. If you're looking for a skilled cloud provider to helm your Microsoft management, it'll be hard to beat a provider like Razor.
Main offerings
✔ Advanced cloud infrastructure design and optimization
✔ Expertise in Microsoft 365 integration and management
✔ Proactive IT support designed to prevent downtime
✔ Robust security protocols to protect sensitive data
What customers love
- Focused, innovative solutions that align with business goals
- Expertise in optimizing IT systems for maximum efficiency
- Strong emphasis on security and compliance
Heads up
⚠️ Advanced services may require a higher budget for small organizations
⚠️ Implementation timelines can vary based on the complexity of solutions
Kraft Technology Group: best for local businesses
Alongside their Microsoft 365 management services, Kraft Technology Group also offers tailored IT strategies to the local Nashville area. They've served hundreds of businesses since 1993 with pen testing, technology consulting, and end-to-end Office 365 customizations.
What sets Kraft Technology Group apart is their dedication to smaller locally owned businesses. With their expertise, you can count on robust solutions regardless of your size, industry, or revenue. They also offer a wide variety of services to meet practically any use case — like migration and optimization, technical support, system monitoring, and remote updates.
Main offerings
✔ Strong focus on cybersecurity and compliance with industry regulations
✔ Tailored IT solutions to match specific business goals
✔ Deep expertise in managing and optimizing Microsoft 365 environments
✔ Proactive approach to identifying IT vulnerabilities
What customers love
- A proven track record in ensuring compliance with industry standards
- Reliable and proactive IT support with a focus on security
- Customized solutions to fit even small local businesses
Heads up
⚠️ Services may not be as cost-effective for smaller businesses
⚠️ Specialized expertise could mean longer project timelines
Network Outsource: best for nonprofits
Network Outsource specializes in IT solutions for nonprofit companies and public sector organizations (like schools, for example). With over 20 years of experience, they focus on delivering end-to-end managed IT services, including Microsoft 365 management, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and more.
Since Network Outsource understands the challenges faced by nonprofits, they can offer uniquely customizable services for Microsoft 365 integrations. This includes platforms like Teams, multi-factor authentication, OneNote, and more.
Main offerings
✔ IT solutions tailored to education and nonprofit organizations
✔ Expertise in optimizing Microsoft 365 for limited-budget organizations
✔ Comprehensive cybersecurity and data protection strategies
✔ End-to-end support to minimize disruptions
What customers love
- Focus on cost-effective IT solutions for budget-conscious sectors
- Dedicated team with in-depth understanding of education and nonprofit needs
- Reliable and timely support to prevent downtime
Heads up
⚠️ Services may not scale as effectively for larger, corporate enterprises
⚠️ May have limited industry expertise outside of education and nonprofit sectors
Complete Network: best for DRaaS and DevOps
Complete Network positions itself as a one-stop shop for businesses seeking high-touch IT management and support services. Microsoft 365 management is just one part of what they do: they offer data and analytics, detection and incident respones, and event virtual CTO services for businesses looking for more advanced businesses or departments.
What sets NY Complete Network apart is their commitment to flexibility and customization. Whether you're a small business looking to streamline your IT processes or a mid-sized enterprise seeking robust security and compliance measures, their team is committed to working hand-in-hand to develop solutions that align with your goals.
Main offerings
✔ Comprehensive managed IT services, including Microsoft 365 optimization
✔ Advanced cybersecurity measures for sensitive data
✔ Proactive support to minimize downtime
✔ Flexible, scalable solutions
What customers love
- High level of customization
- Reliable and dedicated support team
- Strong emphasis on improving operational efficiency
Heads up
⚠️ Pricing may be on the higher side for smaller businesses
⚠️ Complex customization could require longer deployment times
How we chose the best Microsoft 365 Management companies
First, we reviewed popular MSPs on customer reviews, service offerings, and experience with Microsoft 365. Then, we narrowed down the very best providers based on:
- Industry expertise: General MSPs have their place in the market. However, we looked for providers who were familiar with a wide variety of challenges.
- Service flexibility: We prioritized MSPs that can adapt their services to businesses of all sizes.
- Customer support: Providers with reliable, proactive support teams can help minimize downtime and quickly address IT concerns. We only included these provider on our list.
- Cost-effectiveness: Not all MSPs list their prices online. That said, we still looked for companies offering clear value for their services (aka the biggest bang for their buck).
- Security focus: With cybersecurity always a top concern, MSPs with robust protections, compliance measures, and proactive monitoring were given extra consideration.
Get your Microsoft assets seen on workplace TV screens
Outsourcing Microsoft 365 management is a great first step on the road to transforming your business. But there’s an added opportunity for businesses that want even greater efficiency — powering your business comms & operations with digital signage integrations.
To keep production floors running smoothly, Struers hooked digital signage displays directly into their Power BI system.
Digital signage can complement Microsoft 365 by displaying real-time updates like project progress, calendar alerts, and IT announcements on screens across your office. Imagine no-hassle conference room scheduling or company-wide TV dashboards, all directly sourced from tools like Power BI, Outlook or Teams and broadcast via digital signage.
Want to explore the possibilities? Start with Fugo.ai.
You can sign up today for a 14-day free trial to get started exploring the platforms or book a call with our team if you've got a specific project in mind you want to discuss.
