The wide variety of offerings available in the portfolios of CSPs can be difficult to navigate efficiently. Many companies need assistance in using cloud resources effectively to address business objectives. Fortunately, they can get the help they need by partnering with a managed service provider (MSP).

Benefits of Engaging a Managed Service Provider 

A managed service provider is a third party that assumes responsibility for managing part or all of an organization’s IT infrastructure, applications, and systems. MSPs are often engaged by small and medium-sized businesses that do not have the time or personnel to manage their IT environment.  

Following are some of the most beneficial aspects of working with an experienced cloud computing MSP.  

• Selecting the appropriate cloud solutions - An MSP can help a company identify the cloud services and solutions that best fit the needs of the business. The MSP may suggest specific SaaS solutions to refresh the company’s technical capabilities. An MSP that has diverse experience with multiple cloud service providers (CSPs) will be able to guide a company toward the most effective solutions. 

• Addressing gaps in technical skills - Companies can leverage the technical skills and resources of an MSP to fill gaps that may be affecting their ability to get the maximum value from a cloud computing investment. The skills available from an MSP enable companies to implement advanced technological solutions for which they have insufficient technical personnel.  

• Controlling cloud computing costs - A major selling point promoted by CSPs is the savings available from cloud computing solutions. While substantial savings are indeed possible, inexperience or mismanagement can result in companies paying more than necessary for cloud services. Additional expenses for unnecessary capacity or services can quickly negate any of the financial benefits of the cloud. An experienced MSP will be able to help find the most cost-effective methods of using the cloud and help maximize an organization’s IT budget.  

• Facilitating cloud migrations - Organizations may understand the advantages of migrating on-premises systems to the cloud but be apprehensive about actually making the move. Migration can be a challenging and intimidating experience. An experienced MSP can help guide a company through potential difficulties and be instrumental in supporting a successful migration. 

• Managing cloud resources - A company’s cloud resources need to be efficiently managed to ensure performance, availability, and to minimize extraneous costs. Scalability comes at a price, and it is easy for an organization to end up using more capacity than they need for the business. An MSP has the experience to manage the environment so that all business objectives are met without incurring unnecessary costs. 

Working with an MSP enables a company to focus on running its business without worrying about its cloud computing environment. Engaging an experienced and reliable MSP is an excellent way for smaller companies to get the most value from their IT investment and compete more effectively with larger rivals.