Many enterprises have realized that their profitability, growth, and overall future means automating many of their online processes, moving to the cloud to better compete in the digital era and delivering the best for their customers. However, even contemplating this shift has left many Managers and Owners overwhelmed by the pace and enormity of the task of managing increasingly complex ecosystems and transformation projects, and many organizations despite size or industry model are now seeking external expert partners.

Any projects that include a transition to a new online working model and the concerns of data protection and security make for a huge, scary task for any leader, so how do you go about making the initial selection? How do you know you’ve made the right decision and, if you decide it’s time to make a move, what kind of issues do you need to consider when trying to transform your business processes?

It’s worth remembering that, just like any business partner you use, Managed Service Providers (MSP’s) are experts in their field. While most companies struggle to keep up with technology changes while also doing their ‘day job’, an MSP’s wealth of experience – working across a diverse mix of digital transformation projects, planning, delivering, and managing various cloud services, including the all important Data Protection and Security – means that they can deliver the best solution for the business while the IT department focuses on regular operations. Another benefit is the fact that MSPs have experience with specific industries, often providing tailored services in areas such as local government, professional services, or education.

Of course, there are also crucial technical advantages of partnering with an MSP.  You can expect fast response times through monitoring and services, more direct control over infrastructure and application services, and the capability to automate and manage at scale.

In addition to the technical and experiential advantages of an MSP there is also the other side of the coin: The lack of cloud skills in the IT sector. A Microsoft report from 2017 revealed that while organizations agree the cloud is important to their future, 40 percent of firms are struggling to recruit staff with cloud skills. A trusted MSP partner can alleviate this issue, bringing knowledge and skills that companies find hard to recruit.

Migrating to the cloud and getting the most from it is not easy. It requires tons of specialized skills, and a deep understanding of the cloud environment and the tools to optimize its use. All in all, the central advantage of partnering with an MSP is to take the stress from a business’ shoulders, allowing it to reallocate its resources and efforts into pursuing business growth and delivering the best for its customers.

Whether an Enterprise is either considering partnering with an MSP for the first time, or contemplating changing their current provider, look for good reasons not only to review your current situation, but also the potential you may be missing to grow.