Businesses are increasingly turning to IT managed services to enhance efficiency, bolster security, and stay ahead in technology. According to the Technology & Service Industry Association (TSIA), managed services is one of the top three growth engines within the tech industry. Managed services revenue grew by 23% in 2H 2022, according to TSIA, and the global managed services market is expected to reach $311.32 billion by 2027.
This trend allows companies of all sizes to access expert IT support, ensuring smoother operations, heightened security, and fostering an environment conducive to growth. Notably, organizations like the NHL are partnering with IT managed service providers to streamline operations and drive innovation, underscoring the tangible benefits of embracing managed services in a competitive landscape.
Factors Driving Demand for IT Managed Services
There are a few reasons why IT managed services are in the spotlight:
Ongoing Technological Evolution: According to a Gartner survey, 64% of IT executives highlight the ongoing tech talent shortage as a significant barrier, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals to adapt to evolving trends. Continuous updates and maintenance are crucial to keep pace with innovation, ensuring optimal performance in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.
Heightened Cybersecurity Concerns: Businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, necessitating robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data and infrastructure. Effective defense against the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats requires skilled professionals, according to Gartner’s findings on the ongoing tech talent shortage.
Widespread Adoption of Cloud Solutions: The shift towards cloud-based infrastructure offers flexibility and scalability, but effective management requires specialized skills. Over 90% of companies have gaps in tech skills, according to Statista, emphasizing the need for expertise in managing and optimizing cloud resources to minimize operational costs and maximize efficiency.
Imperative for Efficiency and Scalability in Digital Transformation: In the era of digital transformation, organizations must streamline operations and remain responsive to market dynamics. However, the ongoing tech talent shortage limits internal IT teams’ capacity to focus on innovation and strategic initiatives, as highlighted by Gartner’s findings.
Challenges in Skill Acquisition and Retention: The shortage of skilled professionals in emerging technologies poses a significant challenge for businesses. Managed service providers offer support in offloading routine tasks and augmenting internal teams, allowing businesses to concentrate on driving innovation and strategic growth initiatives while addressing critical functions such as cloud management and cybersecurity.
The Challenges of IT Managed Services
Despite the advantages, businesses often encounter challenges when integrating new services with legacy systems and ensuring the security of their data. This underscores the critical importance of selecting the appropriate IT managed services provider.
Opting for solutions such as cloud-managed services, which involve the management and support of cloud-based IT infrastructure, or cloud security solutions, which encompass various tools and protocols designed to safeguard cloud data and applications, can significantly enhance a company’s defense mechanisms. Similarly, considering managed IT security services, which involve the management of an organization’s security processes and infrastructure by a third-party provider, can further bolster security measures while also capitalizing on the benefits inherent in managed IT services.
Choosing the Right IT Managed Services
When looking to partner up for IT managed services, it’s important to think about what your business really needs and where you want to go. This means figuring out where your IT setup could use some work and ensuring your IT plans align with your overall business strategy. Picking a service provider is a significant decision, as well. want someone with the right skills and a track record of success, someone who gets your business culture.
Flexibility and the ability to scale are also crucial considerations; you want a partner who can grow with you. Keeping these factors in mind – understanding your needs, choosing the right partner, and focusing on flexibility – will help you navigate the world of IT managed services and set your business up for long-term success.
Managed Services in Action: NHL and Presidio Team Up
The NHL’s collaboration with Presidio has yielded impressive results, enhancing the League’s operations and fan engagement. As an Official Technology Innovation Partner, Presidio has significantly enhanced the League’s encoding and distribution operations, co-developing with NHL support, an application that supports over 1,300 games annually while providing crucial managed services for day-to-day broadcast needs.
This partnership has enabled the NHL to navigate the technical challenges posed by the increasing demand for live sports. Initiatives such as NHL VTOC have enhanced the league’s encoding and distribution operations. During the successful 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft™️, the NHL also utilized Presidio technology to modernize the experience with a secure, adaptable custom NHL Draft Application. This joint effort ensured smooth execution of the draft, emphasizing the vital role of technology in driving innovation within the sports industry.
Looking Ahead
The future of IT managed services is all about flexibility, with cloud solutions and hybrid setups leading the charge. The rise of AI and automation is set to make service delivery even more efficient. As businesses look for services tailored to their unique needs, the demand for custom application development is expected to grow, with managed service providers playing a key role.
Technologies like edge computing and IoT are changing the game, while a move towards proactive upkeep will help keep systems running smoothly. Managed service providers are becoming indispensable allies for businesses aiming to stay sharp in a digitally transformed world.
Embracing the Future: The Impact of IT Managed Services
Teaming up with the right IT managed services can transform how businesses operate, making them more efficient, secure, and innovative. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, leaning on the expertise of managed service providers will be crucial. Embracing trends like cloud computing and AI, while making the most of the benefits of managed IT services, will help companies tackle tomorrow’s challenges and thrive.
