I’m Steve Leidholdt, President and CEO of STL Communications.

I would like to provide you with some valuable details about changes in the world of technology, with a specific focus on why and how managed services is the fastest growing segment of technology today.

What is the Definition of managed services?

Managed Services can be defined as proactive management of an information technology asset or object, by a third party typically known as an MSP, on behalf of the end-user. The operative distinction that sets apart a managed service program is the proactive delivery of their service, as compared to reactive IT services, which have been around for decades.

This market is growing at an amazing pace; just how fast?

https://www.statista.com/statistics/590884/worldwide-managed-services-market-size/

I believe there are five separate but connected trends that are all contributing to the vast increase in interest in managed services as well as the massive growth of managed services.

1. IT Consumerization –defined as the blending of personal and business use of technology devices and applications. In today’s enterprise, the consumerization of IT is being pushed by a younger, more mobile workforce, who grew up with the Internet and are less inclined to draw a line between corporate and personal technology.
“We no longer go to work, we just do work”

2. Widespread availability/adoption of SIP technology

SIP technology enables systems to send and receive calls via Internet. SIP is the preferred signaling protocol for multiple real-time applications and can control voice, video and messaging applications.

3. Proliferation of high speed, low cost fiber based bandwidth

Band width pricing continues to drop; a 100mg internet connection today can cost as little as $400 a month in some areas

4. Increasing availability of highly redundant, low cost data center space and low cost storage

I am beginning to think of data centers like Starbucks; there is one on every corner and the price competition is fierce.

5. Growing complexity of how to tie all these things together

This last one is really the toughest one for any business entity to deal with. Complexity drives specialization, specialization drives more cost (training, people or just more time). When you do the cost analysis, in most cases, that increased cost means it is less expensive (and less risky) to outsource technology to an experienced, trusted partner who can deliver what you need for a fixed, monthly price.

These five factors as a group are all driving the amazing growth of the managed services market.

It is important to note that managed services is different from every other product and service line in a company’s portfolio of solutions primarily because the customer isn’t just buying technology, they’re buying the operation of technology. They’re not just buying a solution, they’re buying “peace of mind,” and as such, they need assurance that their MSP understands their business, not just their technology.

In fact, let me suggest that when a Managed Services Provider like STL Communications takes the time and effort to really partner with their customers that the role MSP becomes that of a “BSP, or Business Services Partner” that carries an even deeper meaning.

Definition of a “Business Service Partner (BSP)”

“working with technology and business executives to assist in implementing their roadmap by delivering foresight, management and protection of corporate digital assets regardless of their location or ownership of that technology”.

Simply put, that is the goal of the entire team of Technology Superheroes here at STL Communications; to work with each of you to assist you in delivering foresight, management and protection of your very important, corporate digital assets regardless of where they are, who owns the network, how they are accessed and regardless of who owns the infrastructure that holds those assets.

My request to each of you is simple; please take time to meet with one of the STL Communications Technology Superheroes who will take the time to learn and understand your business needs and become YOUR Business Services Partner.