We’ve seen a growing need for IT consolidation, or the simplification of the technology environment (software, hardware, and services). Most enterprise IT departments aim to create a seamless, integrated environment that avoids waste and strives for optimum utilization. This creates a more streamlined process of managing, updating, and tracking tools within the enterprise, while leveraging resources more effectively, reducing IT costs, and ultimately adding value to the organization.
What is IT consolidation?
IT consolidation is generally part of an overall strategy to reduce the IT footprint in the enterprise environment. This trend makes sense for enterprises given the IT tools that are available and the dynamic nature of the businesses environment where flexibility and agility will continue to be key.
That said, while IT must be as unobtrusive as possible, organizations will want data access management tools that give them a holistic view across devices and geographies given the shift to hybrid work and constant looming specter of cybersecurity threats. This approach also helps to improve security posture with fewer tools to monitor and fewer vulnerabilities to address and patch.
The benefits of IT consolidation are many: increased efficiency, boosted cost savings, improved flexibility, and enhanced security, to name a few.
MSPs and IT consolidation
Like any major project, IT consolidation must happen through well-planned phases, from developing a strategy to measuring results. The process is complicated, requiring both expertise and manpower, resources that remain sparse in many organizations.
Enterprises are increasingly turning to managed service providers (MSPs) or third parties to support their consolidation efforts and manage their overall IT environments. Internal teams are already overburdened with remote work and cybersecurity challenges and don’t have time to focus on new or additional “surge” initiatives.
MSPs play the role of expert, filling in resource and knowledge gaps as needed. No organization, particularly those that are small with limited in-house resources, can possibly stay up to date on every facet of the evolving IT environment.
MSPs are available to companies of all sizes, regardless of industry, for all IT needs. Always at the cutting edge of available technology because they are constantly helping clients improve their environments, MSPs can serve as a gateway to and single point of contact for a wide range of partners (e.g., Microsoft, Oracle, etc.) that offer a variety of solutions. By working with an MSP on an ongoing basis, businesses receive best-in-class evaluation, recommendations, implementation, and management for IT consolidation and beyond.
Establishing a relationship with an MSP positions an enterprise for growth and flexibility. Enterprises that are now being proactive will reap the future benefits, ready to scale up or down without overhauling their systems.
Final thoughts
While worthwhile, IT consolidation is daunting, but MSPs help organizations demystify and decipher. Working with an MSP will ensure that enterprises can focus on what they do best for their clients, without having to worry about internal and external technology issues. A dynamic business environment coupled with uncertainty and untold opportunity makes this the ideal time for businesses of all sizes to prepare for the future and partner with an MSP.
Pacxa is Hawaiʻi’s premier technology provider and systems integrator. We harness the power of world-class technologies to help local businesses realize their full potential. Our team delivers customized solutions that enable nearly 400 commercial, government, and nonprofit organizations across the state to maximize opportunities and pursue innovation.
Doug Shimokawa oversees the managed services unit as SVP. His division manages offerings, such as Office 365, IT maintenance and operations, and IT support, for a wide range of local clients. With 15 years of experience in technology, Shimokawa’s areas of expertise include data analytics, project management, and business operations.