Managed service providers (MSPs) are benefiting in a big way from cloud technologies, and one key trend that has emerged among businesses is a move away from transaction-based resellers to longer-term partner-managed models. As such, many value-added resellers (VARs) are seeking to re-brand themselves as MSPs, but face significant transitional challenges. In particular, many MSPs are facing three key obstacles as they move towards building long-term partnership models: the management of legacy systems, management of mobile technologies, and meeting customer service demands.
Improving Profitability: Managing Older Systems
Many MSPs have clients that have eschewed the adoption of cloud technologies and continue to use aging equipment and systems. These systems are fraught with problems; they are more prone to breakdowns, failures, inefficiencies, and attacks. They demand more care and maintenance, and MSPs need to dedicate significant resources to the upkeep and upgrading of these out-of-date technologies.
For MSPs, the easiest and most profitable solution is to transition these clients into cloud-based models. Cloud architecture is relatively easy and inexpensive to implement, offering businesses the ability to benefit from advanced technologies without making expensive hardware and infrastructure investments. Cloud-based systems also offer superior security—another perk MSPs can sell to clients.
Improving Profitability: Leveraging Mobility
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) has become a buzzword in the business world. With this strategy, employees use their own mobile devices in the workplace, helping companies manage costs and improve internal efficiency and productivity. The trend has created opportunities for MSPs to provide the hardware and support services needed to integrate employee-owned devices with company-owned network assets.
However, MSPs often encounter significant practical challenges in implementing BYOD management systems. Synching issues and accessibility issues are common, and once again, cloud-based technologies offer a powerful, practical, and affordable solution. Specific to BYOD strategies, the cloud offers:
- Superior control over connected employee-owned devices
- More efficient access and permissions management
- Advanced security and enhanced password control
Understanding how to deliver these BYOD benefits to businesses is crucial to the success of MSPs.
Improving Profitability: Superior Customer Service
When problems arise or when current technologies are no longer meeting a company’s changing needs, MSPs need to step in and provide solutions. It’s essential for MSPs to select a cloud service provider that has a strong reputation for reliability and performs extensive tests to eliminate problems prior to implementation. Most of all, MSPs can mitigate customer service requests by partnering with cloud providers to solve the majority of client issues with front-line service.
Contact us today to learn more about the eXemplify Partner Program designed specifically for MSPs.