Managed vs Cloud Services: The Difference and Which Do You Need

Introduction

The rise of cloud computing and outsourced IT support has introduced a lot of new terminology into the business world. Among the most commonly confused concepts are managed services and cloud services. While they are often used together and can overlap, they are not the same thing.

Understanding the difference between managed services vs cloud services is key to making smart decisions about your IT infrastructure, scalability, and security. In this article, we break down both terms, explore their core distinctions, and help you determine which service—or combination—is right for your business in 2025.

What Are Cloud Services?

Cloud services refer to on-demand IT resources delivered over the internet. These services include compute power, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—all hosted on cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.

There are several types of cloud services:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Virtualized computing resources (e.g., servers, networking)

• Platform as a Service (PaaS): Tools for developers to build and deploy applications

• Software as a Service (SaaS): Ready-to-use applications (e.g., email, CRM)

Key Characteristics of Cloud Services:

• Pay-as-you-go pricing

• Scalable on demand

• No need to manage physical hardware

• Public, private, or hybrid deployment models

What Are Managed Services?

Managed services refer to the outsourcing of IT operations and responsibilities to a third-party provider. These providers—known as managed services providers (MSPs)—handle everything from system monitoring and security to backup and disaster recovery, depending on the service agreement.

While cloud services provide the infrastructure, managed services manage it. This includes:

• Monitoring and maintaining servers (on-prem or in the cloud)

• Managing cloud platforms and apps

• Security updates and patching

• Compliance management

• Help desk and technical support

Key Characteristics of Managed Services:

• Proactive IT support

• Customized service-level agreements (SLAs)

• Supports both cloud and on-premise environments

• Focused on performance, security, and continuity

Managed Services vs Cloud Services: The Core Differences

Which One Do You Need?

• Choose Cloud Services if your business needs scalable infrastructure without the upfront cost of physical hardware.

• Choose Managed Services if you want a strategic partner to handle IT operations, security, and compliance—whether your infrastructure is cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid.

• Choose Both if you want to maximize performance and reduce in-house burden. Many businesses combine cloud services with managed services to gain the best of both worlds.

Why Accrets Offers Both for Complete Coverage

At Accrets International, we provide:

• Cloud Infrastructure as a Service for businesses looking to scale using private, public, or hybrid cloud environments.

• Managed IT and Cloud Services to help clients manage their IT operations seamlessly with built-in monitoring, security, and support.

Learn more about how we help businesses understand their data center and cloud infrastructure options.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between managed services vs cloud services is essential for modern businesses navigating digital transformation. While cloud services provide the tools, managed services offer the strategy and execution. Together, they form a powerful combination that supports scalability, security, and long-term IT success.

Ready to take your cloud or IT operations to the next level? Contact Accrets International today for a consultation tailored to your infrastructure needs.