Is your IT team stretched? 4 Ways an MSP can support your network
When it comes to surviving and thriving, leveraging transformative technologies and initiatives are the way forward for global enterprises. However, the recent Expereo-commissioned IDC InfoBrief, Enterprise Horizons 2024: Technology Leaders’ Priorities on their Digital Business Journey revealed that businesses are struggling to find the right skills in key transformation areas.
In particular:
- Cybersecurity skills: 39%
- Networking skills: 36%
- Data, AI and automation skills: 35%
- Cloud skills: 20%
It also revealed that a major roadblock to digital transformation initiatives for 41% of technology leaders is the complexity of integrating digital initiatives with existing IT.
So with tech leaders under pressure to leverage new technologies to remain competitive, they face integration challenges with complex networks. Their IT teams are then under pressure to ensure seamless deployment. Additionally, supplementing any niche skills gaps is challenging due to a tight IT talent market.
This is where a managed service provider (MSP) can make a significant difference. In this blog, we'll explore how an MSP can support your transformation with network services tailored to your strategy that you can scale up and down as needed.
What does a Managed Service Provider (MSP) do?
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party company that manages a defined set of IT services for its clients.
MSPs like Expereo, offer a range of network services, including network management, network design, implementing connectivity solutions, and more.
By outsourcing these tasks to an MSP, IT teams can focus on core activities. All while ensuring their network infrastructure is robust, secure, and up-to-date. They’re not flooded with tickets as you integrate new systems and technology, impacting their day-to-day activities and responsibilities.
4 Ways an MSP can support your business with network services
- Scalable connectivity solutions
As your business grows, so do your network requirements. MSPs work with you over time to develop a connectivity strategy to meet your needs now and in the future.
They can do this by offering scalable solutions that adapt to your changing needs. Whether you need to expand your network infrastructure, integrate new technologies, or support a growing remote or hybrid workforce, an MSP can suggest the right mix of connectivity solutions to suit your unique needs. You can scale up your Global Internet, SASE/SD-WAN, Fixed Wireless Access or Enhanced Internet solutions as needed.
- Network monitoring and maintenance
On top of designing a flexible and agile network infrastructure for you, a good MSP will also offer continuous network monitoring and maintenance. Expereo proactively monitors your network and provides you with total visibility and control of your entire network estate via expereoOne.
While you maintain control of your global network estate down to site level, Expereo will also identify and resolve any potential issues before they escalate, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal network performance.
- Disaster recovery and business continuity strategies
MSPs can help you design robust disaster recovery and business continuity strategies. This ensures your business can quickly recover from unexpected events. Including introducing redundant failover systems, like Fixed Wireless Access, into your connectivity strategy, regular data backups, and detailed recovery plans.
In the event of a network failure or data loss, an MSP can help minimize downtime and restore normal operations swiftly with local or on-the-ground support.
- Expert support, guidance, and niche skills
Similarly, with an MSP, you gain access to a team of network experts. They work with you to provide the support and guidance you need to transform your network.
Whether you need help with network design, switching from MPLS to Internet-based solutions, increasing bandwidth to support AI initiatives, or strategic planning to connect an expanding portfolio of sites and locations, an MSP like Expereo can offer the expertise required to make informed decisions and optimize your IT infrastructure.
MSPs allow you to plug the skills gaps you may have with specialist knowledge in a more cost-effective way than recruiting in a competitive, yet small, IT talent market.
What makes a good Managed Service Provider for network services?
Choosing the right MSP is crucial for the success of your IT strategy and wider company transformation. But there are approximately 100,000 to 150,000 MSPs offering network services globally, so choosing the right one can be challenging.
In order to help you cut through the noise, we’ve listed the qualities that make a good MSP:
- Digital-first mindset: A good MSP will have their finger on the pulse when it comes to emerging technologies and a solid grasp of the current tech landscape. This means they can help you leverage the right technologies at the right time to build a future-proof network.
- Customized solutions: Every business is unique. A good MSP will offer tailored solutions that align with your specific needs and goals.
- Transparent communication: Clear and transparent communication is essential. A good MSP will keep you informed about your network's status, upcoming updates, and potential issues.
- Proactive approach: A good MSP doesn't just react to problems; they proactively monitor and maintain your network to prevent issues before they arise.
- Visibility and control: A good MSP will provide a means for you to track all of the points above yourself. For example, Expereo provides customers with access to the expereoOne platform, where they can see real-time updates about the status and health of their networks down to site level.
- Expertise and experience: Look for an MSP with extensive experience in managing networks for businesses similar to yours. You should examine case studies, testimonials and speak to any available customer advocates.
- Scalability: Ensure the MSP can scale their services as your business grows and evolves. They should have a forward-thinking attitude and build it into your connectivity strategy.
- Logistics and support: A good MSP will provide in-region, local language support with a good response time.
- Global reach: MSPs can be local or global. A good MSP will offer connectivity services wherever your business takes you. With established relationships with local Internet Service Providers and knowledge of local compliance and regulatory needs.
Ready to accelerate your network transformation with a trusted advisor?
Wherever you’re based, whether you’re connecting city offices or remote production sites, we have the capabilities, partnerships, and technologies to connect your enterprise anywhere in the world.
With Expereo's network services you can meet the business demands of today, and accelerate performance and growth for tomorrow.
Get in touch today to discuss your needs.