Managed services refer to the outsourcing of various IT functions and operations to a third-party provider. With benefits beyond cost savings, managed services have emerged as a rising trend and key piece in modernizing government operations. According to Managed Services Journal’s survey, 64 percent of federal IT managers are either already using Managed Service Providers (MSPs) or are considering it. The survey highlighted the importance of MSPs in improving security, scalability, and efficiency within their agencies. The desire to streamline operations in an increasingly complex technological landscape and the need for specialized expertise are the driving forces behind this shift toward managed services.
Wide Range of Managed Services
Managed services include a wide range of offerings tailored to meet specific organizational needs. Examples of managed service offerings include:
- Network Security Management: A critical service which involves all aspects of safeguarding an organization’s network to preserve the integrity of government data, offering continuous network monitoring and protection against cyberattacks.
- Satellite Communications (SATCOM) as a Managed Service (SATaaMS): Enables agencies to leverage communication capabilities via satellite technology in a way that offloads all or most aspects of network management to a commercial satellite provider, who then takes responsibility for all or most aspects of network management, handling everything from hardware installation to network support, testing, security, and more.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Allows agencies to take advantage of software applications through the cloud, ensuring that users can access the latest features and security updates without having to perform internal maintenance.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Enables agencies to scale operations without requiring significant capital by providing virtualized computing resources over the internet.
U.S. Army’s Success with Managed SATCOM Services
To test a commercially managed SATCOM service, the U.S. Army completed a 12-month pilot program with Intelsat. The program was run in 10 different global locations, and proved the model’s ability to deliver secure, mission-critical, multi-orbit connectivity under various scenarios. The success of this initiative showcased how a commercial SATCOM approach can guarantee high service quality while enhancing operational flexibility.
This year, the ARMY intends to establish a follow-on contract to further incorporate managed SATCOM into its operations, building on this success. With $2.3 billion in contracts anticipated in 2025, the U.S. Space Force is also increasing its reliance on commercial satellite services, highlighting the growing role of managed services and commercial partnerships in government.
The Future of Managed Services in Government
The integration of managed services into government operations represents a transformative approach to addressing today’s challenges by leveraging partnerships between the public and private sector. Agencies can improve efficiency, security, and adaptability by leveraging scalable solutions and specialized expertise. The U.S. Army’s successful implementation of SATCOM services demonstrates the potential benefits of such partnerships in achieving mission-critical objectives.
