Remote/Hybrid Workforce
solutions have become well established in the enterprise market, reach and service to the SMB market has traditionally been more challenging. But, this is changing and most of the vendor community recognised the available SMB opportunity. As a result, it sought out relationships with SMB focused CSPs, who can aid MSPs. As we’ve all seen, the Covid-19 pandemic
has driven a dramatic increase in cloud adoption too, with social distancing restrictions recently increasing the need for remote working and cloud solutions. Over 50% of UK business leaders say the shiſt to a cloud business model, ultimately, saved their company from collapse during the height of the pandemic. Also, when it comes to embracing the cloud, it’s easier for recently established SMBs; as they’ve typically been ‘born’ in the cloud, when it comes to their technology usage and adoption. Tese smaller organisations who take a cloud-first approach are a ‘new generation’ of business owners too. Tey understand the opportunity and risks from cloud services.
Opportunity vs Risk Mindset is everything when it comes to business survival, and oſten means comparing benefits to risks. When it comes to rolling out digital changes, the opportunities that come from new technologies tend to outweigh the risks. Te cloud benefits businesses by providing
them with the resilience and scalability they need. SMBs can adapt as they grow and react to market changes; such as their move to remote working, using appropriate cloud soſtware - rather than being restricted by an on-premise infrastructure. Add in the
importance of flexible financial models and better business protection during a time when cybersecurity is also priority, cloud becomes more compelling. And, with 43% of small businesses being victims of cyber- attacks, it’s clear that
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SMBs would want security to be included in the cloud too. However, despite the confidence and
opportunity that cloud provides, it can be seen as a risk for IT teams, whether they’re in- house or outsourced partners. Tis is because when implementing cloud, IT must ensure that any technology used truly contributes to the business and keeps information safe, rather than seeing that firm accidentally become the next ‘data breach’ news headline. Tis means that the CSP community needs
to provide MSPs confidence that they have a strong technology roadmap that will be able to protect their clients’ data from security breaches and more.
How the Channel can Support Oſten aſter an economic downturn, there is an increase in new smaller businesses that enter the market, as insurance companies have seen large year-on-year increases of SMBs. Going forward, these new SMBs aim to have flexibility and scalability, especially if hybrid working is here to stay, as they’ll require more bespoke cloud-based solutions. So, SMBs will turn to IT service providers for their tech needs, as 73% of small businesses identify that developing a digital infrastructure is a key priority. But to be successful, MSPs should be choosing the right services for their customers to benefit from. Tis means MSPs must provide the right
mix of technology to their customers as they build their IT estate, beyond offering unified communications suites. Monitoring
market trends and understanding the needs of their customers is vital here. Again, this is where the role of cloud solution providers (CSP) is key, in that they need to collaborate effectively with their MSP partners to ensure they are aware of the latest technologies available to them, to offer to their clients. Specifically, for SMB end-users, working
with a partner who’s focused on the smaller business market enables them to access the right products to support their growth, as they move from basic requirements to more advanced needs. Once more, specialist SMB- focused CSPs, with strong and relevant vendor partnerships, and a solid technology roadmap, can play a key role in supporting MSPs effectively, as they strive to capitalise on the SMB market and grow their customer base. Small businesses are the engine of the
UK economy. Tey provide jobs for local people and contribute to driving forward innovation, exporting to the world, and investing in the next generation of talent. Agile business models have never been more important in today’s climate too. To be able to respond to unexpected situations, such as COVID-19, SMBs are paving the way for future growth. Moreover, the landscape is ever-changing as we increasingly move into a digitally-led world. However, it’s the resilience and creativity of this SMB community that will continue to drive business success into the new normal – but only if MSPs can provide them with the right tools, technology and education to survive and grow.
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