May 1, 2024
Updated June 3, 2025
24 minute read
An Introduction to Datastores: Understanding the Foundation of Modern Data
In today's data-driven world, understanding how information is stored, managed, and accessed is crucial. At the core of this digital landscape lies the concept of a "datastore." A datastore, in its broadest sense, is a repository for persistently storing and managing collections of data. This can range from simple files to complex database systems, encompassing both structured information like tables and unstructured data such as emails, images, and videos. The primary functions of a datastore involve safeguarding this information, enabling its retention, facilitating sharing, and providing robust management capabilities across various business units or applications. Effectively, datastores ensure that information is reliably saved and retrievable, even if a computer system loses power, making them indispensable for modern computing.
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Find a path to becoming a Managed Services. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 26 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Managed Services.
This is the official guide to the ITIL 4 framework, which widely recognized standard for IT service management. Understanding ITIL is crucial for comprehending the best practices behind delivering effective managed services. provides a broad understanding of the service value system, guiding principles, and practices relevant to modern IT operations and managed services. It is often used as a textbook for IT service management courses.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of managed services. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the technical aspects of managed services.
This multi-volume set provides a detailed framework for building and documenting the operational processes of a managed services practice. It's a comprehensive resource for establishing standardized procedures, which is essential for scalable and efficient service delivery. This highly practical reference for MSP operations managers and teams.
Provides a focused approach to a critical business function for MSPs: packaging and pricing services effectively. It offers strategies for creating profitable service bundles and communicating value to clients. This highly practical guide for improving the financial health of a managed services business.
Provides deep insights into how Google manages large-scale systems for reliability and efficiency. While focused on SRE, the principles and practices discussed, such as monitoring, automation, and incident response, are directly applicable to advanced managed services delivery. It's valuable for those looking to deepen their technical understanding and improve the reliability of their services.
This handbook explores the principles and practices of DevOps, which are highly relevant to contemporary managed services, especially in cloud environments. It discusses how to integrate development and operations to improve agility, reliability, and security. is essential for understanding modern approaches to IT service delivery and can serve as a valuable reference for implementing DevOps practices within an MSP.
Focusing specifically on service agreements, this book practical guide for creating and managing contracts with clients for managed services. It's an essential resource for ensuring clear expectations and protecting both the MSP and the client. is highly relevant for the operational and business aspects of managed services.
Part of the ITIL 4 framework, this publication focuses on the core service management activities of creating, delivering, and supporting services. It provides detailed guidance on key ITIL practices relevant to the operational aspects of managed services. is valuable for understanding the practical application of ITIL in service delivery.
Foundational text for understanding the business aspects of managed services, particularly for those transitioning from traditional IT support. It provides a step-by-step guide to developing service offerings, pricing models, and service agreements. While the 'in a Month' title is aspirational, the book offers practical guidance valuable for beginners and those looking to formalize their managed services practice. It's a useful reference for establishing core processes.
Another practical guide by Karl Palachuk, this book extends the concepts from 'Managed Services in a Month' to include cloud services. It offers guidance on incorporating cloud offerings into a managed services portfolio and adapting business models for cloud delivery. This useful resource for MSPs navigating the shift towards cloud-based services.
Delves into the practical aspects of administering cloud systems, incorporating DevOps and SRE principles. It provides valuable technical depth for those involved in the day-to-day operations of cloud-based managed services. It's a good resource for experienced technical professionals looking to enhance their skills in cloud environments.
Presented as a business novel, this book illustrates the principles of DevOps and Lean manufacturing within an IT context. It highlights the challenges of traditional IT operations and the benefits of adopting new ways of working, which are highly relevant to improving managed services delivery. It's an accessible and engaging read that provides foundational knowledge in an enjoyable format.
Aimed at IT business owners, including those running MSPs, this book offers guidance on managing the daily challenges of an IT business. It covers topics such as productivity, leadership, and client management, providing practical advice for operational success.
Serves as a concise revision guide for the ITIL 4 Foundation exam, summarizing the key concepts and practices. It's a useful companion to the official ITIL 4 Foundation publication for reinforcing understanding and preparing for certification. This book is ideal for individuals seeking a quick review of ITIL 4 principles.
Customer service critical component of managed services. focuses on foundational principles for delivering excellent service, building a positive employee culture, and driving profitability. It offers valuable insights for MSPs looking to differentiate themselves through service quality.
While not solely focused on managed services, this book provides essential business principles applicable to running a successful MSP. It emphasizes creating systems and processes to move beyond the technician role and build a scalable business. is highly recommended for MSP owners and managers to solidify their understanding of business structure and growth.
Given the increasing importance of cybersecurity in managed services, this handbook provides a detailed look at the operational aspects of security. It covers various security technologies, incident response, and asset protection, which are essential components of a comprehensive managed security offering. While the publication date might make some technical details less current, the operational principles remain valuable.
Offers a practical guide to using PowerShell for automation in IT environments, covering both on-premises and cloud systems. It's a valuable resource for technical professionals in an MSP who need to automate tasks for efficiency and consistency in service delivery.
This handbook offers a comprehensive explanation of cloud computing from an enterprise perspective. Understanding cloud concepts, architecture, and implementation is fundamental for MSPs offering cloud-based managed services. While an older publication, it provides a solid grounding in the principles of cloud adoption and its implications for service delivery.
While not directly about IT, this book makes a compelling case for the power of checklists in improving performance and avoiding errors in complex fields. The principles are highly applicable to managed services operations, where consistent processes are crucial for reliability and quality. It's a valuable read for improving operational rigor.
Automation key aspect of efficient managed services delivery. provides a practical introduction to programming with Python for automating common tasks. It's an excellent resource for technical staff within an MSP who want to develop automation skills to improve service delivery and reduce manual effort.
Provides a strategic guide to managed services. It covers everything from developing a managed services strategy to measuring and improving the performance of a managed services program.
Provides a simple and easy-to-understand overview of managed services. It valuable resource for anyone who is new to managed services or for anyone who wants to learn more about the basics.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/5jfeh9/managed
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