Managed Service Providers: How IT Leaders Can Increase Efficiency Within the Cloud

When looking to implement and upgrade your Cloud functionality, a key part of your success involves selecting a Managed Service Provider (MSP) who understands the capabilities needed for the specific Cloud service, such as AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, Alibaba Cloud, or Oracle Cloud.

The Role of a Managed Service Provider in Cloud Implementation Success

It is especially critical when implementing and adopting Cloud services that IT departments utilize professional and managed services to ensure successful integration.

A recent study by Gartner, Inc. points out that by utilizing a Managed Service Provider for your Cloud implementation, you will not only improve efficiencies but also reduce risks in your cloud adoption. In addition, a strong MSP can reduce the time it takes to get your system operational and help with innovative suggestions to tailor the application to your specific business needs.

While there are many Cloud options available, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are two of the most commonly used in the business world. Because so many companies already use these services, a strong Managed Service Provider should have knowledgeable capabilities specific to these platforms.

The study also adds that companies who are looking to implement or upgrade Cloud services say that “strong service expertise” is one of the most important factors in determining their Cloud support choices. Employing professional support to tailor your Cloud projects is clearly a good investment.

Questions to Ask When Working With An MSP to Update Your Cloud Infrastructure

When looking for an experienced Managed Service Provider you want to look for people and companies that can demonstrate the experience and ability to meet your specific needs.

Skillsets to look for include:

• Do they have recent Cloud migration experience?
• Can they demonstrate the ability to be innovative, adapt to your needs, and implement a scalable solution?

• Can they show past work experience with clients requiring complex compliance requirements?
• Do they have a deep domain experience in a specific vertical use case and can they provide other support services?
• Do they offer capabilities using a variety of Cloud options including VMware Cloud on AWS, VMware Cloud Foundation on Google Cloud, Azure VMware solutions, IBM Cloud for VMware Solutions, and Oracle Cloud VMware Solution?

Most of all, do they provide support for Cloud applications that are most needed by your business.

The Future of the Cloud For Business Success

While many Cloud integration projects start with a narrow focus, there is a good chance you will want to expand your capabilities to meet future needs.

The study estimates that “more than 80% of public cloud managed and professional services deals will require both hybrid cloud and multi-cloud capabilities from the provider, up from less than 50% in 2020.” It is therefore important that your Cloud solution is able to scale to support greater workloads or a broader range of capabilities.

The use of MSP expertise may be required for servicing or upgrading cloud-native and traditional systems. The need for innovative approaches will be required as customers see an increase in volume and a need to expand Cloud capabilities.

Those companies that do not invest in strong customized Cloud solutions risk being left behind with outdated systems or infrastructure that is not adaptable to future needs.

At accentedge, we bring experience integrating Cloud solutions for leading global companies. Put our expertise and experience to work for you to customize your Cloud future.