GET TECH RIGHT
OVERVIEW
I'm currently working on a business idea that requires updated research into the world of Managed Service Providers worldwide.
So over the past few weeks, I've reviewed over 1,000 websites.
Yep, that's a lot of websites.
And yes, my eyeballs are tired.
But I've learned a few things.
The first is this.
They all say the same thing.
It doesn't matter what website you go to they all say the same thing.
We're fast, we're friendly, we're reliable, we'll keep your network safe, and last but not least…
We'll provide you leadership.
Sure, there are the occasional outliers that may say things a little differently.
But those providers are few and far between.
The second thing I've learned is this.
Managed Service Providers aren't creative.
I guess the same could be said for other types of small businesses.
But when it comes to Managed Service Providers.
They're especially uncreative.
Managed Service Providers or Tech Service Providers all compete in a Sea of Sameness.
THE POSITIVES
As not to be Negative Nancy let's look at 2 positives when it comes to Managed Service Providers.
1 — IT Managed Service Providers are a consistent bunch.
Outside of size, there's really not much difference between one provider's service and the next.
What does that mean for you?
Well, it means you'll get pretty consistent service no matter what Managed Service Provider you choose to outsource to.
2 — Most Managed Service Providers subscribe to a set of standards that they follow.
And this is good because it pairs well with the consistency I just mentioned.
This means that the IT process and standards should be fairly similar between providers.
Sure there will be some that are more developed.
But in general, most providers will follow the same basic standards when it comes to set up and security.
EVOLUTION
Managed Services started out in the early 2000's post the dotcom crash and Small Business boomed.
Since then 3 big changes have affected the industry.
1 — The Cloud
Google G Suite and Microsoft Office 365 changed the game on traditional Client/Server IT sending several service providers running for the hills.
This made it easier for Small Businesses to purchase reliable tech to run their business.
2 — Mergers & Acquisitions
Private equity firms figured out there was money in IT services and so the roll-up began.
This is both good and bad for the industry and for the customers it serves.
Good because with scale clients should see more standardization and security in their tech environment.
Bad because with scale comes a decrease in customer service and a dumbing down of the service offerings.
I predict the bad will surface it's ugly head in the coming years.
3 — Security
Security has always been a thing but as more and more people and devices have connected online we have become more exposed.
Small Business threats are at an all-time high and as a result, it's not uncommon for a small business to lose tens of thousands of dollars annually due to a hack.
Some Managed Service Providers have gotten better at mitigating threats while others lag behind.
GET YOUR TECH RIGHT
These 3 changes have made a huge impact on providers and the clients they serve.
Selecting a Managed Service Provider for your business can be tough.
It's important to educate yourself on the Managed Service Provider market if your small business or startup relies on outsourcing your tech.
And that's one reason why I publish.