The IT skills shortage has reached critical levels.
A recent IDC survey found that almost two-thirds of organizations have missed revenue targets, experienced quality problems and seen a decline in customer satisfaction due to a lack of IT skills. The research firm expects the problem to get worse, with more than 90 percent of organizations feeling the pain of the IT skills shortage by 2026. Lost business, product delays and reduced competitiveness will result in $5.5 trillion in losses.
It’s a simple matter of supply and demand. According to Gartner, 79 percent of organizations plan to increase their IT staff levels. However, most are finding it difficult to find qualified talent, particularly in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity and AI. There are too many companies competing for the same pool of talent. However, smart organizations have an ace up their sleeves. By partnering with a managed services provider (MSP), organizations gain access to the skills they need to keep their IT environment available, secure and performing optimally.
A recent IDC survey found that almost two-thirds of organizations have missed revenue targets, experienced quality problems and seen a decline in customer satisfaction due to a lack of IT skills. The research firm expects the problem to get worse, with more than 90 percent of organizations feeling the pain of the IT skills shortage by 2026. Lost business, product delays and reduced competitiveness will result in $5.5 trillion in losses.
It’s a simple matter of supply and demand. According to Gartner, 79 percent of organizations plan to increase their IT staff levels. However, most are finding it difficult to find qualified talent, particularly in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity and AI. There are too many companies competing for the same pool of talent. However, smart organizations have an ace up their sleeves. By partnering with a managed services provider (MSP), organizations gain access to the skills they need to keep their IT environment available, secure and performing optimally.
Why the IT Skills Shortage Is Growing Worse
IDC analysts say the reason for the skills shortage is very simple: Technology is evolving at such a rapid pace that the workforce can’t keep up.
Emerging technologies such as generative AI and machine learning have already become critical to business success. However, few IT pros have expertise in these technologies, and it’s unlikely the skills gap will close anytime soon.
The same goes for cybersecurity. The threat environment is constantly changing, and security specialists must constantly upgrade their skills to keep pace. Many security pros are also stressed and burned out due to the constant barrage of threats and alerts they must respond to. There aren’t enough skilled workers on their team to relieve the load.
According to a report by Hack the Box, 84 percent of security pros are experiencing burnout, which is directly affecting performance. Organizations are losing 8.5 days per worker per year due to poor mental health. Almost half (45 percent) of organizations say burnout costs them between $2.5 million and $3.8 million a year.
Emerging technologies such as generative AI and machine learning have already become critical to business success. However, few IT pros have expertise in these technologies, and it’s unlikely the skills gap will close anytime soon.
The same goes for cybersecurity. The threat environment is constantly changing, and security specialists must constantly upgrade their skills to keep pace. Many security pros are also stressed and burned out due to the constant barrage of threats and alerts they must respond to. There aren’t enough skilled workers on their team to relieve the load.
According to a report by Hack the Box, 84 percent of security pros are experiencing burnout, which is directly affecting performance. Organizations are losing 8.5 days per worker per year due to poor mental health. Almost half (45 percent) of organizations say burnout costs them between $2.5 million and $3.8 million a year.
Techniques for Reducing the Skills Gap
Organizations are using a variety of techniques to get the IT resources they need. Some are implementing programs to upskill and cross-skill employees. Others are reassessing their job requirements and removing barriers such as levels of experience and certifications. A great approach is to widen the net by removing barriers to hiring women, minorities and disabled workers.
Even with those techniques, it’s difficult for organizations to find all the skills they need. Strategic outsourcing to an MSP can help close the gap.
An MSP can take on many routine tasks that are vital but resource intensive. MSPs monitor the IT environment around the clock and respond quickly to any problems that arise. They also perform regular maintenance to prevent many problems before they occur. These activities alone can greatly reduce IT administrative overhead, allowing in-house staff to focus on business-enabling initiatives.
Even with those techniques, it’s difficult for organizations to find all the skills they need. Strategic outsourcing to an MSP can help close the gap.
An MSP can take on many routine tasks that are vital but resource intensive. MSPs monitor the IT environment around the clock and respond quickly to any problems that arise. They also perform regular maintenance to prevent many problems before they occur. These activities alone can greatly reduce IT administrative overhead, allowing in-house staff to focus on business-enabling initiatives.
Key Ways an MSP Can Help
Cybersecurity is a critical area where an MSP can relieve the IT burden. Qualified MSPs have a team of experienced cybersecurity professionals who use the latest tools to identify vulnerabilities and threats. They will monitor systems around the clock and use sophisticated techniques to filter out false positives so they can hone in on real threats.
Best-in-class MSPs also offer an array of solutions in a bundled, hardware-as-a-service model. These solutions include all the necessary hardware and software plus management and support services for a monthly opex fee. Customers can get out of the business of buying, implementing and maintaining IT solutions.
Cerium’s comprehensive suite of managed services solutions includes monitoring, management, cybersecurity and more. Let our team of professionals help you bridge the IT skills gap and gain a more robust and secure IT environment.
Best-in-class MSPs also offer an array of solutions in a bundled, hardware-as-a-service model. These solutions include all the necessary hardware and software plus management and support services for a monthly opex fee. Customers can get out of the business of buying, implementing and maintaining IT solutions.
Cerium’s comprehensive suite of managed services solutions includes monitoring, management, cybersecurity and more. Let our team of professionals help you bridge the IT skills gap and gain a more robust and secure IT environment.
