The lesser-known benefits of partnering with a Cloud Managed Service Provider

Paul Sells, CTO of Cloud Direct, shares his insight and experience on what it really means to partner with a cloud managed service provider.

Cloud computing has become an integral cog in the machine of many businesses, but managing cloud infrastructure and applications can be a complex and time-consuming task, especially for businesses that lack the necessary skills and resources. That’s why many businesses choose to partner with a cloud managed service provider (CMSP), who can take care of cloud operations and maintenance, freeing the business to focus on its core competencies and to drive innovation. 

Many of the benefits of partnering with a CMSP are well-known, such as round the clock support and assistance, access to additional skills/resources, to help deliver cost savings, scalability, security, compliance, and reliability. However, there are also some benefits that don’t steal the headlines, ones that can really add value to your business and give you a competitive edge. We think it’s high time we shout about them.

Insights into new technologies

Cloud technology is constantly evolving and introducing new features and capabilities. A good CMSP will help you stay updated and informed about the latest trends and innovations in the cloud market; a great CMSP will have forged close ties with cloud providers such as Microsoft. Through them, you will then have early access to new features and insights into upcoming changes, and the chance to evaluate and adopt the ones that are relevant and beneficial for your business. This can help you improve your products and services, enhance your customer experience, and gain a competitive advantage.

Cross-industry experience

Your chosen provider will typically work with clients from different industries and sectors and have exposure to various use cases and scenarios. This can give them a broader and deeper perspective on how to leverage cloud solutions for different business challenges and opportunities. By partnering with a CMSP, you can benefit from their cross-industry experience and insights and apply them to your own business context. 

An expansive network

A CMSP can help you connect with a diverse range of cloud partners and vendors that can offer you specialised solutions and services that complement your cloud strategy. For example, they can help you find the best managed security provider for your security & compliance needs, or the best networking provider for your connectivity requirements. A CMSP can also help you negotiate better deals and discounts with these partners and vendors, as they have established relationships and leverage in the cloud market. Often, they will have integrated their ITSM platforms and operations with that of the partner and be act as a single point of contact streamlining support and reducing vendor complexity. Remember, it’s often about who you know.

Targeted outcomes

A provider is not just a vendor who sells you cloud services and products – they are a partner who works with you to understand your business objectives and challenges, and design and deliver cloud solutions that are tailored to your specific needs and expectations. A CMSP is focused on delivering outcomes that matter to your business, such as improving efficiency, productivity, quality, customer satisfaction, and revenue.

An outside perspective

Sometimes, internal stakeholders may have conflicting interests and agendas when it comes to cloud decisions, such as which cloud provider to use, which services to adopt, and how to allocate the budget. This can lead to delays, inefficiencies, and suboptimal outcomes. By partnering with a CMSP, you can leverage their impartial and objective advice, based on their experience and best practices, and make decisions that are aligned with your business goals and needs, bypassing the hurdles of internal politics.

Upskilling

By working with a CMSP, your internal IT staff can learn from the experts and gain new skills and knowledge in cloud technologies to further improve their performance, satisfaction and, ultimately, retention. With these new skills, internal IT staff can start to deliver more value to the business. Upskilling could happen either formally or informally during the initial cloud adoption phase, during delivery of a specific project or organically during BAU operations. 

Shared learning

As Cloud Direct’s CTO, I regularly communicate with other CTOs within the customer base to exchange insights, understand goals, challenges and issues, and offer advice and knowledge based on my own experiences. Based on the feedback received, I can ensure our products and services match customers need and align with their strategy resulting in better overall outcomes. When customers and CMSP staff connect at all levels, they build mutual trust, close knowledge and lasting relationships that make the CMSP an extension to the business, all of which can, in turn, benefit your business.

Written by

Paul Sells
Chief Technology Officer, Cloud Direct
LinkedIn

You can level up your cloud strategy by partnering with a successful, experience cloud managed service provider like Cloud Direct. To find out more about how we can help you, let’s talk.