Now we can get into specific solution provider impacts. Solarwinds has released its study “COVID-19: Impact and Response”, detailing those impacts. Highlights:
- The majority (59%) of surveyed MSPs have applied for government financial relief programs, with 74% receiving the help they needed
- Over 80% of respondents have continued operating at their pre-pandemic staffing levels
- 65% of MSPs do not anticipate making any pricing changes to their managed services package in the long-term
- 42% of respondents predicted growth will come from additional project work, and 39% expect an increase in managed services contracts
A big hooray for providers looking for, and getting, government relief programs. While not a politics podcast, I’ll keep an eye on those programs being renewed or extended… as the situation isn’t necessarily getting better.
I think it’s too early to declare victory about keeping staff – if companies took assistance, they didn’t lay people off, and what happens when that runs out? That’s evidence the programs worked, or that providers had that armored balance sheet we talked about before.
Let’s now tie this all together. We know the criteria for successful businesses – and are seeing it in the wild. We know what technologies are delivering business value in the short term. And, leaning on programs to get you there works and helps keep you running.
Run your business tightly, targeted, and with a plan, and you should do well. Just don’t assume it’s an easy market.
Source: BusinessWire