Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) can access expertise comparable to that of larger enterprises while also enhancing their internal capabilities by utilizing managed services. By outsourcing key functions such as IT, HR, finance, and customer support to managed service providers (MSPs), SMBs can concentrate more on their strategic objectives.
A 2022 report from JumpCloud revealed that nearly 88% of SMBs have engaged managed service providers, primarily for IT and operational support.
According to Ron Walker, U.S. leader for managed services at KPMG, “Managed service providers have a comprehensive understanding of technologies and industry challenges because they manage a diverse range of operations. They possess broader knowledge of systems architecture and ways to optimize it compared to an organization or individual who may only be familiar with their own infrastructure.”
He adds, “Without a strong understanding of architecture from the outset, SMBs risk committing to costly fixes later. A managed service provider offers the necessary insights to avoid that.”
How SMBs Can Minimize Cybersecurity Risks
Small businesses face heightened vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, especially with the rise of remote work and increasingly sophisticated attacks like phishing and ransomware. A 2024 report from Acronis found that email-based attacks have surged by 293% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with many small businesses at higher risk due to their use of outdated or free software.
Managed service providers offer several tools to help protect businesses, including penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and continuous network monitoring.
For SMBs in specialized industries, such as financial services, partnering with a managed service provider who understands the unique challenges of that sector can be particularly valuable. An MSP brings expertise in areas like ransomware prevention and system upgrades. As Walker explains, “An in-house IT team often lacks the broader perspective that comes from managing multiple environments, which is where an MSP can offer real-world solutions.”
Leveraging Managed Services to Scale Internal Resources
Managed service providers also help SMBs scale their operations effectively, ensuring better accessibility for their customers. According to a 2024 Datto report, 83% of managed service providers offer cloud infrastructure design and management services.
As businesses grow, the challenges often expand as well. Walker points out that scaling solutions, such as automation and AI, should be tailored to the unique needs of a business and not be implemented as one-size-fits-all solutions. “Smaller businesses typically don’t have the same access to automation tools as larger companies, but MSPs already incorporate these technologies into their service models, which can be a significant advantage,” he says.
He also highlights that managed services are often the most cost-effective way to maintain security. “Rather than hiring full-time experts or contracting temporary consultants, SMBs can tap into the specialized expertise of MSPs,” Walker notes. “As IT environments, especially those based in the cloud, evolve rapidly, small businesses might struggle to keep up with these constant changes on their own.”
Next Up: The Benefits of Staff Augmentation for SMBs
Walker compares using managed services to leasing versus buying. While there are advantages and disadvantages to both, he believes that a solid governance model is key to maximizing the benefits of managed services. “It’s important to establish clear goals and objectives and implement a robust governance framework to guide the relationship,” Walker advises. “Regularly assessing the provider’s performance based on clear, outcome-driven metrics is crucial. Trust is essential in these partnerships, and treating your MSP as a true partner, rather than just a vendor, yields the best results.”
For small and mid-sized businesses looking to enhance their security, streamline operations, and scale effectively, ITRegulators offers expert managed IT services in Chicago. Our team of professionals can help you navigate the complexities of IT, ensuring your systems are secure, optimized, and aligned with your strategic goals. Whether it’s cybersecurity, cloud management, or specialized IT solutions, ITRegulators provides tailored services to meet your needs. Trust us to be your partner in managing the challenges of modern technology, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.
