In today’s age of global disruption, engaging with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a great way to have a strong tech foundation and respond to evolving trends with agility. A qualified and experienced MSP not only ensures your IT tools and systems are updated and secure, they can also help you capitalize on the latest technology innovations based on the unique needs of your business. Given the era of cloud, opting for a Cloud MSP might seem like the best option, but what many don’t realize is that a Cloud MSP will only be able to provide the best of cloud services – with little or no expertise in managing the entire technology landscape end-to-end.
A Cloud MSP isn’t Enough in Today’s Highly Integrated World
A Cloud MSP is most likely to only offer a bunch of competent cloud services. There is no doubt about the fact that such an MSP will be extremely well-versed with the latest in cloud technology, the truth is, cloud does not function in a silo. Although a Cloud MSP will be able to drive sufficient tech value, it won’t necessarily translate into business value. Here are some limitations of a Cloud MSP:
- Due to limited focus, a Cloud MSP will only be able to handle the technology part of the business – with little or no knowledge about its impact on the bigger scheme of things.
- Since the scope of their services is limited only to technology, they lack the capability to look at the business holistically and build a strong foundation of technology that unites systems, processes, employees, vendors, and customers.
- A Cloud MSP is more concerned about the low-level execution of technology but not on high-level management – thus failing miserably at identifying problems, curating solutions, or measuring and evaluating costs.
- With Cloud MSPs, there is also the challenge of limited oversight; since their only aim is to resolve the current issue at hand, they do not have the capability to deal with challenges that crop up unannounced.
- Although Cloud MSPs have a wide portfolio of services, organizations often only sign up for a handful of those services, making upsell a Herculean task. Since each service is looked at in a silo, it is very difficult to see services together and the bigger benefit they can bring – when clubbed together – and raise the technology maturity of the organization in a measurable and accountable way.
The Capabilities an MSP 2.0 Can Bring to Your Business Are Many
An MSP 2.0, on the other hand, offers cloud capabilities and so much more. They can establish the foundational structure and governance that empower today’s modern workforce. As an evolved organization, they can implement the right protocols, efficiently manage technology, and can seamlessly mitigate risk – thus driving measurable and impactful results. Over time, they evolve from playing a supporting role to becoming a strategist, enabling organizations to transition into a state of organizational excellence and competitive advantage. Let’s look at some of the capabilities an MSP 2.0 can bring to your business:
1. Offers a Well-Planned Technology Maturity Roadmap
An MSP 2.0 doesn’t just think of immediate cost savings or initial, short-term success. They work in close association with the organization, always thriving to streamline processes, automate the workforce, and drive long-term growth and cost optimization. They build well-planned and well thought-of technology maturity roadmaps and conceptualize strategies with a future design in mind.
2. Focuses on Continuous Improvement
As technology strategists and experts, an MSP 2.0 doesn’t just implement modern technology. They focus on continuous improvement of processes, tools, and strategies by offering ongoing support and maintenance. By collaborating closely with all stakeholders and engaging in proactive discussions, MSPs will find themselves better positioned to upgrade and update technology to drive better efficiencies, attract high-performing talent, and uncover ways to drive innovation as business needs evolve.
3. Uncovers Growth and Cost Savings Opportunities
Uncovering opportunities for growth and ongoing cost savings is another strong capability an MSP 2.0 brings. Leveraging modern analytics tools, such an MSP can enable the organization to take the right steps for timely strategic growth, enhance geographic reach, and better solution coverage – while ensuring the required operational oversight for the best outcomes.
4. Optimizes Value in the Long Run
An MSP 2.0 doesn’t just look at overcoming challenges or remedying defects for the short-term. They always maintain a big picture view of the business and constantly drive efforts in taking a proactive approach to risks and opportunities. By unearthing insights from existing processes, and anticipating innovations on the rise, they work towards leaping beyond the as-is business state and towards new avenues that optimize value in the long run.
5. Controls the Entire Tech Ecosystem
Instead of focusing on just one technology or service area, an MSP 2.0 can manage, monitor, and control the entire tech ecosystem. They carry out necessary tech groundwork and operate IT at a high level – thus ensuring every individual, team, department, and business unit has access to the most relevant technologies, approaches, and models to meet their goals and deliver value.
As organizations look to focus on their core business and not get bogged down by the day-to-day management of complex tech tools and systems, partnering with skilled MSPs is a great way to drive value. Although Cloud MSPs deliver a comprehensive portfolio of services, organizations need a lot more than just cloud support. Given how collaborative and integrative technology has now become, MSP 2.0s bring with them a range of modern and innovative capabilities that enable organizations to seamlessly transition to next-generation excellence. By taking a strategic approach to business success, an MSP 2.0 can help in optimizing technology, minimizing risk, and ensuring business and IT goals are always aligned.