Service provider
A service provider in the general sense is a vendor who supplies services, rather than actual products. In recent years, the term has been applied largely to companies in the fields of communications and technology, such as Internet service providers (ISPs), however, with the rise of servitisation, almost anything can now be supplied as a service.
The distinction between services and products can be quite blurred: there are few pure services and few pure products. Tradiationally, service providers typically provide activities which are of an intangible nature (such as consulting, legal and processing) and which are supplied as a direct consequence of a contract that exists between the service provider and the customer.
Such companies usually provide their services to customers on a subscription basis – say 12-, 18- or 24-month contracts. Mobile-phone companies may also be included in this category but in addition to providing the service of access to a mobile phone network, they generally also supply products – mobile phones.
Some firms, such as banks and insurance brokers, also provide a service but are not generally thought of as service providers.
Other types of service provider include:
- Providers of building maintenance contracts
- Data storage
- Security solutions providers
- Storage providers
- Cleaning services
- Gardening services
- Pest control
Recently, there has been an increase in the provision of products as a 'service' such as 'software as a service', as well as cars, computers, lighting and so on. Buildings and infrastructure can also be provided as a service, as in the case of the Private Finance Initiative.
NB RICS property measurement, 2nd edition, published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in January 2018, defines a Service Provider as: ‘Any entity providing real estate advice to a User or Third Party including, but not limited to, Valuers, surveyors, facility managers, property managers, asset managers, agents and brokers, Space Measurement Professionals, cost consultants, interior designers and architects.’
ICMS: Global Consistency in Presenting Construction Life Cycle Costs and Carbon Emissions, 3rd edition, November 2021, published by the ICMS (International Cost Management Standard) Coalition, defines a service provider as: ‘Any organisation or individual providing advice or a service to a Client at any point in a Project’s life including, but not limited to, project managers, architects, engineers, technical architects or engineers, surveyors, cost management and environmental professionals, constructors, facilities managers, planners, valuers, property managers, asset managers, agents and brokers.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.
Election fails to spark construction industry revival
Contract awards and planning; post election.
Making diversity and inclusion easy for SMEs
The CIOB tool for companies with limited resources.
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
BSRIA Briefing 2024, initial speakers announced.
Looking back at the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre
Reflections on St Sidwell’s Point with CIAT.
A-Level results and electrical apprenticeships
Electrical Skills Index highlights areas with skills shortages.
One of the world's more unusual drive-throughs.
A quick introduction.
Hadrian's Wall Path and the national trails
The trails are heritage assets in their own right.
Articles on timely advice and hydraulic lime.
Building Designers Association of Australia
CIAT and BDAA sign Memorandum of Understanding.
Built Environment Inclusive partners issue statement committed to inclusion.
Building regulation requirements can have unintended consequences.
CIOB announces 2024/25 vice president
Sustainability champion Professor Saul Humphrey.
Accelerating towards a net-zero built environment.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.