The Future of IT and Managed Services After the Crisis
2020-04-15
The current situation that everyone is experiencing right now has certainly changed a lot of things. Services that used to function one way are forced to adapt to another, while some have thrived by staying one step ahead of the pack.
Without a doubt, the business landscape will not be the same again, and a new normal could emerge in the coming weeks. Here are some things that you might see become the norm or have more prominent presence after everything has settled down:
The Viability of Work from Home
A lot of companies were hesitant with allowing their workers to work from home, citing issues such as security or reduced productivity. With the forced shift to work from home setups due to the current circumstances, some companies might end up adopting the practice long term, or at the very least have protocols ready should emergencies occur.
Those who manage services in the IT infrastructure might see this as a challenge, particularly with ensuring security amidst allowing certain employees access to the network from their home connection. Not to mention if the client's employee is using their own personal device.
Remote Access: Virtual Desktops vs Dedicated Devices
One possible way of doing so is by setting up virtual desktops for the client's employees, so while they can access their files from home, there shouldn't be any data transfer from the virtual desktop and the employee's personal device. This will also make tracking and restricting access to 3rd party sites or apps, which might help with security and productivity.
But if they're really concerned with security, it would be best to have dedicated laptops for employees that will avail of work from home. It may not be the more cost-effective method, but it would be the best way to remote manage and secure data coming in and out of the device while maintaining local desktop functionality.
Will there be a Big Shift in MSP?
For the most part, big businesses will probably not shift to MSP, though there would be a shift in improving their internal IT departments and their infrastructures. Of course, it's not completely out of the picture, as companies will still weigh their options on how to get the optimum balance of cost and quality of work.
However, there could be a big shift in small companies that employ a break/fix setup to push for acquiring MSP services, as it would be highly beneficial to have someone on retainer that could advise them on practices they can deploy beforehand, so they wouldn't be left one step behind should emergencies and other situations arise in the future.
In the end, as the business landscape is currently shifting, MSP companies also need to change with the times. This will lead to more services that can be pitched to your clients, or improving current services that you offer. Ultimately, it is all about providing the best experience that will leave your clients satisfied with your work.