Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services in the Middle Market

Managed IT Services (#msps) and Managed Security Services Providers (#mssps) can benefit #middlemarket companies with smaller internal IT departments. These services allow companies to outsource the management and maintenance of their IT infrastructure and security systems to specialized providers, freeing up internal resources and enabling businesses to focus on their core competencies. In this article, we will explore the benefits of MSPs and MSSPs for middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments, as well as some critical considerations for choosing the right provider.

What are MSPs and MSSPs?

MSPs provide a range of IT services on a subscription basis, including managing and maintaining IT infrastructures, such as servers, networks, and workstations. MSPs can provide various services, including support and troubleshooting, software and hardware installation, and data backup and recovery.

MSSPs are companies that provide managed security services, such as cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and incident response. MSSPs can help businesses protect their assets and data from cyber threats, including malware, viruses, and hackers.

Benefits of MSPs and MSSPs for Middle-Market Companies

Middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments can benefit from MSPs and MSSPs in several ways, including:

1. Cost savings: MSPs and MSSPs can help middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments save money by reducing the need for in-house IT staff and resources. By outsourcing these services, companies can avoid the costs associated with hiring, training, and retaining IT staff and purchasing and maintaining IT infrastructure.
2. Improved efficiency: MSPs and MSSPs can also help middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments improve their efficiency by providing expert support and services on a 24/7 basis. This can help companies avoid downtime and reduce the burden on their internal IT staff, enabling them to focus on more strategic tasks.
3. Enhanced security: MSSPs can provide middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments with enhanced security by providing specialized cybersecurity services. These services can help businesses protect their assets and data from cyber threats, ensuring that security breaches do not disrupt their operations.
4. Scalability: MSPs and MSSPs can also provide middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments with the flexibility to scale their IT and security services as their needs change. This can be particularly useful for companies that experience rapid growth or changes in their business operations.
5. Access to expertise: MSPs and MSSPs can provide middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments with access to expertise and resources that they may not have in-house. By working with experienced providers, companies can leverage the knowledge and expertise of IT and security professionals to improve their operations.

Key Considerations for Choosing an MSP or MSSP

When choosing an MSP or MSSP, middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments should consider the following factors:

1. Services offered: It is vital to choose an MSP or MSSP that offers the specific services that your company needs. For example, if you are looking for managed security services, you should choose an MSSP specializing in cybersecurity.
2. Reputation: It is also important to choose an MSP or MSSP with a good reputation and track record in the market. Decision makers overseeing a mid-market organization's technology function should look for providers with a track record of delivering high-quality customer service.
3. Pricing: Consider the pricing of different MSPs and MSSPs to ensure you get the best value for your money. Compare the services and pricing of different providers to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
4. Support: Look for MSPs and MSSPs that offer a high level of support and are responsive to customer needs. This can be particularly important in the event of a problem or emergency.
5. Compatibility: Make sure that the MSP or MSSP you choose is compatible with your current IT infrastructure and systems. This will ensure that the transition to the new provider goes smoothly and that your operations are not disrupted.

Illustrative List of Industries Well-Positioned to Benefit from a Hybrid Insourced/Outsourced Technology Group

Some industries and verticals in which middle-market companies may be particularly likely to see value from outsourcing IT and security services include:

1. Healthcare: The healthcare industry has a high demand for IT and security services due to the sensitive nature of the data being handled. MSPs and MSSPs can provide healthcare companies with the expertise and resources to effectively manage and protect their IT and security systems.
2. Financial services: Financial services companies also have a high demand for IT and security services due to the sensitive nature of their data and the importance of maintaining compliance. MSPs and MSSPs can help financial services companies manage and protect their IT and security systems.
3. Retail: Retail companies may also see value in outsourcing IT and security services to MSPs and MSSPs. These services can help retailers manage their IT infrastructure and protect against cyber threats, ensuring that security breaches or other issues do not disrupt their operations.
4. Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies may also see value in outsourcing IT and security services to MSPs and MSSPs. These services can help manufacturers manage their IT infrastructure and protect against cyber threats, enabling them to focus on their core competencies.
5. Education: Educational institutions may also see value in outsourcing IT and security services to MSPs and MSSPs. These services can help educational institutions manage their IT infrastructure and protect against cyber threats, ensuring that security breaches or other issues do not disrupt their operations.

Middle-market companies in various industries and verticals can see value by outsourcing a portion of their IT function to MSPs and MSSPs. By leveraging these services, companies can improve their IT and security operations and focus on their core competencies.

Specific Services to Consider Outsourcing in the Middle Market

Some of the primary complementary services that MSPs and MSSPs, such as Airiam (see this relevant recent conversation with Conor Quinlan and Art Ocain ) offer middle-market companies with existing internal IT departments include:

1. #Resilience (see related The Role of Cyber Resilience in the World of Cybersecurity article)
2. Cybersecurity and #threatintelligence: MSSPs can provide cybersecurity and threat intelligence services to help companies protect against cyber threats. This can include monitoring potential threats, providing intelligence on emerging threats, and responding to security breaches and other incidents.
3. #Backups and Disaster Recovery (#DRaaS)
4. #manageddetectionandresponse (MDR)
5. Remote monitoring and management: MSPs and MSSPs can provide remote monitoring and management services to help companies manage their IT infrastructure and security systems. This can include monitoring for issues and alerts and proactively managing and maintaining IT and security systems to ensure that they are running smoothly.
6. Help desk and technical support: MSPs and MSSPs can provide help desk and technical support services to help companies troubleshoot and resolve IT and security issues. This can include phone and email support and on-site support as needed.
7. Software and hardware maintenance: MSPs and MSSPs can provide software and hardware maintenance services to help companies keep their IT and security systems up to date. This can include installing software updates, patches, and security fixes and maintaining and repairing hardware as needed.
8. Data backup and recovery: MSPs and MSSPs can provide data backup and recovery services to help companies protect their data and systems in the event of a disaster or other issues. This can include frequent backups of data and systems and the ability to restore data and systems if they are compromised quickly.

Overall, MSPs and MSSPs can offer complementary services to middle-market companies with existing internal IT departments. These services can help companies augment their in-house IT and security capabilities and improve their operations. By leveraging these services, companies can focus on their core competencies while ensuring that their IT and security needs are met.

It is important to note that while MSPs and MSSPs can provide valuable complementary services to middle-market companies with existing internal IT departments, they should not be seen as a replacement for in-house IT staff; instead, most organizations with between 100 and 500 employees are best served by maintaining a balance between in-house and outsourced IT resources to ensure that your company has the expertise and resources it needs to manage its IT and security operations effectively.

Additionally, these companies should carefully consider their unique IT and security needs before choosing an MSP or MSSP. This can help ensure they select a provider with expertise tailored to these needs, maximizing the likelihood of getting the most value for an investment in complementary outsourced IT and #cybersecurity services. Decision-making executives should review the terms of service and contracts with MSPs and MSSPs to ensure they get the services and support they need.

Overall, MSPs and MSSPs can provide valuable complementary services to middle-market companies with existing internal IT departments. By carefully considering their needs and choosing the right provider, companies can leverage these services to improve their IT and security operations and focus on their core competencies.

However, specialization in #resilience (including #backupsolutions, #pentesting, Security Operations Centers - i.e., MDR, and #incidentresponse - i.e., IR) are most certainly the most important areas to focus on if you have a team in-house that is capable of managing day-to-day IT operations. Managed Service vendors that have insights from navigating #ransomwareattacks directly on the front lines, internal #cybersecurity expertise, and proprietary #XDR software provide a highly-synergistic feedback loop and level of intelligence that complement internal teams the most. There are a growing number of organizations that cover each of these bases similarly to Airiam .

Conclusion

MSPs and MSSPs can provide many benefits for middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments, including cost savings, improved efficiency, enhanced security, scalability, and access to expertise. By carefully considering the services offered, reputation, pricing, support, and compatibility of different providers, middle-market companies can choose the MSP or MSSP that best fits their needs.

It is important to note that while MSPs and MSSPs can provide significant benefits for middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments, they are not a replacement for in-house IT staff. It is crucial to balance in-house and outsourced IT resources to ensure that your company has the expertise and resources to manage its IT operations effectively.

Also, middle-market companies need to clearly understand their IT and security needs before choosing an MSP or MSSP. To establish this clarity, leadership teams and boards of directors stand to benefit from getting initial assessments (through audits, penetration tests, etc.) to triangulate where they are most vulnerable and which provider is best suited to their organizations' needs.

Finally, it is essential to review the terms of service and contracts with MSPs and MSSPs to ensure you get the services and support you need. Please be sure to fully understand the scope of the services provided and any exclusions or limitations to ensure your organization gets the protection and support it needs.

Overall, MSPs and MSSPs can create tangible value for middle-market companies with smaller internal IT departments. By carefully considering your needs and choosing the right provider, you can leverage these services to improve your IT and security operations and focus on your core competencies.