IT MSPs: Key drivers in the digital transformation of businesses

In the ever-changing landscape of information technology, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) hold a pivotal role.

These organizations are instrumental in enabling businesses to navigate a successful digital transformation, providing a suite of services that extend far beyond basic IT upkeep.

This article delves into the roles, advantages, and challenges of incorporating IT and audiovisual MSPs into the corporate ecosystem.

Definition and role of MSPs

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are firms that specialize in the remote management of a company’s IT infrastructure, systems, and operations.

Their primary objective is to deliver technical support and management services that allow companies to concentrate on their main business activities, while ensuring they benefit from a top-tier IT setup.

To achieve this, MSPs utilize a suite of sophisticated technical tools to provide businesses with three key services: swift repairs in case of malfunctions (reactive measures), proactive problem prevention (predictive maintenance and IT oversight), and the guarantee of daily optimal system performance, thus significantly reducing the likelihood of service disruptions.

MSPs tailor their offerings to meet the unique needs of each client, creating customized, flexible solutions that can be modified, paused, or expanded as necessary.

Services offered by MSPs

• Infrastructure management and monitoring: MSPs vigilantly monitor and manage servers, networks, and information systems to ensure their seamless and secure operation.
• Technical support: They provide continuous technical support, often available 24/7, to swiftly address and resolve any IT issues that may emerge.
• Data security: MSPs deploy sophisticated cybersecurity measures to shield businesses from digital threats.
• Data backup and recovery: They offer comprehensive backup and recovery services to safeguard against the loss of crucial data.
• Systems consulting and optimization: MSPs guide businesses on IT best practices and assist in optimizing their IT infrastructures.

MSP: the benefits

• Focus on core business: Entrusting IT management to an MSP enables companies to concentrate on their primary objectives, thereby enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
• Reduced costs: MSPs help lower the expenses related to IT system management through resource optimization and eliminating the need for significant investments in hardware and specialized personnel.
• Expertise and flexibility: Businesses gain access to the knowledge of skilled professionals and enjoy flexible IT infrastructure management, allowing for swift adaptation to changing requirements and new opportunities.
• Enhanced security: In the digital age, data security is crucial. MSPs bring specialized cybersecurity expertise, providing protection levels customized to address specific threats.

MSP: disadvantages

• Shared human resources management: An external company takes over human resource management, implementing its policies. Consequently, responsibilities such as staff turnover, employee motivation, mobility, and prioritization are jointly managed by the company and the subcontractor.
• Outsourcing of process and expertise capitalization: The expertise and knowledge accumulated within the company are held by the staff of the MSP, ensuring that critical processes and know-how are maintained by specialized professionals.
• Sovereignty concerns: Essential tasks related to security or organization might be delegated to third parties. This means company leaders cannot solely depend on employment contracts to guarantee the loyalty, availability, and transparency of their pivotal resources.

The pivotal role of MSPs in the development of AV solutions

In the modern corporate environment, the integration of audiovisual (AV) technologies is an extension of the missions traditionally assigned to IT services. This convergence encourages organizations to seek the support of their information technology partners to meet their AV equipment and service needs. Simultaneously, it paves the way for Managed Service Providers to expand their offerings by including customized AV solutions, thereby aligning more closely with their clients’ expectations.

It’s worth noting that the traditional AV product portfolio (screens, cameras, MTRs, codecs, etc.) should be expanded to include network equipment: switches, cabling, AV over IP, etc.

However, companies often face a dilemma: opting for standard AV solutions, which may not suit their specific needs, or turning to highly customized installations, which can be costlier and more complex to manage. This dichotomy has limitations, both for end-users in search of tailored functionalities and for MSPs looking to grow their business through innovation and the provision of value-added services.

The strategies to consider involve a thorough analysis of the communication and collaboration needs of businesses, the assessment of the latest AV technological innovations, and the implementation of scalable solutions that integrate audiovisuals into the heart of existing IT infrastructures. MSPs must therefore offer flexible AV architectures that can adapt to technological advancements and changing client demands, while ensuring simplified management and seamless integration with IT systems.

AVaaS: Revolutionizing audiovisual integration through the MSP Model

The concept of Audiovisual as a Service, or AVaaS, embodies a subscription model that allows organizations to access cutting-edge audiovisual services through a specialized provider in exchange for a fixed monthly payment. This approach offers a tailored solution to the unique needs of each business, removing the financial barrier posed by significant initial investments in audiovisual expertise.

AVaaS draws inspiration from the economic model of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), which is highly acclaimed for providing access to software applications without the need for expensive license purchases. In the SaaS model, recurring fees replace initial purchases, enabling businesses to manage their operational expenses more effectively while benefiting from the latest technology. Similarly, AVaaS often includes additional services such as maintenance, equipment updates, and technical support, promising significant long-term savings and simplifying the management of audiovisual resources.

A real-world example: MOET by Motilde

Motilde offers its clients the opportunity to leverage its expertise in audiovisual project and asset management through its MOET service: Master of Expertise Execution.

Specifically, Motilde’s expert engineers implement the entire AV product lifecycle using a SaaS PLM (Product Life Management) solution:

• Project Management
• Asset Management
• Operational Management
• Real-time IT supervision of the entire inventory

They perform these tasks within the framework of KPI monitoring by the client company. The latter transparently purchases its hardware and software directly from manufacturers or through Motilde. Therefore, AV purchasing decisions—made by experts—are not marred by concerns over equipment markups. If you also believe that your IT department should focus on core business functions rather than managing AV/IT infrastructure, don’t hesitate to reach out for a case study of your company.