The managed service provider (MSP) market is booming, with managed services now accounting for more than $140 billion in annual spending. And as MSPs continue to grow in popularity, they are increasingly looking to expand their services into the education sector. There are many reasons why MSPs should target the education sector. For one, schools are a great opportunity to build relationships with new customers. Additionally, schools are often eager to invest in new technology in order to improve learning outcomes. And finally, managed services can play an important role in helping schools manage and optimize their technology infrastructure. So how can MSPs optimize school technology? Here are 10 ways:
1. Evaluate The Current Infrastructure
Before recommending any changes or upgrades, MSPs should take the time to evaluate the current infrastructure. This includes assessing the number and type of devices in use, as well as the bandwidth and network capacity.
2. Recommend Device Upgrades
Once the managed service provider has evaluated the infrastructure, they can then make recommendations for device upgrades. Many schools are still using outdated technology, so there is often a lot of room for improvement.
3. Install and Manage Wireless Networks
Wi-Fi is now essential in most schools, and MSPs can be instrumental in setting up and managing wireless networks. They can also help optimize network performance and ensure that students have a good experience online.
4. Manage and Monitor School Networks
MSPs can also play a role in managing and monitoring school networks. They can help keep track of bandwidth usage, identify potential issues, and recommend solutions.
5. Manage and Monitor Student Devices
Managed service providers can also manage and monitor student devices. This includes keeping track of which devices are connected to the network, tracking data usage, and remotely troubleshooting any issues.
6. Deploy Educational Applications
Many schools are now deploying educational applications, such as learning management systems (LMS) and student information systems. MSPs can help with the deployment and management of these applications.
7. Recommend Cloud-Based Solutions
Cloud-based solutions are becoming increasingly popular in schools, and MSPs can be a valuable resource in recommending and implementing these solutions. They can help with everything from cloud storage to email to LMSs.
8. Recommend Security Solutions
With the increase in cyber-attacks, schools are becoming more aware of the need for security solutions. MSPs can recommend and deploy a variety of security solutions, including firewalls, anti-virus software, and spam filters.
9. Set Up Device Charging Stations
Most schools now have mobile devices, such as laptops and tablets. And with so many devices in use, it’s important to have a way to charge them all. MSPs can set up charging stations for schools, ensuring that all devices are always fully charged.
10. Train School Staff
Finally, managed service providers can provide training to school staff on how to use the technology effectively. This includes training on using the various applications, managing devices, and troubleshooting issues.
Overall, MSPs can play a vital role in helping schools optimize their technology infrastructure. They can recommend and deploy new technologies, manage and monitor networks and devices, and provide training to school staff. By doing so, MSPs can help schools improve learning outcomes and save money on information technology costs.