The development of MSPs began around the 1990s with the surfacing of application service providers (ASPs) that offered remote application hosting services. ASPs helped pave the path for cloud computing and enterprises that would provide remote assistance for customers’ IT infrastructure. For most of the part, MSPs focused on Remote Management and Monitoring (RMM) of networks and servers. Over time, MSPs have considerably expanded the compass of their services in a bid to distinguish themselves from other providers.
In today’s highly competitive landscape, most businesses are striving to find ways to optimize the management of apps, data centers, and cybersecurity. Managed IT services can play a crucial role in improving operational performance and mitigating the overhead cost.
In line with the recent technological upheaval, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are investing in emerging technologies such as cloud, IoT, blockchain, and machine learning to help businesses apply technology in the most innovative, targeted and effective way. Additionally, MSPs are leveraging analytics models to design and run processes and to achieve automation in IT operations. On the heels of the advent of cutting-edge technologies, MSPs have redesigned their business strategy to integrate these technologies into the clients’ IT infrastructure through a range of enterprise-level services, including Agile delivery, application development, and management, big data and analytics, among others. Further, MSPs are embracing the latest cybersecurity trends to fortify the enterprise IT infrastructure against security threats and vulnerabilities.
Since previously high visibility malware attack was a concern on a global scale, most businesses will look to MSPs to ensure a protected service infrastructure is in place before making their provider selection. So, MSP business models that take the aspect into consideration will lead with a strong point of differentiation.
Also, since enterprises are reaching mass cloud adoption, more MSPs are working to provide services that can be delivered as-a-Service. While additionally, MSPs are also being prepared for the early adopters of the AI and IoT. The powerful tools are being harnessed to enhance business productivity. So, the best service providers can guide businesses in incorporating the technologies efficiently or collaborate with experts in the industry to make sure their clients have the option.
Typically, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are MSP customers. Smaller companies have limited in-house IT capabilities, so they may analyze an MSP’s service offering as a way to gain IT expertise. However, larger enterprises also contract with MSPs. For instance, government agencies facing hiring limitations or budget pressure may contract with an MSP to supplement in-house IT staff. So, with multiple MSPs in the marketplace, CIOs often find it challenging to choose the right vendor for their outsourcing needs.
To assist companies to select the best managed IT service vendors, a panel of prominent CEOs, VCs, CIOs, analysts alongside the CIO Applications Europe’s editorial board has evaluated and assessed scores of managed IT service providers that are at the forefront in managed services landscape and shortlisted the ones that are distinctly prominent in the field.
We present the “Top 10 Managed IT services Companies - 2018.”
