The changing face of IT outsourcing: beyond lift and shift towards pioneering innovation

IT outsourcing has been around for a while now, but the approach has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Initially, outsourcing services used to revolve around lifting and shifting operations to a third-party provider without much focus on strategic alignment. However, this traditional approach has evolved and businesses are now looking beyond simply maintaining their existing systems. Organisations are now partnering with outsourcing providers that can help create value and drive change and innovation in their respective industries. In this blog post, we will discuss the changing face of IT outsourcing and explore how outsourcing partners are now enabling businesses to pioneer innovation.

The traditional approach to outsourcing primarily involved lifting and shifting operations to an external service provider. Businesses would transfer their IT infrastructure to the provider, who would then maintain and manage it on their behalf. This approach required minimal involvement from the business and was seen as a cost-cutting measure. While this approach may have worked in the past, it did not provide much opportunity for strategic alignment or leveraging innovation.

How has this changed?

The shift we are now seeing in IT outsourcing is that organisations are partnering with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that are innovative enablers. These partnerships go beyond just maintaining existing systems and now focus on creating value through innovation. MSPs with advanced capabilities can provide an array of IT offerings such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, allowing businesses to tap into the latest emerging technologies. MSPs have the expertise and resources required to stay competitive and drive innovation in the market, which is becoming essential in today's hyper-competitive world.

In the modern IT outsourcing landscape, a consultative-led approach is gaining ground, where MSPs act not just as service providers, but as extensions of the in-house IT team. This approach goes beyond traditional transactional relationships and leans towards strategic partnerships. The MSPs work closely with businesses to understand their unique needs and challenges, subsequently tailoring solutions to align with their objectives.

Cultural alignment is another critical aspect of these partnerships. When the MSP shares the same values, business ethics, and goals as the organisation, it leads to a more harmonious relationship and efficient operations. The MSP and the in-house team can work together seamlessly, fostering an environment of mutual growth and learning.

This symbiotic relationship, where the MSP adopts a consultative role and aligns with the organisation's culture, generates tangible value for businesses. It enables organisations to leverage the expertise of MSPs, stay abreast of technological advancements, and drive innovation without losing their core business focus. Such strategic partnerships are at the heart of today's IT outsourcing evolution, delivering far more than just cost savings, but true value and competitive advantage.

What are the core benefits of working with an MSP?

MSPs offering advanced IT solutions provide numerous benefits to businesses that partner with them. Firstly, partnering with a provider who can provide emerging technologies such as AI and cutting edge collaboration tools helps businesses unlock new opportunities. Secondly, working with an MSP greatly enhances a business's agility and scalability, enabling them to respond rapidly to changing market conditions and customer demands. Thirdly, MSPs ensure business continuity through robust cyber security measures and round-the-clock support, minimising downtime and disruption. Lastly, MSPs can help reduce costs associated with hiring and training a large internal team, whilst lifting the burden and allowing in-house staff to focus on core competencies.

How to get started with an MSP

Whilst working with a Managed Service Provider can clearly be advantageous, they are not all on a level playing field or the right fit for your business. You will need to take several factors into account when selecting a partner to ensure they are best-placed to help you achieve your objectives.

Download our free eBook to learn more about choosing an MSP, or get in touch today to discuss your requirements.