Gone are the days when an enterprise had to dedicate on-premise databases and software systems. In 2022, organisations can choose between on-premise infrastructures and cloud solutions. Most enterprises prefer a cloud-based infrastructure because it is vast. Cloud computing is seemingly on the rise and is a solution for enterprises looking for scalable solutions. However, cloud computing has its challenges that are to be met. For example, an enterprise cannot ignore monitoring its cloud infrastructure. Enterprises usually rely on MSPs to take over their cloud management activities. MSPs offering cloud services are highly demanded in today’s era of digitisation. Read on to understand which cloud-based services an MSP should offer in 2022.

1. Cloud migration services

What happens when an enterprise decides to shift to a cloud-based infrastructure? Shifting to a cloud-based architecture isn’t spontaneous and requires planning. Cloud migration is a pressing and challenging issue for companies looking to enjoy cloud-based services. Cloud migration refers to shifting the data and applications from the on-premise architecture to the cloud. On-premise databases are to be exported to the cloud-based environment. Cloud migration is a sensitive step, and enterprises have to be extra careful. If any error occurs during cloud migration, the enterprises will lose valuable data. Since cloud migration is a challenging task, enterprises look for external support.

Cloud migration must be one of the basic cloud services offered by an MSP. An MSP can use new-age tools to support the seamless transmission of data from on-premise databases to the cloud. An enterprise can finally relax because the data is in safe hands during migration. Besides cloud migration, MSPs should also help their clients choose the best cloud model that matches their requirements. Cloud migration isn’t always between on-premise databases and the cloud. Sometimes, enterprises need to transfer data between two different cloud servers. MSPs offering cloud migration services are likely to have more clients in the coming years. It is because more and more companies are expected to shift to a cloud-based architecture.

2. Cloud monitoring services

Will an enterprise leave its cloud-based infrastructure unattended? The answer is no because enterprises are aware of cyberattacks and malicious activities. For the same rationale, an enterprise will look for an MSP to monitor its cloud-based environment 24*7. After cloud migration, MSPs should quickly indulge in monitoring the cloud-based infrastructure. Traditional monitoring tools might help MSPs to monitor the cloud infrastructure. However, age-old tools fail to monitor the cloud infrastructure at all times (24*7).

Monitoring is among the cloud services that should be offered 24*7 by MSPs. Recently, many MSPs have pointed towards AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) for cloud monitoring. With AIOps-led platforms, MSPs can achieve 24*7 cloud monitoring. Even with a limited staff, an MSP can monitor the client’s cloud infrastructure remotely. AIOps-led tools allow MSPs to do much more than traditional RMM tools. Any issue within the cloud infrastructure can lead to a downfall in service availability. Without 24*7 monitoring, it is not possible to detect hazards that might disrupt service reliability.

3. Cloud security services

In this era of digitisation, companies have to pay extra attention towards cybersecurity measures. Enterprises using a cloud-based architecture have to deal with data loss, confidentiality issues, accidental leaks, and many other mishaps. Over time, hackers and malicious actors have become competent and are targeting enterprises. Unsecured cloud infrastructure is an open invitation to malicious actors and hackers. Do you know that hackers are now using AI-led cyberattacks to steal sensitive business data? Cloud security services are a must for MSPs in this data-driven era. It is the MSP’s responsibility to provide clients with a reliable cybersecurity solution. The same goes for clients that have shifted to cloud-based infrastructures.

Cloud security is closely related to cloud monitoring. Unless you monitor the cloud-based architecture, you cannot determine an anomaly or cyberattack. Traditional cybersecurity solutions are an absolute no for enterprises in 2022. It is because age-old cybersecurity solutions cannot handle the complexity of automated/sophisticated cyberattacks. Firms offering managed IT services should adopt AIOps-led solutions for cybersecurity. An AIOps-led cybersecurity platform will monitor the cloud-based infrastructure 24*7. It will find patterns within the performance data and detect an outlier in real time. Any anomaly will be reported to the MSP in real time by an AIOps-led solution. Since the MSP and the client will know about a cyberattack in real time, they can work together to prevent it. Not to forget, an AIOps-led cybersecurity solution will also provide MSPs with actionable insights to nullify the attack.

4. Mobile device services

Remote work is on the rise for enterprises. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many enterprises shifted towards a remote work culture. Employees can access enterprise data and resources remotely and perform their duties. The same should be done with a cloud-based architecture. Employees and stakeholders should have access to data stored on the cloud to perform their duties. With mobile devices, cloud data and resources are accessed from any location at any time.

Firms offering managed IT services should provide clients with mobile devices. Stakeholders, employees, and enterprise owners can access cloud data with mobile devices. Enterprises hesitate to offer mobile devices to stakeholders and employees. It is because mobile devices help access cloud data remotely with a security risk. It is the MSP’s responsibility to offer secure mobile devices to clients and help them transfer cloud data seamlessly. Like other devices, remote mobile devices should also be monitored 24*7 to avoid any security breach.

5. Scalability services

An enterprise will only grow with time. As the enterprise grows, it might need more resources, storage, computation power, network capacity, endpoints, and software systems. A cloud-based infrastructure also needs to be scaled at regular intervals. Enterprises depend on MSPs to provide them with scalability solutions. An MSP should scale the cloud environment as the client grows. Without proper scaling, an enterprise might not maintain service availability and meet customer demands. The cloud infrastructure of an enterprise should always be updated to meet the service requirements. Start offering the cloud services as an MSP to win more clients!