The benefits of using a cloud MSP

Simon Edward • 14 June 2024

What do cloud MSPs do? And how can their support benefit your business? Find out in our guide.

Some things in life – and business – are simple enough to set and forget.

A filing cabinet won't rearrange itself – someone has to get in there and jumble the papers. And, to cite a more modern example, a basic local area network (LAN) can pootle along for years with only occasional hair-tearing episodes from IT.

The cloud, however, is a different beast. It's the knot to end all knots. A tangle of virtual networks, virtual storage and virtual machines, which support an equally confusing tangle of software, users and data. Oh, and all of this sits on a very real tangle of wires, connected to very real, power-hungry hardware.

It is, in short, nothing to be sniffed at. But all too often, businesses treat the cloud like a light switch. One flick and your world is bathed in a warm, perpetual glow.

And all too often, these businesses are stung by the reality of managing the cloud. It isn't a light switch. It's more like a coal fire. It needs teams of experts to stoke it, manage it and put things right when things go wrong.

If you don't have these experts on staff, you'll need to recruit them. And even if you're lucky enough to have the world's best IT team, the day-to-day management of the cloud can be operationally challenging – and expensive.

Now, let's not lose sight of the bigger picture. It's not for nought that 98% of companies globally use the cloud. The cloud can create work, sure – but the net result should be a sleeker, leaner, more scalable future for your business.

The cloud makes the big picture even bigger. But wouldn't it be nice if somebody could deal with the operational challenges of the cloud so you could focus your efforts on reaping its benefits?

That's where cloud managed service providers (MSPs) come in.

What is a cloud MSP?

A cloud MSP is a service provider that takes over some or all of your day-to-day cloud management duties.

Picture of a professional looking at very important data on a computer monitor.

Cloud MSPs come in many flavours.

Some specialise in particular aspects of cloud computing, such as security, deployment or backup and disaster recovery.

Others focus on types of clouds. Private cloud MSPs, for instance, can help you procure and deploy your own on-premise hardware and software, as well as assist with security, backups and cloud management.

And then there are the end-to-end cloud MSPs, which deliver hands-off cloud management, security, backup and support as an integrated service.

Cloud computing is a rich and varied field – and this is reflected in the breadth of managed cloud services available. But they all exist to do one thing: take time-consuming management tasks out of your hands. This way, you can devote more of your day to business-critical planning, development and decision-making.

That's the headline benefit. But if we dig deeper, we'll find more cloud-shaped gold to shout about. Let's take a look.

What are the benefits of a cloud MSP?

1. Access expertise on demand

Sure, you could build an in-house team of cloud experts. But this takes time, money and – here's the catch-22 – expertise.

With a cloud MSP, meanwhile, you have access to a crack team of cloud gurus who are ready to hit the ground running. And if you need support or guidance, they're on hand to provide it.

2. Unlock cost savings

Most cloud MSPs operate on a pay-per-use model.

This is the equivalent of using an electricity meter rather than installing a diesel generator in your garden. As you use the service, the meter ticks forward. From time to time, you receive a bill based on the time and services you've used.

This might seem daunting – and potentially expensive. However, if you're smart about your finances, it can unlock several benefits.

For one, it means fewer upfront investments. Hiring and upskilling a cloud management team is expensive, after all. And you'd need to fork out for ongoing training to keep your team abreast of the latest developments.

Picture of an IT training session in action.

Second, it's scalable. You'll need to keep a close eye on your budget, sure. But using a cloud MSP means you can dial up or dial down without hiring, firing or investing in new infrastructure.

3. Enjoy improved security

Cybersecurity isn't a hamster. You can't simply check in occasionally, top up its water bottle and get on with your day.

No. To keep your business secure, you need to be vigilant – and constantly alert. This would be a headache for your internal IT team but is all in a day's work for a cloud MSP.

At bottom, an MSP will ensure your systems are operational, compliant and up-to-date. It's surprisingly easy, after all, to miss an important software upgrade – but with every forgotten security patch, your data becomes easier for hackers to access.

Many MSPs also offer cloud security as a service. This goes above and beyond simple updates and takes us into the ultra-specialised fields of threat detection, monitoring and cloud access security brokers.

Again, this is all stuff that you can handle in-house if you really want to – but for the sake of simplicity and your budget, it's often better to leave it in the hands of the professionals.

4. Ensure business continuity

What if something does go wrong?

Your security posture could be as upright and sturdy as Hercules himself. But in the hyper-connected world of cloud computing, the threat of a data breach or ransomware attack remains very real.

That's why we shouldn't simply prepare for the worst – we should be prepared to expect it.

A cloud MSP can help you implement a robust backup and disaster recovery strategy. This way, you'll minimise disruption, reputational damage and potential legal costs if something goes seriously awry.

And remember: what might be a mountain for you is a mere molehill for a seasoned cloud expert. In the worst-case scenario, having a cool, clear-headed team on board to handle the technical side of things can be priceless.

Ascend is a trusted cloud consultancy and MSP based in Cork, Ireland. We help clients around the globe with expert cloud computing management services and strategic support. Need help to accelerate your ambition? Get in touch with our friendly team to book a free consultation.

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