Business View Magazine | November 2020

114 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020 Unpredictability is the only thing we can count on Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, managed IT services has helped businesses fill talent and resource gaps For many organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented business disruption, requiring them to quickly transition to remote work environments on a sustained basis. As businesses have shifted from reacting to the pandemic to focusing on building operational resilience, having a proactive and consistent technology strategy in place has been an important component. Smart choices in how your organization delivers technology services can have a dramatic impact in improving the reliability and efficiency of business processes. When should a company consider managed services? In normal times, middle market businesses may look to outsource certain job functions because their ability to meet the growing needs of a specific department is hindered by a dearth of available skills. For others, the needs simply outstrip the abilities, whether it be available time, skills or even the technologies themselves. The COVID-19 crisis has amplified these issues. Many organizations faced an unprecedented demand on their technology and their information technology staff. RSM has helped middle market businesses address these challenges by closing the gap, delivering capacity on demand, pivoting where needed and freeing management to focus on their core business. In terms of costs, managed services helps make IT spend more predictable With any outsourced service relationship, the scope of work and service levels are clearly defined. This provides predictability, which is rare for technology investments. As a company expands and contracts—for example, through acquisition, divesture or carve out—managed services can adapt along with it. Even if a business is adding people along the way, managed services can provide flexibility to account for that give and take. While many organizations have encountered operational challenges, and some have adjusted staffing, RSM has been able to take care of IT operations so they can focus on getting back on their feet. Managed services will play a big part in finding a new normal It is fair to say that the COVID-19 crisis has reset the way that middle market businesses are managed. While we cannot be certain what the next year holds, as some businesses contract, we will likely see a proliferation of managed services in the future. Managed services can empower businesses to be more agile and predictive, rather than responsive and reactive. When you do not have to worry about unplanned downtime, it frees you up to build strategies and future-proof the business. Along with other critical lessons, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that focusing on tomorrow is just as important as focusing on today. ...... For more information, please visit our website rsmus.com/MITS