Outsourcing IT management is a big decision for any organisation. When considering this strategy, IT Managers will evaluate a number of factors, such as the level of service provided to customers, cost, security, and even whether it will impact the business in terms of job loss or role changes.
However, although the decision cannot be taken lightly, partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can bring a variety of benefits not only to the organisation, but also to IT Managers – providing them with additional skills, expertise, and allowing them to focus on strategy.
The benefits of partnering with MSPs:
- Expertise: An MSP can provide a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals who specialise in different areas of IT. By working with an MSP, an IT Manager can leverage the expertise of the MSP team to enhance their own knowledge and skills.
- Efficiency: An MSP can help an IT Manager increase their team's efficiency by providing support and services that allow them to focus on core business operations. This can include tasks such as managing backups, monitoring network performance, and resolving technical issues.
- Security: MSPs can provide advanced security solutions and handle the management, monitoring and response to threats, keeping your businesses safe.
- Cost savings: IT Managers are under constant pressure to reduce budgets. MSPs can help an IT Manager save money by providing a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time staff. Instead of paying for salaries, benefits, and training costs, an MSP can provide a team of experts on a subscription basis.
- Scalability: MSPs can help an IT Manager scale their IT infrastructure and services up or down as needed. This allows businesses to easily adjust to changes in demand or growth without having to invest in additional resources.
How IT managers can work alongside MSPs:
Partnering with an MSP doesn't mean relinquishing control of IT operations. IT managers can work alongside MSPs to ensure that their organisation's unique needs and goals are being met. This can involve setting clear expectations and communication channels, as well as regularly checking in on the progress of projects. Additionally, IT managers can use the expertise of MSPs to learn new skills and stay up-to-date on emerging technologies.
Examples of successful partnerships:
There are numerous examples of successful partnerships between IT managers and MSPs. For example, a large healthcare organisation partnered with an MSP to improve their cybersecurity measures. The MSP provided expert guidance on implementing stronger security protocols, while the IT managers were able to focus on other strategic initiatives. Another example is a financial services firm that partnered with an MSP for their cloud migration. The MSP was able to handle the technical aspects of the migration, while the IT managers provided oversight to ensure that the migration aligned with the organisation's goals.
Conclusion:
Overall, partnering with an MSP can help IT Managers enhance their team's capabilities, improve business operations, and ensure that the company's IT infrastructure is secure and reliable. By taking advantage of the benefits of working with an MSP, IT Managers can focus on their core business operations while leaving IT management to the experts.
If you decide that working with an MSP could be right for you, next you will need to consider how to choose the right MSP to drive value for your business. Download our free ebook to learn more.