Surge in endpoints drives need for security

The two most transformative trends impacting IT service providers (ITSPs) are endpoint growth and demand for security services according to a new Autotask survey of more than 1,100 global ITSPs.

55% of ITSPs reported a steady or significant increase in the number of endpoints they manage leading to increased security concerns. As a result, respondents listed endpoint management as the top IT service driving revenue for ITSPs. The cloud is also proving to be more important as 80% of ITSPs rely on cloud delivery to effectively manage and secure endpoints.

“Our device-centric world is increasing the number of endpoints that ITSPs need to secure and manage. This will only increase in years to come as the realities of a remote workforce that requires access to data and files on any device anywhere becomes the norm,” said Patrick Burns, Vice President, Product Management. “Based on the results of this year’s survey, it’s clear that service providers realise the critical need to prioritise how they manage and secure endpoints. This is a significant revenue opportunity for them. By ensuring networks of communication are running smoothly, ITSPs will also be in a position to play a more strategic, trusted role with end-clients.”

ITSP survey respondents identified file sync and share as another avenue of growth. One third of all businesses are expected to replace or implement a new FSS solution this year, according to Connected Data and Wilson Research.

With a secure file sync and share (FSS) solution, SMBs can address concerns about securely managing more endpoints while giving employees the flexibility to easily collaborate and the access they need to files and data anywhere to maximise productivity.

The Autotask survey also found:

• 80% of ITSPs are hiring, with service desk hires projected to be 2X sales hires and 3X project hires in 2016.
• Client renewal rates increased in comparison to last year with 75% of respondents saying they have renewal rates of 80% or higher.
• Customers want more managed services, delivered well, yet 24% of respondents do not measure service response times and 31% don’t know their SLA first-response time.