In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and unprecedented disruptions, IT leaders are tasked with navigating a landscape fraught with disruptions, complexities and uncertainties. According to McKinsey research, companies report that one month or more of disruptions occur every 3.7 years, resulting in losses worth almost 45 percent of one year’s EBITDA over the course of a decade.
Operational resilience has thus emerged as a critical strategic priority, enabling organizations to withstand and swiftly recover from adverse events, ensuring continuity and stability. Central to this mission is the adoption of managed services, a strategic approach that is rapidly becoming a cornerstone in the toolkit of savvy IT leaders.
Managed services providers offer a range of services, from network management and cybersecurity to cloud infrastructure and data analytics. By leveraging managed services, organizations can focus on their core business functions while ensuring their IT operations are robust and resilient.
The Need for Operational Resilience
Operational resilience is the ability of an organization to continue delivering critical services despite disruptions caused by geopolitical upheaval, economic uncertainties, hardware failures, cybercrime, supply chain challenges, weather-related incidents, software issues or human error. According to a survey by PwC, 96% of organizations have experienced disruptions in the past two years with 76% of them having a medium-to-high impact on operations. As a result, 89% of business leaders consider resilience one of their most important strategic priorities.
How Managed Services Enhance Operational Resilience
1. 24/7 Monitoring and Support
Managed services providers (MSPs) offer round-the-clock monitoring and support, ensuring that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly. This continuous oversight helps prevent downtime and ensures that IT systems are always operational.
2. Scalability
One of the significant advantages of managed services is scalability. MSPs provide flexible solutions that can easily adapt to the changing needs of an organization. Whether scaling up during peak periods or scaling down during slower times, managed services ensure that IT infrastructure remains resilient and cost-effective.
3. Advanced Cybersecurity
Cyber threats are a significant concern for IT leaders. Managed services offer robust cybersecurity measures, including threat detection, incident response, and compliance management. With managed services, organizations can safeguard their data and systems against potential breaches.
4. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
MSPs provide comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity solutions. These services include data backup, recovery plans, and regular testing to ensure that systems can be quickly restored in the event of a disruption. According to a survey by ITIC, the hourly cost of downtime now exceeds $300,000 for 91% of enterprises, with 44% of mid-sized and large enterprises reporting that a single hour of downtime, can potentially cost their businesses over one million dollars, emphasizing the importance of efficient disaster recovery.3
5. Expertise and Innovation Managed services bring specialized expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence and automation and the latest technological innovations to an organization. MSPs stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements, allowing businesses to benefit from cutting-edge technologies without the need for significant in-house investment.
6. Enhanced End-User Experience
A key element of operational resilience is the end-user experience. A PwC study reveals that 32% of customers would abandon a beloved brand after a single negative encounter.4 Managed services offer comprehensive service desk and help desk support, ensuring employees receive prompt IT assistance. This support boosts productivity, satisfaction, and operational stability. By swiftly and effectively resolving employee concerns, businesses can sustain smooth operations and minimize disruptions, benefiting both the workforce and clientele.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managed services are a strategic tool for IT leaders aiming to build operational resilience. By providing continuous monitoring, scalability, advanced cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and access to specialized expertise, managed services enable organizations to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape effectively. As operational threats continue to evolve, the adoption of managed services will be instrumental in ensuring that businesses remain resilient, competitive, and customer-focused.
To learn more about how managed services can enhance your organization’s operational resilience, schedule a consultation with one of our experts today. Equip your IT infrastructure with the tools it needs to thrive in the face of adversity.