5 strengths MSPs can master to move SMBs to the cloud

As a managed service provider (MSP), you have the tools and expertise to help customers succeed in the cloud.

The untapped marketplace for small and midsized businesses (SMBs) adopting Office 365 is an estimated $40 billion. And through working with our 20,000 partners, SkyKick has learned what it takes to Play It Right and build a profitable O365 business.

So how can you make the most of your strengths to help SMBs expand by taking advantage of all the cloud has to offer?

Plenty of SMBs are reluctant to dive headfirst into the cloud citing concerns about security and training needs. Showcasing Office 365 as world-class cloud technology available at competitive prices, coupled with the ease of moving data quickly and efficiently to the cloud -all while minimizing downtime – helps quell these fears. Providing the assurance of data security can help accelerate their transition.

Although you may start with Microsoft Office 365, savvy MSPs offer additional cloud services to accelerate their cloud business. Bundled services provide new revenue streams and ease pain points for small business customers, while helping them improve efficiency.

To learn more about SkyKick and how we can help you build a profitable O365 business, click here.

5 strengths to build upon for a profitable Office 365 practice

Customers rely on MSPs to be more than just IT support, but rather a trusted advisor. By mastering these 5 strengths you can provide assurance to customers on their journey to the cloud.


1. Start with a product customers already know

What’s the best way to get customers comfortable in the cloud? It’s by starting them off with a product they already know and trust. Office 365 can help them get comfortable in the cloud because it’s something they spend a lot of time working with. This builds confidence and a bridge to more cloud services.


2. Build an on-ramp to the cloud that is pain free

Customers want a fast, frictionless on-ramp to the cloud. One of the best migration options available is SkyKick’s Migration Platform for Office 365, which was rated best by IT partners in the categories considered the most important to providers.

More than 60% of small businesses plan to grow their cloud spend by 20%, and 17% plan to double it. MSPs that start customers off right and provide top-notch service will reap the benefits of a loyal customer base.


3. Establish yourself as the go-to partner for customers

Small businesses want a partner that can help them solve their business challenges, so many hope the move to the cloud will help lead to a more successful business. As with any investment, they’ll want to make sure they’re getting the most bang for their buck.

Providing strategic consulting, customer-relevant IP, technical execution, and ongoing support as a cloud service provider helps turn the cloud into a complete business solution for customers.


4. Ensure customers have the best security and backup solutions

Security concerns are top of mind for everyone these days as data breaches continue to make headlines. Business owners storing data in the cloud are rightfully concerned, but many experts agree that storing data in the cloud is actually safer than on-premises storage solutions.

Ensure that customers have air-tight security as well as a secure cloud backup solution that leverages world-class security technology. A solid backup solution like SkyKick’s Cloud Backup keeps data safe and ensures that data can be restored quickly if disaster strikes.


5. Deliver enduring value-add customer service

Once you have a full understanding of how customers intend to use cloud software and services and you’ve explained all the options available, provide a migration timeline. Once customers are up and running, help formulate a roadmap to additional cloud-based services.

MSPs provide the technical knowledge, service, and support customers need, which leads to a more successful business. And this blend of value-added, recurring service offerings can help cloud service providers make over $40 per seat per year as opposed to $8 for CSPs who sell only Office 365 seats.

Providing a business solution, as opposed to an IT solution, to businesses is how successful MSPs improve profitability.