Here are a few of the top information technology trends that our managed service provider clients are most likely to be embracing in the year to come.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
According to a biannual survey of SMB IT intentions by Spiceworks, Inc., almost 59% of small-midsize businesses already support the BYOD trend, with the trend even more popular in companies with less than 20 employees.
In actuality, many people were talking about this trend a long time before they started doing it. However, it’s expected to be adopted widely in the coming year. That means more MSPs and IT solution providers will find themselves required to recommend to what extent their clients should support these devices within their infrastructure.
Many of those recommendations should include information about implementing increased security measures, such as virtual desktop infrastructure; or specifying which pieces of equipment and configurations should be allowed to connect to the network. In addition, MSPs would benefit from having a template ready for their clients, based on appropriate BYOD policies.
The BYOD trend also has an effect on the infrastructure in the form of corporate wireless network investments. Many companies tend to struggle with so many devices competing for a connection.
- Cloud Adoption within Small Businesses
Companies are increasingly interested in cloud infrastructure and application services. More than 62% of the SMBs surveyed by Spiceworks are currently using some type of cloud-based service. By 2014, studies by Logicalis IT provider suggest that nearly 80% of organizations will pursue a private cloud strategy.
Cloud adoption is growing rapidly in popularity, and CRN predicts that by 2014, small businesses will spend almost $100 billion altogether on cloud-based services.
- Disaster Recovery
Regardless of the region you’re located in, there’s a clear correlation between the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, The Calgary floods of 2013, and the most recent flooding in Colorado leading towards the popularity of businesses adopting recovery options. Following these weather events, numerous businesses across these regions were offline for days in New York, New Jersey, Calgary, High River, and Colorado.
We hope and pray that businesses understand the importance of disaster recovery plans, and they’re more willing to update their strategies regularly, as well as consider cloud infrastructure away from their headquarters location.
This leads us to an important question: when was the last time you discussed disaster recovery plans with your clients?
- Enterprise Content Management
Microsoft SharePoint content management and collaboration technology adoption has increased over the past few years. Approximately 63% of midsize businesses are using the platform to organize and share information, according to Forrester Research.
TechNavio’s analysts estimate that the Global Enterprise Content Management will increase to $9.6 billion in 2014.
What Are You Planning to Recommend to Your Clients in 2014?
Here is an additional trend not mentioned in any of the research to date: companies simply want all of this IT to work. Globally, leaders of companies want technology solutions that help drive efficiencies and aid in them producing quality results. They also want a managed services provider who takes care of their entire enterprise. They’re looking for an outsourced IT department and a trusted technology advisor who can help make informed business decisions.
The days of the computer fix-it guy are over. Many of the once cream of the crop computer stores are being squeezed out by cloud technologies and low-cost devices. In Calgary, Computer Trends was once a leader in providing refurbished computers. However, after 22 years, Computer Trends is closing their doors.
Ulistic provides your managed services business with a fully-outsourced marketing department for your managed services business. If we can help your business, please give us a call at 716.799.1999 x102.
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