01732 759725 34 The benefits of using a single provider centre on efficiency – in terms of both time and money. However, some have concerns around using an MPS provider to deliver managed IT services. The most mentioned issue is cost (45%), followed by challenges with technical support and maintenance (33%) and the need for different stakeholders to manage different suppliers (32%). Another legacy issue, different lifecycles for the two types of services within the business, is cited by 31%. Overall, 28% are hindered by a lack of expertise in IT infrastructure management. However, MPS providers would be wise to invest in challenging this perception, given that it is the single most important driver of their choice of MPS provider (42%). Existing use of a single provider is lower among SMBs (organisations with between 250 and 499 employees) and large organisations (1,000 or more employees), at 44% apiece, than mid‑market firms (with between 500 and 999 employees), at 56%. Despite the lower enthusiasm among larger organisations, there is also a correlation between willingness to consolidate and anticipating a large fleet of printers in two years: those who expect to have over 500 printers in 2027 are significantly more likely to have already moved to a single provider for MPS and MITS or be open to so doing (53% already use a single provider and 41% are open to doing so) than those with smaller fleets (43% already use a single provider and 46% are open to doing so). The convergence of MPS and MITS is not just a trend, but a fundamental shift in how businesses consume technology services. Suppliers that embrace this change and proactively address the challenges will be well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunity. The future belongs to those who can seamlessly integrate print and IT, delivering a unified and secure digital workplace for their clients. www.quocirca.com suite of managed services, encompassing both print and IT, will be a key differentiator in a competitive market and should drive loyalty and ‘stickiness’ in an environment that currently does not command this. Providing a seamless ‘one-stop shop’ to meet technology needs provides an opportunity to increase satisfaction, which, in turn, should lead to greater customer loyalty. There is also a benefit in terms of diversifying revenue streams and future-proofing the business in the event that printing reduces to a greater than anticipated extent over the coming years. Managed IT services growth is driven by increasing IT complexity, cybersecurity concerns, and the need for cost-effective IT solutions. MPS providers can benefit handsomely from accessing even a small part of this market, especially as the skillsets they hold, especially in terms of managing devices and networks, are already optimised to provide such services. The path to integration While the benefits of this convergence are clear – streamlined operations, enhanced security, cost efficiencies, and improved productivity – the path to integration is not without its challenges. Some MPS providers will need to develop new skillsets, invest in infrastructure, and harness the integration of disparate technologies before they can communicate this to customers. Finding appropriate partners to work with is likely an affordable, low-risk solution for MPS providers that do not have the resources to build the capabilities they need quickly and cost‑efficiently. A single provider As seen in previous Quocirca studies, there is considerable interest in using a single provider to manage the entire print and IT environment. Consolidating suppliers offers a range of efficiencies, reducing the administrative burden, cost of supplier management, and, likely, the services provided. The convergence of managed print services and managed IT services (MITS) represents a significant evolution in the technology landscape, offering businesses a more holistic and integrated approach to managing their IT infrastructure. Quocirca’s research, conducted with 500 IT decision-makers (ITDMs) using a managed print service, found that just under half (48%) of those using MPS already use the same provider for managed IT services and a further 43% would consider doing so. This confirms the size of the opportunity for both types of providers to move into the adjacent sector. A compelling opportunity By embracing new technologies, developing strategic partnerships, and adopting a customer-centric approach, combined MPS and MITS providers can unlock new revenue streams, expand their market reach, and position themselves as trusted advisers for businesses seeking to optimise their IT environments. The ability to offer a comprehensive Louella Fernandes, CEO at Quocirca discusses the opportunity for MPS providers to extend their value to managed IT services Managed IT and MPS convergence OPINION Louella Fernandes
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