Are you searching for the perfect managed cloud services provider to optimize your cloud platforms? Look no further! Our comprehensive buyer’s guide is here to assist you in making the right choice.
Managed cloud services providers (MCSPs) are experts in overseeing and maintaining the cloud platforms of their clients. From seamless migration to ongoing maintenance and optimization, MCSPs take care of it all.
Cloud environments encompass public, private, and hybrid clouds, each demanding specific skill sets from the providers. Depending on your platform’s objectives, MCSPs need to possess the necessary expertise to effectively manage these diverse cloud configurations.
Collaborating with a managed cloud services provider allows you to decide which aspects of your IT environment you want to outsource while retaining control over those you prefer to manage in-house.
With our buyer’s guide, you’ll gain valuable insights into selecting the ideal managed cloud services provider tailored to your unique needs. Get ready to elevate your cloud experience and maximize efficiency with the right MCSP by your side.
Why You Should Consider a Managed Service Provider
Managed cloud services providers (MCSPs) offer numerous benefits that can transform your business:
1. Cost savings: Say goodbye to operational and capital expenses associated with maintaining your cloud infrastructure. MCSPs save you money by handling the management and eliminating the need to hire specialized personnel.
2. Disaster recovery: With MCSPs, your data is protected during unforeseen disasters. They support your recovery plans, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.
3. Rapid issue resolution: MCSPs provide 24/7 support, swiftly resolving network issues to keep your operations running smoothly.
4. Automatic upgrades: Stay up-to-date with evolving cloud technology without the hassle. MCSPs handle regular upgrades, ensuring your network remains cutting-edge.
5. Network security: Protect your infrastructure from unauthorized access. MCSPs have the expertise and resources to bolster your cloud security.
6. Reliable infrastructure: Trust MCSPs to build and maintain a robust cloud network infrastructure, guaranteeing reliability for your operations.
7. Effortless integration: MCSPs simplify the integration of cloud services with your existing systems, enabling easy access and utilization.
Crucial Considerations for Choosing the Perfect Managed Cloud Services Provider
Selecting the right managed cloud services provider is a critical decision for any company. To make an informed choice, there are several key factors to consider. Let’s dive into the expert advice from industry leaders.
Cloud Expertise: Craig Lowery, Vice President and Analyst at Gartner Inc., emphasizes the importance of evaluating the MCSP’s expertise in the specific cloud platforms you plan to utilize.
While most businesses are multicloud, with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud as popular options, it’s essential to ensure that the provider has a strong foundation in your primary cloud while being capable of supporting your other cloud needs.
Trust and Vetting: It’s advisable to work with a provider that you already trust, but thorough vetting is still crucial. Assess the provider’s ability to meet your business requirements and ensure a good fit. While an existing relationship can facilitate the process, don’t skip the necessary evaluations.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Understanding the terms and conditions outlined in the provider’s SLA is essential. This includes comprehending uptime commitments, refund policies, and the responsiveness of their customer support team. It’s wise to involve your legal team in reviewing the SLA to ensure clarity and avoid any surprises.
Uptime, Reliability, and Security: Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting, highlights the significance of assessing the provider’s uptime and reliability track record. Additionally, scrutinize their cybersecurity protocols to ensure your data remains secure. Don’t hesitate to inquire about any past security breaches and their nature.
Defined Managed Services: Kimberling stresses the need to understand how each provider defines “managed services.” This can vary from simply hosting a cloud solution to a more comprehensive offering that includes infrastructure and integration services. Clearly define your requirements and confirm that the provider can meet your specific needs.
Examining the Potential Drawbacks of Partnering with an MCSP
While there are numerous advantages to collaborating with a managed cloud services provider (MCSP), it’s essential to consider the potential disadvantages that come with it. Let’s explore some of these aspects that demand careful attention.
1. Security and Vulnerabilities: Engaging an MCSP means granting them access to your systems and infrastructure. This extended attack surface introduces potential vulnerabilities.
To mitigate risks, organizations must thoroughly evaluate the MCSP’s security protocols and assume responsibility for monitoring access routes utilized by the provider. Ensuring the ongoing security of your systems and infrastructure becomes a shared responsibility.
2. Compliance Considerations: Different companies operate under varying regulatory frameworks. It’s crucial to assess whether the MCSP aligns with the specific compliance standards that apply to your organization.
This might involve verifying the geographic location of the MCSP’s operations or ensuring that their processes can be audited according to the required compliance guidelines.
3. Cost Complexity: While companies often anticipate cost savings when working with an MCSP, it’s important to approach this aspect with caution.
The complexity of your systems and the level of services you require from the provider can impact the overall cost. It is essential to budget appropriately and carefully analyze the pricing structure of the MCSP. Failing to do so might result in unexpected expenses and potential cost increases.
Top 6 Managed Cloud Service Providers
1. Arrant Services: Multicloud Expertise for Large Enterprises
Arrant Services specializes in supporting multicloud environments, particularly Microsoft 365. They offer comprehensive infrastructure managed services, including migration, hosting, and ongoing operations. Industries such as construction and financial services benefit from their expertise.
2. Capgemini: Enterprise-Grade Managed Services
Capgemini focuses on Europe and North America, serving general manufacturing, retail, and financial services/insurance sectors. They provide multicloud capabilities and managed services for infrastructure and applications. Capgemini assists with workload identification, migration, and ongoing management.
3. Deloitte: Driving Cloud Transformation
Deloitte operates globally, prioritizing North America and Europe, with a focus on financial services/insurance, government, and healthcare sectors. They support multicloud use cases and help businesses design, build, and run customized cloud environments for digital transformation.
4. HCL Technologies: Cloud-Native Application Expertise
HCL Technologies serves North America and Europe, offering managed cloud services worldwide. Their main verticals include general manufacturing, financial services/insurance, and life sciences. HCL specializes in building and migrating applications to the cloud, with robust cloud-native capabilities.
5. NTT Data: Comprehensive Cloud Solutions
NTT Data has a major presence in North America and APAC, with a global reach. They serve general manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services/insurance sectors. NTT Data supports multicloud use cases and focuses on app modernization, migration, and enterprise-grade cloud technologies.
6. TCS: Migrating to the Cloud with Precision
TCS operates worldwide, mainly targeting North America and Europe. They cater to life sciences/biotech/pharmaceuticals, retail, and financial services/insurance sectors. TCS supports multicloud use cases and assists with designing migration roadmaps aligned with business goals. They specialize in transforming pre-existing workflows into cloud-native implementations.