The demands on IT managed services providers have skyrocketed. Companies now rely on IT systems more than ever, and with that dependence comes a growing list of challenges.
Jason Stitt, Co-Founder of IT Force, notes that “With the growing complexity of IT infrastructures and the ever-increasing security threats, businesses need more than just IT support; they need a partner who understands their unique needs.”
According to CloudSecureTech, the global IT managed services market expanded from $185.98 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $356.24 billion by 2025. This surge reflects the increasing reliance on managed services to support cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and compliance needs.
The world of IT services is not as simple as it once was. More businesses are moving to the cloud, adapting hybrid work models, and dealing with evolving security risks. As a result, the challenges for IT managed services providers are growing faster than ever.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most pressing IT managed services challenges providers face today and the innovative solutions helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Partner with IT Force to solve your IT managed services challenges with clarity, speed and proven results.
Learn MoreIT infrastructures are becoming increasingly complex, especially with the rise of hybrid work models. A recent trend shows that more businesses are adopting remote work options. A 2022 survey showed that 91 million Americans have been offered the option to work remotely, and this number continues to grow.
As more employees work from home, businesses need IT managed services providers who can support an ever-expanding network of devices, cloud services, and applications.
The shift towards hybrid and remote work means that businesses no longer operate from a centralized location. This adds complexity for IT managed services providers, who must now manage thousands of remote endpoints instead of just a few office locations.
You may need support across various types of devices, from laptops to smart home devices, and it’s your managed services provider's responsibility to make sure these are all securely connected and functioning well.
In addition, with cloud services becoming a critical part of business operations, managing hybrid environments means maintaining both on-premise and cloud-based infrastructures. These challenges demand a proactive IT managed services provider that can integrate both types of environments, ensuring they operate seamlessly together.
Cybersecurity remains one of the biggest hurdles facing IT managed services providers today. As cyberattacks increase globally, your IT managed services provider must ensure your business stays protected. According to the 2022 MSP Threat Report by ConnectWise, 39% of all ransomware attacks targeted service providers. This is a staggering number, showing that even providers themselves aren’t immune to cyber threats.
You need an IT managed services provider who is not only reactive but also proactive about securing your IT systems. Managed security services have become a crucial part of many IT services. Without the right measures in place, you risk not only data loss but also reputational damage and business disruption.
This is where a multi-layered security approach, such as AI-driven threat detection or continuous monitoring, becomes essential. The latest cybersecurity solutions, such as Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) and Data Leak Prevention (DLP), are helping protect businesses from these growing risks. In fact, 50% of companies will rely on artificial intelligence by 2025 to prevent cyber attacks.
You can stay one step ahead of these ever-growing cybersecurity threats by investing in advanced security tools and working closely with a provider who understands your unique risks,.
One of the IT managed services challenges is the shortage of skilled IT talent. Kaseya’s 2022 MSP Benchmark Survey highlights that hiring qualified IT professionals is the third biggest challenge faced by MSPs. As businesses rely more heavily on technology, there is simply not enough skilled personnel to meet the growing demand for IT services. Remote work has made competition for local tech talent even fiercer, as professionals now have the freedom to work for global companies from anywhere.
For managed services providers, this talent shortage affects their ability to deliver timely support and innovate in response to client needs. In fact, it could impact the quality of service you receive. Service levels may dip as staffing levels struggle to keep pace with demand.
How can MSPs overcome this challenge? The solution lies in proactive recruitment strategies, including internships, graduate recruitment programs, and continuous employee education. Your IT managed services provider must invest in employee training to equip their team to handle your unique business needs.
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In addition to all the managed services challenges, businesses face growing regulatory requirements that must be met. As laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS become more complex, the role of IT managed services providers extends to helping their clients stay compliant.
As businesses continue to adopt new technologies, managed services providers face the challenge of managing multiple tools and technology stacks. When an MSP uses multiple software and applications across various environments, the risk of integration issues increases. One configuration error could trigger a major security breach or service disruption.
Many managed services providers use a variety of tools from different vendors. The downside is that this creates complexity in maintaining and supporting these tools. It's important to choose a technology stack that is scalable, secure, and compatible with all your systems.
Standardizing your tech stack can streamline your operations, reduce the chances of errors, and lower costs.
The solution to managing these challenges lies in integrating tools into a unified system that’s easier to manage and automate.
Automation tools can help reduce human error, speed up processes, and improve efficiency. Your IT managed services provider should leverage automation wherever possible to handle repetitive tasks and reduce overhead.
To overcome the challenges discussed above, IT managed services providers must focus on providing efficient, scalable solutions. Some practical steps to deal with the growing complexity of IT services include:
IT managed service providers navigate a growing set of operational hurdles, from security risks to maintaining compliance in an increasingly complex environment. These challenges demand practical, forward-thinking solutions that requires MSPs to strengthen their infrastructure, enhance security measures, and optimize resources.
Below is a breakdown of the key obstacles MSPs face today and the strategies that can help them adapt and thrive.
| Challenge | Impact on MSPs | Solution |
| Complex IT Infrastructure | Difficulty managing hybrid environments | Standardized technology stack |
| Rising Cybersecurity Threats | Increased risk of data breaches | Multi-layered security tools |
| Talent Shortage | Limited capacity to handle demand | Proactive recruitment & training |
| Compliance Requirements | Time-consuming audits and updates | Continuous monitoring & updates |
| Multiple Tools and Technol | Increased risk of integration issues | Integration and automation |
The IT managed services challenges MSPs face today are multi-faceted and ever-evolving. From managing complex infrastructures to staying ahead of cybersecurity threats and navigating regulatory requirements, it’s essential to partner with a provider that understands your unique needs.
With over 26 years in business and a proven track record of supporting more than 50 companies, IT Force is an industry leader in tackling these challenges head-on.
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| Burlington | Mississauga |
With a 99.48% CSAT rating over the past 12 months, we consistently deliver results that reduce recurring IT issues by 95% within three months.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation tailored to your business needs.