We’ll find out in this blog how professional services are either necessary for MSP or more of a “nice to have” option.
Professional services tend to be one-off costs, project-based expenses that either add value or set MSPs back if they can do it all themselves.
MSPs usually offer all-around IT help, but they might not have the know-how needed for tracking down threats, dealing with incidents, and digging into forensics.
About 1/2 of businesses are short on basic cybersecurity skills, and a third are feeling the pinch when it comes to advanced skills. The need for specialist cybersecurity know-how is growing as businesses lean more on digital tech (Worldskillsuk, 2024).
You might rely on a Managed Security Service Provider to keep your network safe, while bringing in professional services for a particular cloud migration project.
Looking ahead, when it comes to future maintenance, you’re pretty much on your own with professional services. Once they finish the project, that’s usually it, and you’ll have to set up follow-up services or handle network maintenance yourself.
That said, a lot boils down to quality collaboration, and whether you are considering large IT consulting firms like Accenture or the more specialist and agile ones such as Morgan Cyber Consulting, you can draw significant benefits.
Here is a key piece advice from the consulting firm: “Once you get to the point you are big enough to have your own IT team I would recommend (even as an MSP) using your own team and pulling in PS when needed (Morgan,2024).”
- One-off: If you’re dealing with just one project, situation, or problem, ongoing support might not be necessary. You might not even need to pay anything at all.
- Targeted: Professional services tackle a specific issue. It’s simpler than a full project management solution but offers more adaptability than a basic task list. You can count on thorough support throughout most, if not all, stages of the process.
- Adaptable: You’re not limited to standard IT problems. A professional service provider can craft a solution for even the most unusual situations.
In summary, professional services offer specialised assistance for specific IT issues, which MSPs really need, especially when facing problems like a lack of skills or resources, or navigating strict regulations. Getting support from experts not only solves immediate problems but also helps MSPs stay flexible and prepared for future cybersecurity challenges.
