MSPs are seen as strategic partners in driving business growth and innovation since they manage the extensive technologies their customers need. By staying ahead of these MSP trends and offering value-add services, IT consultants can solidify their position as trusted advisors.
AI and Future-proofing MSPs
AI is reshaping the way MSPs operate, from triaging customer queries to automating routine tasks like meeting notes.
Chatbots and virtual assistants powered by natural language processing (NLP) can provide instant support to clients, answer common queries, and guide them through basic troubleshooting steps. AI-based automation can also streamline services like onboarding new clients, deploying updates, and managing software patches.
In addition, productivity tools, such as Microsoft CoPilot can accomplish tasks such as taking meeting notes.
Analytics, Security, and Compliance
AI-powered predictive analytics can monitor and analyze vast amounts of data from clients’ systems and devices in real time. MSPs can leverage this to offer proactive maintenance services, preventing downtime and minimizing disruptions for clients.
Machine learning (ML) tools can analyze network traffic patterns, detect anomalies, and offer real-time responses to risks. AI-powered threat intelligence platforms can continuously monitor for emerging threats and vulnerabilities, enabling MSPs to proactively strengthen their clients’ defenses.
Additionally, AI-driven compliance management solutions can help MSPs ensure that their clients adhere to industry regulations and data protection standards. By leveraging AI for cybersecurity and compliance, MSPs can enhance their clients’ trust and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.
Jess Warrington
Tailored Services
The global managed services market in 2023 was valued at roughly $299 billion, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6% from 2023 to 2030.
In the crowded MSP space, it is vital to recognize the diverse needs of customers and the importance of catering to those needs with customized solutions.
For example, with the growing demand for telehealth services and remote patient monitoring, MSPs can offer specialized IT support to enable healthcare providers to deliver virtual care effectively. This includes setting up secure telehealth platforms, optimizing network infrastructure for high-quality video conferencing, and more.
By carving out specialized niches in verticals like healthcare, banking, or legal services, MSPs can position themselves as trusted advisors.
Safeguarding Sensitive Data
As cybersecurity needs grow, MSPs can become an essential part of an organization’s integrated defense against a cyberattack. The most common threats were phishing, ransomware or another malware attack, and user account compromise.
The healthcare industry is a prime target, with one report showing that it accounted for a staggering. Compliance is also an area where organizations can use the help of MSPs, such as complying with HIPAA regulations.
MSPs can offer a range of security services such as firewalls and detection systems to monitor networks for suspicious activities. Certification for your employees and staying current on industry standards are critical to serving your customers.
End-to-end Automation
As businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the role of MSPs will become crucial in providing expertise and support.
With automated processes such as provisioning and billing, end customers can consume technology more easily and on a self-service basis. By automating low-value, high-touch activities, MSPs can enhance efficiency and deliver better services to their clients.
Automation can also help MSPs level up their cybersecurity capabilities by providing visibility across an organization, rather than keeping compliance responsibilities disconnected or siloed.
For instance, a cloud monetization platform with end-to-end automation provides a unified view and data integration to improve visibility and workflows.
Trusted Advisors
MSPs are filling gaps in two important ways: helping businesses stay up to date on technology advancements and being a strategic partner for businesses that outsource IT solutions, which opens opportunities for growing a customer base.
Rather than being a Jack of all trades, MSPs can focus on personalized services aligned with customers’ needs. Staying on top of trends such as cybersecurity, AI, and automation when it comes to MSP offerings is essential in today’s business climate.
Jess Warrington is general manager, North America for CloudBlue.
Image: DALL-E
Want more expert advice on MSP trends? Check out this AI and cloud trends article contributed by CloudBlue’s President Uddhav Gupta.
