IT Managed Services Challenges & How You Can Avoid Them
According to a survey by CompTIA, 46% of managed IT service users have reduced their budgets by cutting costs through outsourcing. Despite the promise of savings and efficiency, many still report IT managed services challenges.
Let’s face it: while partnering with an IT managed services provider can offer relief in handling complex technological tasks, it is not without its hiccups.
| As Deborah Walck, COO of Orange County Computer, says, “Navigating the complexities of a company Network Infrastructure requires more than just promises; it demands a proven IT Solution Provider that demands exemplary service and support from their technical experts and strives for the continual productivity and happiness of our client.” |
You’re not alone if you’ve experienced IT Managed Services challenges that have left you scratching your head. These issues can add layers of complexity that defeat the purpose of outsourcing your IT requirements in the first place.
In this blog, we will delve into ten common challenges you might face when working with managed services providers (MSPs).
Common Managed Services Challenges
1. Inadequate Security Services
A significant concern that companies are susceptible to on a daily basis is security issues. In fact, a study by Accenture shows that 68% of business leaders feel their cybersecurity risks are increasing.
Many businesses look to MSPs to provide high-level security services, but sometimes these expectations aren’t met.
Ineffective security protocol can expose a business to cyber threats, intrusions and ransomware, making this one of the most critical challenges faced by IT managed service providers.
2. Lack of Customer Support
An effective Managed Services Provider (MSP) should offer responsive customer support with a 1 – 4 hour turnaround on resolution. However, inconsistent or unresponsive support channels can turn a minor issue into a major headache. Working with small to medium-sized businesses, this becomes a hurdle in leveraging the services offered by an MSP to their fullest potential.
3. Compatibility Issues
Managed Services challenges often include compatibility issues with existing systems. Whether it’s hardware or software, the potential lack of a seamless integration can create a frustrating disconnect in operations when bugs and compatibility interfere with productivity. The time and resources spent on troubleshooting should be better spent on other daily business operations.
4. Limited Scope of Services
It is challenging for MSPs to be a one-stop solution for all IT needs. Sometimes the services offered might not align with the long-term business strategy of the client.
Companies find themselves needing to work with multiple service providers, thus complicating the tech landscape even further.
5. Poorly Defined Contracts
Another issue lies in unclear or limited-scope contracts. These are detrimental to business continuity and often result in misunderstandings. Companies then find themselves stuck in contracts that do not serve their long-term needs adequately.
6. Remote Work Challenges
The rise of the remote workforce home has added further complexities to the IT Managed Services Challenges. Providing efficient remote monitoring services for a distributed workforce is easier said than done.
MSPs find it challenging to adapt to these new work models, often leading to compromised service quality and frustrated employees trying to meet their work deadlines.
7. Sales and Marketing Misalignment
Finally, one cannot overlook the internal challenges MSPs face. For instance, a disconnect between the sales and marketing teams can result in the company not being able to market itself effectively. This issue affects the MSP market as a whole and, consequently, the quality of high-quality services that they can offer.
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8. Sluggish Response Times
One of the frustrations that can come with IT Managed Services challenges is experiencing slow response times from your provider. When every minute counts, delayed responses can result in lost revenue and opportunities, thus creating a ripple effect that hampers business operations.
9. Lack of Full-Time Monitoring
For any business, around-the-clock monitoring is crucial for detecting and responding to issues before they escalate into major problems. The absence of full-time monitoring, particularly for critical infrastructure, can be a significant shortfall.
This often tops the list of managed services providers challenges, as businesses expect MSPs to act as their eyes and ears in the digital realm at all times.
10. Failure in Long-Term Planning
30% of IT projects fail due to a lack of clear goals. While MSPs are good at managing immediate IT needs, they sometimes fall short in strategic long-term planning.
The inability to develop long-term IT strategies can affect a business’s scalability and growth, making this a notable challenge of IT Managed Services providers.
Long-term strategies are not just about maintaining the present; they’re about planning for future growth and scalability, which is often overlooked.
Impact Assessment of Common IT Managed Services Challenges
| IT Managed Services Challenges | Business Impact |
| Security Issues | Very High |
| Slow Response Times | High |
| Lack of Full-Time Monitoring | Moderate |
| Unable to Develop Long-Term IT Strategies | High |
| Delayed Responses | Moderate |
| Lack of Customer Support | High |
| Unresolved Client Technical Issues | High |
| Compatibility Issues | Moderate |
| Poorly Defined Contracts | High |
| Remote Work Challenges | High |
| Sales & Marketing Misalignment | Moderate |
| Limited Scope of Services | Moderate |
Say Goodbye to Managed IT Services Challenges With Orange County Computer
If your business is on the receiving end of any of these Managed Services challenges, it’s time to make a switch. Orange County Computer comes with an impressive track record of over 25 years of experience in resolving IT Managed Services Challenges.
Trusted Managed IT Services in Orange County |
With our team of service-minded experts, you can expect robust solutions tailored to your business needs, ensuring that you never have to compromise on quality, security, or efficiency.
Don’t let these common challenges hold you back. Partner with Orange County Computer to elevate your IT infrastructure, network security and daily business operations.