Keeping pace with the ever-evolving technology landscape can be challenging and rewarding for any business.
According to Gartner, by the end of 2022, 90% of corporate strategies cited IT as critical to business success, an increase from 36% in 2019. This underscores the value of the services offered by managed service providers (MSPs).
But, like all business ventures, several challenges are associated with managed services.
“To succeed in today’s business world, a robust IT infrastructure is non-negotiable,” explains Walt Bies, President of FTI Services. “However, the path to achieving long-term success is certainly not easy.”
Understanding IT Managed Services Challenges
Managed IT services have the potential to enhance your business operations through efficient IT processes. However, understanding the various types of managed services challenges is essential to the process.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of these common challenges, what they mean for your business, how they impact your growth, and how to resolve them.
Need Help Solving Managed Services Challenges?
Navigating the 5 Biggest IT Managed Services Challenges
Challenge #1: Security Risks
As the digital world expands, so does the realm of security risks. Over the past few years, a surge in data breaches, leading to an unprecedented average cost of $9.44 million , has made cybersecurity a top priority.
Your managed IT services must avoid these threats to protect your business continuity and prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands.
Challenge #2: Rapid Technological Changes
Keeping up with the speed of technological advancements can be a daunting task. However, adapting to these changes can pose significant challenges for MSPs.
Some experts believe these changes may be the biggest threat to global business . That said, technological changes present many exciting upgrades and growth opportunities, which can lead to a brighter future.
Challenge #4: Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, so do its IT demands. Scalability and flexibility of your IT-managed services become crucial as a result. How your provider adapts to these needs directly impacts your ability to scale and sustain growth.
Challenge #5: Skilled Staff Shortages
There is an ongoing demand for skilled, specialized professionals in a dynamic field like IT. However, this demand often outweighs the supply. Staff shortages can negatively affect the quality of customer support and overall productivity.
Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the demand for IT professionals is expected to increase by 21% by 2031, significantly faster than the average for other jobs.
Source: TechTarget
Strategies to Overcome IT Managed Services Challenges
To address these IT-managed services provider challenges, here are some actionable steps you can take:
Security Enhancement Practices: Regular audits, remote monitoring, and up-to-date security protocols can help mitigate security issues.
Staying Ahead with Technological Advancements: Regular training programs ensure your team stays on top of the latest tech trends.
Effective Cost Management: Strategic planning can help balance IT investments with other operational expenses.
Scalable Solutions: Working with MSPs who offer scalable solutions ensures your IT needs are met as your business evolves.
Staff Training and Development: Investing in continuous staff training fills skill gaps and boosts overall productivity.
Managed IT Services Challenges Overview
| Challenge | Description | Strategy |
| Security Risks | Increasing cybersecurity threats | Regular audits, up-to-date security protocols |
| Technological Changes | Rapid advancements in technology | Regular training and staying ahead of trends |
| Cost Management | Balancing IT investments with other expenses | Strategic financial planning |
| Scalability and Flexibility | Adapting to growing IT demands | Scalable solutions from your managed services provider |
| Staff Shortages | Demand for skilled professionals exceeds supply | Continuous staff training and development |
Interested in learning more about managed IT services? Check out these blogs: |
Take the First Step Towards Solving Managed Services Challenges Today
As we’ve seen, managed services providers’ challenges are substantial but not insurmountable. By understanding and addressing these issues, you can transform your IT-managed services into a significant asset for your business.
Ensuring your business continues to thrive is a journey that requires patience, resilience, and a keen understanding of the challenges at hand. As a leading managed service provider, FTI Services is here to ensure that the journey is smooth.
Explore our managed IT services at these other locations all over the great state of California:
For over 38 years, we’ve helped companies like yours overcome IT-managed services challenges with a complete range of service offerings designed to resolve recurring issues, improve your security posture, scale with your needs, and maximize your productivity.
Interested in learning more about how we can help propel your business forward? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.