Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have played a key role in helping today’s businesses take advantage of all that modern technology offers. Over the past decade, MSPs have transitioned from simply providing basic IT support, as was the case early on. MSP industry trends show the evolution into more comprehensive solutions, integrating cloud, backup and disaster recovery, remote desktop, and cybersecurity services.
What are Managed IT Services?
A Managed Service Provider, or MSP, handles specific tasks so the business can solely focus on those vital to the business, helping to eliminate distractions and maintain focus.
In the early days, managed services were mainly about getting help with fundamental IT infrastructure. Businesses would have an MSP look after their computer networks and run helpdesk operations. But now, it’s grown to include many more services.
These services cover things like cloud technologies, keeping online data safe, backing up important information, understanding and analyzing data, and helping teams work from different places.
By teaming up with an MSP, businesses can be assisted to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies without hiring full-time employees or investing in more capital expenditures.
Let’s consider some MSP trends and see how these are evolving into the foreseeable future.
The Rise of Cloud-Based Services
Cloud technologies have totally changed the way most businesses operate. Migrating from on-premises servers to cloud-based servers offers many benefits. These include cost savings, scalability, and flexibility. Cloud adoption has seen a surge, with businesses of all sizes leveraging cloud services and solutions for their operations.
Many organizations have already migrated or are in the process of migrating communication and business productivity software and solutions to the cloud. Solutions like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 have seen massive adoption.
Managed Service Providers are evolving to help fill the need of managing these migrations or even completely overseeing these cloud SaaS environments. Businesses can now enlist MSPs to migrate or manage a migration to cloud SaaS.
Cybersecurity
With increasing data breaches and cyber threats, security solutions have become a top priority for businesses. Managed Service Providers now offer various security services, from antivirus software and multi-factor authentication to more comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. The emphasis on email security and protection against hardware failures has also grown.
MSPs now staff cybersecurity specialists and experts to help organizations understand their current cybersecurity posture and how they can bolster their posture against current and future risks.
MSPs can also conduct penetration tests externally and internally to better understand current cybersecurity defenses and where these need improvement.
Cybersecurity posture is also important in cloud SaaS and IaaS environments. With SaaS and IaaS, many businesses are less adept at managing and securing these vastly different environments with often foreign toolsets and dashboards.
MSPs can help businesses that have migrated to the cloud get a handle on cloud cybersecurity and things like data loss prevention.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Ensuring business operations remain uninterrupted is crucial. MSPs have recognized the importance of business continuity and disaster recovery plans to protect critical infrastructure. Ensuring data is backed up and can be quickly restored has become extremely important as most organizations live and die based on critical data.
However, engineering disaster recovery and business continuity can be challenging and complex. MSPs often specialize in managing an entire organization’s business continuity and disaster recovery, including setting up or hosting backup solutions and even providing disaster recovery (DR) facilities to house secondary data centers. Look for these offerings to continue to grow into 2024 and beyond.
Data Analytics
Data analytics has emerged as a key offering in the MSP market. Businesses are drowning in data, and MSPs provide solutions to analyze this data, turning it into actionable insights. The managed services market is evolving rapidly from basic data analysis to more advanced artificial intelligence-driven insights.
Remote Workforce Management and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
The shift to remote work has necessitated the need for robust remote monitoring and device management solutions. Virtual desktop infrastructure and web cameras have become essential tools, allowing businesses to manage their remote workers efficiently. MSPs are pivotal in ensuring a seamless remote connection and enhancing the customer experience.
The modern business landscape has seen a significant shift towards remote work, a trend that was accelerated by global events and the evolving nature of work. This change has brought forth new challenges and opportunities in managing a dispersed workforce.
Two critical components that have emerged in this context are remote workforce management and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).
Remote Workforce Management
Remote workforce management does not oversee employees in a traditional office environment. This includes workers operating from home, co-working spaces, or even countries. Effective management involves:
- Remote Monitoring: Tools that allow businesses to monitor remote workers’ productivity and computer usage, ensuring that business standards are maintained
- Device Management: Ensuring that all devices used by remote workers, from laptops to smartphones, are secure and updated. This includes patch management, antivirus software updates, and multi-factor authentication
- Communication Tools: Implementing and maintaining robust communication platforms like web cameras, chat applications, and web meeting solutions to ensure seamless collaboration among team members
- Training and Support: Providing remote workers with the necessary training on tools, cybersecurity best practices, and company policies. This also includes offering IT support to address any technical challenges they might face
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that allows businesses to create a remote desktop services environment allowing users to connect to a remote desktop that provides access to everything needed for productivity. It means instead of using software and apps installed on individual devices. These are hosted on a server that users access over the Internet.
It benefits both the end users and the business by creating more accessible resources and better security and control over critical and sensitive data.
Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is reshaping businesses. From web meeting solution updates to the integration of IoT devices, companies seek MSPs to guide them through this journey. The emphasis is on providing real business value, ensuring that companies remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
FAQs on Managed Services and Remote Workforce
How do MSPs ensure the security of remote workers?
MSPs have various cybersecurity solutions they can offer to businesses, including multi-factor authentication, email security, and patch management solutions. They also train remote workers on best practices to avoid cybersecurity threats and help make sure all devices have up-to-date antivirus software.
What advantages do cloud-based services offer over on-premises servers?
Cloud-based services, such as cloud computing IaaS and cloud SaaS platforms like Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, offer scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. Businesses can quickly scale up or down based on their needs without significant upfront costs.
Why is data analytics becoming a crucial offering in the MSP market?
Data analytics allows businesses to derive actionable insights from their vast amounts of data. MSPs, with their expertise in data analysis, can help companies understand market trends, customer preferences, and areas of improvement, providing them with a competitive advantage.
How do managed IT services support the growth of small businesses?
Managed IT services allow small businesses to access advanced technologies and expertise without needing large in-house IT teams. This results in cost savings and ensures that they can focus on their core business operations while the MSP handles the technical aspects.
What role does artificial intelligence play in managed services?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into managed services to automate repetitive tasks, enhance data analysis, and improve customer experience. AI-driven tools can predict hardware failures, optimize marketing efforts, and even assist in organic growth strategies.
Wrapping up
As organizations continue to use current and future technologies, there will definitely be a need for well-versed Managed Service Providers who can help businesses use technologies effectively and efficiently.
Emerging technologies and an increased reliance on critical data will enable MSPs to play an even more crucial role in helping companies navigate current and new technology challenges.
By integrating cloud services, cybersecurity solutions, and data analytics, MSPs are more equipped to support businesses in their growth journey. As the landscape changes, companies that leverage these services will undoubtedly have a competitive advantage.
