Recent data indicates that many UK firms are leveraging managed service providers (MSPs) for a number of reasons.

A new IDG Connect study of 203 IT decision-makers from across the UK revealed 63 percent of respondents said they were using managed services to improve the experience of both internal and external customers. 

Also, the study showed 75 percent of respondents noted they achieved their desired outcomes from managed services within 12 months.

“Managed services [are] now more in play than ever before,” said Bob Johnson, a principal analyst at IDG Connect, in a prepared statement. “Organizations speed the delivery of an enhanced customer experience and often see increased Internet security.”

Other study results included:

The future looks bright for UK-based MSPs as well, which is reflected in recent data from CompTIA. 

Asked to rate what keeps them optimistic about the future of the channel, respondents said customer demand for managed services is nearly neck and neck with the opportunity that cloud presents.

In addition, the spokesperson pointed out that 11 percent of UK channel firms ranked managed services as their primary business model.

Editor’s note: The above was updated on Nov. 24 to clarify partners’ foremost reason for optimism for the channel, which is the “opportunity that cloud presents.”

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