In addition to computer software and hardware, a digital services company offers complete IT solutions and acts as a link between customers and manufacturers. Companies that depend on an efficient and secure IT infrastructure can count on the IT solutions offered by digital service companies. They adapt to constant industry changes and keep your systems up to date.
IONOS CLOUD Compute Engine
The ideal IaaS solution to manage your workloads
-
Cost-effective vCPU and high-performance dedicated cores
-
No commitment for more flexibility
-
24/7 expert support included
Digital services company: definition
A digital services company (ESN), also called a managed services provider, is often compared to the IT activities sector. In fact, the range of services offered by this type of company goes well beyond the configuration and distribution of software and hardware. Digital services companies are generally defined as IT companies that, in addition to software and specific hardware, offer businesses complete, relevant and ready-to-use IT solutions.
This means that a digital services company not only provides IT components adapted to your business, but also ensures that they remain functional after their implementation: it takes care of updates and remains your privileged contact in the event of computer problems. The range of services offered by the company adapts to customer needs, either because companies have their own IT department and only wish to outsource certain IT processes, or because all IT tasks are to be outsourced.
The evolution of the digital services business explained
The IT industry is evolving and, with it, the tasks and responsibilities of a digital services company. Its predecessor, the IT engineering services company (SSII), was above all a supplier and provider of IT services. The ESN has become a complete IT service for businesses. Today’s business world requires powerful IT systems: more and more companies therefore depend on an optimal IT infrastructure and, to a large extent, the corresponding service offerings.
Note
Digital service companies generally rely on the « Information Technology Infrastructure Library » (ITIL for Information Technology Infrastructure Library). This guide, which gives IT service providers advice on how to deal with customers, exists in several versions. Communication and cooperation are also the subject of particular attention. You will find more information on this topic in our corresponding articles:
What services are offered by a digital services company?
The services offered by a digital services company depend on the requirements and wishes of the customer. The main task is basically always the same: helping companies implement and maintain a well-coordinated IT infrastructure, modern and highly secure. The specific tasks included here depend on the catalog and specialization of the IT provider.
In addition to the installation of complete IT solutions, a digital services company offers the following services:
- IT assistance and support: In the event of a network or server failure, companies go directly to the digital services company who can directly analyze the problems remotely or schedule an in-depth error analysis and correct them on site.
- Managed services and monitoring: To prevent IT emergencies and security breaches, digital services companies carry out an analysis of the company’s internal IT system which allows them to develop an IT strategy and take various security measures. Monitoring software and cloud services like cloud-based disaster recovery can be used here to prevent failures or save data.
- IT security: Through regular stress and security testing, digital services companies can verify the security of IT systems and manage antivirus software, automatic backups and firewalls.
- Maintenance and updating: In order to keep software and hardware up to date and guarantee maximum security, a digital services company takes care of maintaining systems remotely or on site.
- IT advice: digital service companies offer consulting sessions to identify the optimization potential of the company’s internal IT system. It is the perfect solution for companies that do not have an overview of innovations in the IT sector.
- Adaptation of existing applications: If companies already have software applications, for example ERP or CRM solutions, digital services companies help to effectively adapt the applications to customer needs and train employees.
- Setting up and managing network services: Efficient network services are essential for business processes to run smoothly. Digital service companies set up appropriate network services for customers and take care of administration.
Advantages of a digital services company
Digital services companies offer enormous advantages, especially to companies with little or no IT department. Through a comprehensive IT service, these companies optimize business processes, corporate and business data security as well as risk prevention and defense.
Benefits at a glance:
- A robust and modern IT infrastructure where software and hardware components are optimally coordinated and implemented
- There setting up workstationstelephone sets, servers and network services
- A computer assistance reliable in case of questions and problems
- A emergency computer support to fend off cyberattacks, eliminate malware, and rescue or restore data
- The activation of Cloud services secure, for example to archive emails and business data encrypted and long-term
- Archiving with probative value, in accordance with legal requirements regarding data protection
- Of the services and benefits adapted to businessesless expensive than creating your own IT department
Advice
It is important for businesses to stay informed and have an overview of digital service companies as their tasks and services evolve. The white paper “Digital 4.0 service company” (in English) offers comprehensive information and answers the most important questions.
In addition to computer software and hardware, a digital services company offers complete IT solutions and acts as a link between customers and manufacturers. Companies that depend on an efficient and secure IT infrastructure can count on the IT solutions offered by digital service companies. They adapt to constant industry changes and keep your systems up to date.
The services offered by a digital services company depend on the requirements and wishes of the customer. The main task is basically always the same: helping companies implement and maintain a well-coordinated, modern and highly secure IT infrastructure. The specific tasks included here depend on the catalog and specialization of the IT provider.

