Your Tech Stack :
The Dollars And Sense Of All-In- One Vs . A La Carte
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Tool sprawl can wreak havoc on an MSP ’ s efficiency AND profitability . MSPs on average have 10-16 tools in their stack — some have even more !— according to most industry estimates .
Given today ’ s fiercely competitive environment , managing all those tools while maintaining efficient operations , keeping costs in check , and delivering value to clients in a scalable manner has never been more important . Oh , and don ’ t forget about driving a best-in-class profit margin .
That ’ s why all MSPs should be reevaluating their tech stack regularly . Start with the big picture : Should you adopt an all-in-one platform from a single vendor or assemble tools from a variety of different vendors ? We look at the pros and cons of each here .
All-in-One Platform ( Or Bundle )
The Pros
An all-in-one platform or bundle from a single vendor provides a unified experience . An integrated suite of tools offers consistent interfaces and workflows , simplifying training for your techs and increasing their day-to-day efficiency . A cohesive platform also makes it easier to onboard new team members .
Other benefits include :
• Automation across tools .
• Having everything in one place , with one management portal , makes the stack easier to manage .
• A simplified vendor relationship , with centralized support and billing , and one contact point for troubleshooting and service agreements .
• Cost savings with bundled pricing , compared to subscribing to individual tools .
• Fewer compatibility or integration headaches .
• Easier to scale .
• Easier to package and price for your customers , giving them a predictable monthly cost .
The Cons
Some all-in-one solutions may lack the depth or advanced features of specialized tools , and there may be less flexibility for customization .
Other concerns include :
• Vendor lock-in , as it may be difficult or costly to switch to another solution in the future .
• Security risks can be higher with a single platform vendor , because a breach or disruption could impact other tools and services in the stack .
A La Carte Tool Stack
The Pros
Assembling your tool stack from a variety of vendors offers more flexibility , as you can pick and choose tools that match your specific needs and swap solutions without overhauling the entire stack .
Other benefits include :
• Specialized functionality , as each tool is likely to be optimized for its specific purpose , offering advanced features and capabilities .
• Less security risk , as there is no single point of failure .
• Faster innovation , with point solutions focusing solely on excelling in their niche .
The Cons
An a la carte tool stack can present integration challenges , and you may not be able to take advantage of automated workflows between tools without putting in considerable time and effort . Plus , you ’ ll have to make sure an integration or an automation doesn ’ t break when one tool gets updated or patched . And managing multiple tools increases your admin overhead .
Other concerns include :
• Different interfaces and user experiences can lead to a steeper learning curve and less cohesive operations .
• It ’ s more expensive to pay for individual tools .
• Troubleshooting can be more complex as issues might require coordination between multiple vendors .
It Comes Down To A Business Decision
While the choice that ’ s right for you ultimately depends on your MSP ’ s business goals and client needs , it ’ s becoming clear that an industry shift toward a platform approach is underway . An all-in-one platform or bundle is a more cost-effective way to service your customers with everything they need while making your techs more efficient and your business more profitable .