Previous blogs in this exclusive Remedi series have examined why companies would choose on-premises, hosted, cloud, or hybrid B2B integration deployments. There are excellent reasons to choose each method. This post examines managed services, exploring both what they are and why your organization might find it beneficial to use them.
Managed services might be the right choice for your company. It is a good fit for any of the four deployments mentioned above. Read on to learn more.
What Are Managed Services?
Managed services refer to the management of IT infrastructure and/or end-user systems. These services can be provided on a remote basis. Typically, these services are provided proactively, and the client pays for them through a subscription model.
Some customers might take advantage of a managed service provider’s (MSP) staffing resources to manage their infrastructure and systems. That means that the MSP’s staff would be on-site.
Why Should You Use a Managed Services Provider for Your B2B Integration Deployment?
It might seem as though it would only make sense to use an MSP for a hosted, cloud, or hybrid B2B integration deployment. Those deployments are already being handled by a third party (either in whole or in part). However, an MSP might be the right choice for an on-premises deployment, too.
Why is that the case? An on-premises deployment is a resource-intensive investment. You not only buy the infrastructure and software, you also need the requisite staff to manage every aspect of maintenance, security, and monitoring. An MSP relieves that burden by handling those tasks; your IT team is free to handle other issues.
Members of the IT department should not fret that they will be replaced by an MSP. Rather, an MSP complements the IT department. The IT department can focus on strategic initiatives that drive the business forward, instead of focusing on necessary, though not necessarily high-value, day-to-day tasks. The IT department is not the only one that benefits from using an MSP; the rest of the company profits, too. Everyone can concentrate on the business’s core activities. Decision-makers will not feel as though they have relinquished control of anything; with an on-premises deployment, the infrastructure is still kept in-house, and the company still owns it.
MSPs Are Partners
What other benefits does an MSP provide? Although the phrase “service provider” is built into its name, MSPs are more than just vendors. They act as partners to organizations. MSPs can help organizations shape IT strategy and advise on new projects besides providing whatever services they are already offering.
It is a myth you need no MSP for an on-premises B2B integration. MSPs can ensure the success of your deployment, keeping you agile and competitive in an uncertain business environment. The right MSP will understand your company and act as a true partner, making suggestions in your best interests. To learn more about choosing the right MSP, contact us today!
Here are additional blogs in this 5 part series:
Scenes from a B2B Integration-Part One: When to Choose an On-Premises Solution
Scenes from a B2B Integration-Part Two: When to Choose a Hosted Solution
Scenes from a B2B Integration-Part Three: When to Choose a Cloud Solution
Scenes from a B2B Integration-Part Four: When to Choose a Hybrid Approach
