What is an MSP? The Ultimate MSP Glossary: 50 Terms Business Leaders Should Know

If you’ve ever found yourself in a meeting where IT people say something like “We’ll roll that out after the next patch cycle on the VLAN,” you’re not alone. The tech world loves its acronyms but most business leaders just want clear, straight answers and that’s where this guide comes in.

At Commercial Networks, we believe Managed IT Services should make life simpler, not more confusing. So, here’s your plain-English glossary starting with the most important question of all:

What Is an MSP (and Why It Matters)?

An MSP, or Managed Service Provider, is an external IT partner that takes care of your technology on an ongoing basis. Instead of hiring an in-house IT department, you work with an MSP like Commercial Networks to:

Monitor your systems 24/7.
Keep data secure and backed up.
Manage updates, devices, and users.
Provide proactive advice to support your business goals.

In simple terms, an MSP is your outsourced IT department, keeping things running, so your team can focus on growing the business.

But the tech world moves quickly, and new buzzwords pop up every month. To help you cut through the noise, here’s our ultimate IT Support Glossary.

The Ultimate IT Support Glossary: 50 Terms Every Business Leader Should Know

🖥️ General IT & Networking

MSP (Managed Service Provider) – A company that manages your IT systems and support under contract.
Endpoint – Any device connected to your network (laptop, phone, printer).
Firewall – A security barrier that blocks unauthorised network traffic.
Patch – A software update that fixes bugs or vulnerabilities.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) – A secure, encrypted connection for remote access.
LAN/WAN – Local and Wide Area Networks, describing the scope of your IT infrastructure.
IP Address – A unique number assigned to every device on a network.
Server – A central computer that stores data or runs services for your network.
Bandwidth – The amount of data your network can handle at one time.
Uptime – The percentage of time your systems are available and working.

☁️ Cloud & Collaboration

Cloud Computing – Storing and accessing data or software online instead of locally.
Microsoft 365 – A cloud-based productivity suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
Teams Phone – Microsoft’s cloud telephony solution for calls and conferencing.
SaaS (Software as a Service) – Software delivered via the cloud on a subscription basis.
Virtual Machine (VM) – A simulated computer that runs within another computer.
Hybrid Cloud – A mix of on-premise servers and cloud services.
Backup – A copy of data stored elsewhere for recovery after a loss.
Disaster Recovery – A plan to restore IT systems after a major failure.
RTO/RPO – Recovery Time and Recovery Point Objectives – how fast and how much data you can recover.
Scalability – How easily a system or service can grow with your business.

🔒 Cybersecurity

Phishing – Fake emails or messages designed to steal login credentials.
Ransomware – Malicious software that locks your data until you pay a ransom.
Malware – Any software designed to damage or infiltrate systems.
Antivirus – Software that detects and removes malicious files.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – A login process requiring more than one proof of identity.
Zero Trust – A security approach that assumes no user or device is automatically trusted.
Encryption – Protecting data by converting it into unreadable code.
Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) – A cloud-based security service that filters network traffic.
Incident Response – The process of identifying and managing a security breach.
Penetration Testing – Ethical hacking to find weaknesses before attackers do.

👥 Users & Productivity

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) – Allowing employees to use personal devices for work.
Endpoint Management – Controlling and securing all devices on your network.
AI Copilot – AI assistance integrated into Microsoft 365 for writing, summarising, and analysis.
ChatGPT – An AI tool for generating text, ideas, and answers using natural language.
Automation – Using software to complete routine tasks automatically.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) – Software for managing customer data and sales.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) – Software that manages core business operations.
Single Sign-On (SSO) – Logging into multiple systems with one set of credentials.
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) – Tools MSPs use to monitor systems remotely.
Ticketing System – Software for logging, tracking, and resolving IT support requests.

🧠 Strategy & Governance

IT Roadmap – A long-term technology strategy aligned to business goals.
Compliance – Meeting data protection and cybersecurity standards.
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – The UK law governing data privacy.
Cyber Essentials – A UK government certification proving basic cybersecurity controls.
ISO 27001 – The global standard for information security management.
Shadow IT – Unapproved apps or tools used by employees.
Business Continuity – Ensuring operations continue during IT disruption.
Patch Management – Scheduling and applying software updates regularly.
Threat Intelligence – Using data to anticipate and prevent cyber threats.
IT Health Check – A review of your systems to identify risks and improvements.

Why This Glossary Matters

You don’t need to speak fluent IT, you just need a partner who does, and who explains things clearly.
At Commercial Networks, we make technology understandable and actionable. Whether it’s setting up cloud systems, managing security, or providing Managed IT Services, we cut through the jargon so you can focus on business results.

Bookmark this glossary or share it with your team, and if you’d like a jargon-free review of your systems, contact us at Commercial Networks today for an IT Health Check that translates tech into plain English.