Understanding the Role of IT vs. Other Technology Providers
Modern businesses rely on many technology-related services. Because they all involve “technology,” it’s easy to assume they all fall under IT — but in practice, different systems are owned, managed, and supported by different specialists.
This document explains what IT typically owns, what other vendors own, and how these roles work together so nothing falls through the cracks.
Why this confusion happens
Many services:
Use computers or networks
Require internet access
Have software components
Touch daily business operations
That overlap makes them feel interchangeable — but responsibility is defined by ownership, expertise, and contract, not by whether something plugs into the network.
IT / MSP: Core systems and infrastructure
What IT is typically responsible for
IT (or your MSP) usually owns and manages:
User computers and servers
Networks and Wi-Fi
Cybersecurity tools and controls
User accounts and access
Backups and recovery
Patch and update management
Core business applications (email, file storage, identity)
IT acts as the general contractor for these systems — building, maintaining, and securing them.
Website development and hosting
Who typically owns it
Web developers
Marketing agencies
Hosting providers
What IT usually helps with
DNS configuration
Domain management (when delegated)
SSL certificates
Basic security guidance
Connectivity troubleshooting
What IT does not typically own
Website design or content
Code changes
CMS development
Marketing analytics
SEO or branding
Websites are marketing assets, not core IT infrastructure — even though they rely on IT components.
Telephone and VoIP systems
Who typically owns it
Phone system vendors
VoIP providers
Telecom carriers
What IT usually helps with
Network readiness and QoS
Firewall rules
Device connectivity
User provisioning (when integrated)
Basic troubleshooting coordination
What IT does not typically own
Carrier outages
Call routing logic
Billing disputes
Vendor-specific platform issues
Phones rely on the network, but IT does not replace the phone provider.
Copiers, printers, and MFPs
Who typically owns it
Copier vendors
Managed print providers
What IT usually helps with
Network connectivity
Driver installation
Scan-to-email or scan-to-folder setup
User access integration
What IT does not typically own
Mechanical repairs
Toner or hardware failures
Vendor firmware defects
Lease or service contracts
Copiers are specialized hardware systems, not general IT devices.
Line-of-business applications
Who typically owns it
Application vendors
SaaS providers
Internal application owners
What IT usually helps with
User access and identity integration
Security controls
Device compatibility
Vendor coordination
What IT does not typically own
Application bugs
Feature development
Vendor outages
Business logic inside the app
IT supports the environment — not the application itself.
Facilities and physical technology
Who typically owns it
Facilities teams
Building management
Physical security vendors
Examples:
Door access systems
Cameras
Alarm systems
Environmental controls
IT may integrate these systems but does not own physical enforcement.
Why IT still gets involved
Even when IT doesn’t own a system, we often:
Coordinate between vendors
Help diagnose where the problem lives
Ensure security boundaries are maintained
Translate technical details
Prevent finger-pointing
This coordination role is valuable — but it does not equal ownership.
Why clear ownership matters
Unclear ownership leads to:
Delays in resolution
Requests going to the wrong team
Missed responsibilities
Frustration during outages
Clear ownership leads to:
Faster fixes
Proper escalation
Better accountability
Less confusion
Our recommendation
We recommend:
Identifying the primary owner of each system
Understanding where IT supports vs. owns
Keeping vendor contacts documented
Looping IT in early for changes or integrations
We’re always happy to help coordinate — but clear role definition ensures the right problems go to the right experts.