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Magrathean vs MSP for Microsoft 365 Security. Buy for the problem in front of you.

Choosing between a specialist Microsoft 365 security consultant and a managed service provider depends on the nature of the problem. Security control gaps and operational support capacity are different needs — and mixing them is the most common way to buy the wrong thing.

Decision points

If the problem is capacity or daily operational cover, the useful output is a service level and recurring support model. Use this page to decide which type of problem is actually in front of you before starting a conversation with either provider.

  • Scope

    Magrathean: Focused review, remediation and handover for Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, Defender and CE Plus readiness. Typical MSP: Broad ongoing support, user tickets, device support, supplier management and recurring operations.

  • Buying model

    Magrathean: Defined project around a specific control problem. Typical MSP: Retainer or per-user managed service contract.

  • Best fit

    Magrathean: You need risky controls fixed, reviewed or prepared for audit. Typical MSP: You need ongoing helpdesk and day-to-day IT operations.

  • Handover

    Magrathean: Outputs are designed for internal IT or an existing MSP to keep running. Typical MSP: Operational knowledge often stays inside the MSP delivery model.

What the handover should leave

Project work should leave a risk register, approved changes and runbook. MSP work should leave a support model, escalation route and recurring service rhythm. A common example is a company with an MSP already answering user tickets but no one owning Conditional Access exceptions or Defender alerts. That company does not need a second helpdesk first; it needs the risky control set reviewed and handed back with evidence, owners and recurring checks.

See named references

Questions before choosing

  1. 01

    Is the urgent problem security posture or everyday ticket volume?

    You already have internal IT or an MSP but need specialist Microsoft 365 security depth.

  2. 02

    Who will own Conditional Access, Defender, Intune and evidence after the work finishes?

    You need first-line helpdesk coverage.

  3. 03

    Do you need a fixed remediation backlog or a recurring operations contract?

    You need hardware, printer, telecoms or office support.

Questions teams ask first

Choose Magrathean when

You already have internal IT or an MSP but need specialist Microsoft 365 security depth. You want a control-by-control plan with handover, not another support queue. You need Cyber Essentials Plus readiness or tenant clean-up before a deadline.

Choose Typical MSP when

You need first-line helpdesk coverage. You need hardware, printer, telecoms or office support. You want one supplier to run ongoing IT operations.

Keep exploring

Ready to make the route specific?

Send the current support model, the control gap and the date the business needs confidence by.

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