VARs Focusing to Become Managed Services Partners

A value-added reseller (VAR) definitely plays a role in providing solutions for businesses. They acquire hardware and software from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and then add value by Customizing the products to fit the specific needs of a business. This could involve configuring hardware, installing and setting up software, or even developing custom applications and offering additional services such as installation, training, and ongoing support. This ensures the business can get the most out of the products they purchase.

Unlike VARs who focus on one-time sales with some additional setup, MSPs provide continuous IT management services. This could include network maintenance, security monitoring, data backup, help desk support, and more.

They focus on managing the infrastructure and ensuring smooth operation, regardless of the specific software used. Service Level Agreements are a key part of the MSP relationship. These agreements clearly define the services provided, response times, and performance guarantees.

Now, SaaS is changing the business landscape..

Software as a Service (SaaS) has indeed been transforming the business landscape in numerous ways. SaaS eliminates the need for businesses to invest heavily in hardware, infrastructure, and software licensing.

Instead, they can subscribe to SaaS solutions on a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis, reducing upfront costs and providing more predictable expenses.

SaaS platforms are typically designed to be scalable, allowing businesses to easily adjust their usage based on their needs. This scalability enables businesses to grow without worrying about infrastructure constraints. SaaS applications are often cloud-based, meaning they can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. This accessibility enables remote work, collaboration across geographies, and greater flexibility for employees.

A survey reveals a significant reliance on managed services for cybersecurity among organizations, with 79% of organizations relying on contractors for monitoring and managing cybersecurity, which reflects a strong outsourcing trend due to the field's complexity. In contrast, 19% of them do not use managed services, indicating in-house handling. This data underscores the critical role of managed services in the cybersecurity landscape of modern organizations.

Many organizations think of, and use an MSP as an outsourced IT staff, taking care of all the day-to-day IT tasks at the scale of a larger team, so their in-house IT staff can take care of more specialized projects and rollouts.