Data Infrastructure Management: MSP vs In-House Approach

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Managing data infrastructure is no small task. Many organizations consider whether to handle it in-house or outsource it to a Managed Service Provider (MSP). In this blog, we will explore the five reasons why the MSP approach shines over conventional methods of in-house data infrastructure management.  

1. Expertise on Demand

MSPs bring a team of data veterans to your doorstep, and it’s worth the price of admission. They specialize in managing data infrastructure, with years of imperative experience necessary to service your systems with precision. They employ teams of skilled professionals dedicated to keeping systems running smoothly. This expertise encompasses numerous areas, including network management, security protocols, data analytics, and expert administration. With an MSP, you gain access to this specialized knowledge on-demand, without the additional need to invest in extensive training or hire additional staff who likely do not have the experience that your MSP team will have.  

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2. Monitoring and Maintenance

Worry no longer about your database (and business flow) being disrupted by unexperienced staff who have not dealt with system failures. Eventually, your system will experience failure. It is estimated that on an annual basis, databases experience a 1.97 % chance of failure. Your organization needs a proactive approach to monitoring and maintenance. With an experienced MSP on hand, anomalies are detected as they occur, and preventive measures are put into place to ensure these issues do not continuously arise. With 24x7x365 monitoring, your organization is ensured a reliable delivery model. This proactive stance minimizes downtime and ensures that your data infrastructure operates at peak performance around the clock.

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3. Scalability and Flexibility

Your data management needs will continue to grow as your organization flourishes. As a result, you will need to be ready to store forthcoming demand. In-house teams, especially new staff, may not have ample expertise to handle your systems with the precision you need for such demand. MSPs offer a sense of relief by systematically assisting you with scalability, providing you the necessary flexibility to adapt to changing requirements seamlessly. Whether you're expanding into new markets or experiencing seasonal fluctuations in demand, an MSP will scale your data infrastructure, accordingly, ensuring you always have the resources you need, when you need them. While your in-house team may not have ample experience, they can still be a vital aspect of your organization. That’s where you get another sense of flexibility.  

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MSPs work to become an extension of your staff, not replace them. In turn, you get a sense of relief that mundane activities do not overburden your team while you experience the seamlessness of working with a group of data veterans (without paying us the benefits you would pay your staff – quite a win-win!). Depending on your organizational structure, you may have a multitude of database administrators (DBAs), just one, or even none. Organizations who hire their first DBA typically do not have enough work to justify their 9-5 schedule (at first). In typical fashion, there are only a few servers to monitor at a time.

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For example, one may host a SaaS application, while the others do not require much change. As time progresses, that one DBA will eventually become extremely overworked. Areas like 24x7 emergency response can leave them feeling drained. Arguably, there can be too much and too little to do for a singular DBA. Eventually, you will need DevOps support, an Assisting Application team, and dedicated data analytics support to provide a well-rounded structure. Don’t fall victim to this; an MSP gives your team member(s) the flexibility they need and gives you the sense of relief you deserve as a leader, keeping you prepared to service your data infrastructure.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

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As mentioned previously, there is a cost-effective angle to working with an MSP besides getting senior-level expertise at a premium. Additionally, you may realize cost-reduction benefits in the form of cheaper licensing fees and flexible contracts. According to a 2024 survey conducted by JumpCloud, IT leaders realize a more effective cost-reduction model with MSPs and list it as a top reason to partner with one. That’s not all. You may also experience reduced turnover after pairing with an MSP, eradicating the need to hire fresh talent that is even more unlikely to service your systems with the care they need. Outsourcing data infrastructure management to an MSP often proves more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team or relying solely on traditional outsourcing. MSPs operate on a subscription-based model, offering predictable monthly fees that align with your budget. Additionally, by outsourcing to an MSP, you eliminate the need for capital expenditures on hardware and software upgrades, as these costs are absorbed by the service provider.  

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5. Versatility

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As an IT leader, you know exactly how challenging it is to learn these technologies that are seemingly improving overnight, all the time. You need a versatile approach to alleviate the burden of expectations you will inevitably face as a head decision-maker. Leveraging an MSP comes with numerous benefits, but you will see numerous aspects of business positively affected once you make the decision to team up. Organizations are utilizing MSPs for many reasons such as hardware procurement, disaster recovery and backup, automation, improved communication and transparency, troubleshooting, implementation, compliance, and so much more. With an MSP, you won’t experience any more cloudy days.

Conclusion

As technology continues to undergo evolution, businesses will require a reliable partner to navigate the uncertain currents of their data infrastructure. While traditional outsourcing may offer a temporary solution, the MSP approach stands out as a superior alternative. With its emphasis on expertise, proactive monitoring, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, MSPs empower businesses to unlock the full potential of their data assets. In the race to stay ahead, outsourcing to the right data infrastructure partner can make all the difference. Embrace the MSP advantage and unlock new possibilities for growth and innovation in your business journey.  

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About DataStrike 

DataStrike is the industry leader in 100% onshore data infrastructure services and enables companies to harness IT changes as a catalyst for growth. With a network of highly specialized experts, strategic partnerships with the world's biggest technology providers, and a platform agnostic approach, DataStrike provides innovative solutions and practical guidance to accelerate digital transformation initiatives and drive better business outcomes for small-to mid-sized businesses. Click here to learn more about our service offerings.      

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