Does Your MSP Offer CIO Services?

Managed service providers (MSPs) are often essential partners for businesses looking to outsource their IT. However, not all MSPs are created equal, and many lack a critical component that could make a world of difference for your business: chief information officer (CIO) services.

Although traditional MSPs focus on maintenance, security and IT support, they often fall short of offering the strategic guidance of CIOs. Let’s explore the gap in many MSP offerings, why CIO services matter and how having CIO guidance can set your business on the path to growth and success.

Read: What Does the CIO Do?

What Is a CIO, and What Do They Do?

A CIO is responsible for overseeing a company’s technology strategy, aligning IT investments with business goals and driving innovation. This role goes beyond troubleshooting and system updates, emphasizing strategy, budgeting and long-term technology planning. Key responsibilities of a CIO include:

• Align technology with business goals: The CIO ensures that IT solutions support and propel business objectives.
• Strategic IT planning: They guide the selection of systems, infrastructure and platforms that improve productivity, reduce costs and provide a competitive advantage.
• Risk management and compliance: CIOs proactively address cybersecurity threats and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
• Support innovation: They introduce new tools, processes and platforms to increase efficiency and foster growth.

For many businesses, having a CIO on board offers clear direction and stability in navigating today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. But here’s the issue: not all MSPs offer CIO services.

Why Most MSPs Don’t Offer CIO Services

So why do so few MSPs offer this level of strategic IT guidance?

• Focus on support over strategy: Many MSPs center their services around “break-fix” or day-to-day technical support, addressing IT issues as they arise. This model is reactive, not proactive, focusing on immediate fixes rather than long-term planning.
• Limited expertise in business strategy: A CIO needs IT knowledge and an understanding of business goals, industry trends and risk management. MSPs typically hire technical experts who focus more on support than business growth, meaning they may lack the higher-level expertise required for CIO responsibilities.
• Different pricing and service models: CIO services require a more integrated approach with clients, which involves deeper, ongoing engagements and specialized expertise. MSPs that charge based on ticket volume or support hours often lack the structure to provide ongoing, strategic advice without a significant shift in their pricing model.
• Resource limitations: Offering CIO services requires a dedicated team of senior-level experts who understand both IT and business strategy. Many MSPs, particularly smaller ones, may not have the capacity or resources to sustain a CIO role.

Why a CIO Matters for Your Business

If your MSP lacks CIO capabilities, you may find your company at a disadvantage. Here’s what you could be missing without a CIO:

• Proactive IT strategy and planning: A CIO thinks beyond day-to-day IT needs to plan for the future, assessing how technology investments align with your company’s long-term goals. Without this guidance, you may be left to implement systems that lack cohesion or invest in outdated technology.
• Cost management and budgeting: CIOs help companies manage their IT expenses more effectively. They identify cost-saving opportunities, prioritize IT investments and ensure your budget aligns with business priorities, making your IT spending more effective and predictable.
• Enhanced security and compliance: With cyber threats on the rise, security must be strategic and proactive, not reactive. A CIO ensures that your IT security is robust and meets compliance standards, proactively addressing potential risks rather than waiting for incidents to occur.
• Driving innovation and growth: As companies increasingly rely on technology to drive growth, a CIO is pivotal in fostering innovation. Whether it’s leveraging AI, implementing automation or using data analytics, a CIO can help identify and integrate new technology that keeps your business competitive.

Read: 9 Tips on Choosing the Right Managed Service Provider (MSP)

How to Choose an MSP that Provides CIO Guidance

If you’re currently working with an MSP that doesn’t offer CIO services or you’re evaluating potential providers, here are some questions to ask to ensure you get the strategic guidance your business needs:

• Does the MSP provide a fractional CIO? Some MSPs offer fractional CIO services, giving you access to strategic guidance without the cost of a full-time executive.
• How often do they review your IT strategy? Regular reviews are key to adapting to changing technology and business landscapes. A CIO should assess your strategy continuously, not once a year.
• Do they understand your industry? Industry-specific expertise can be invaluable. A CIO who understands the regulatory, operational and competitive dynamics of your industry can make more informed technology recommendations.
• What is their approach to technology budgeting? Ask if they provide a technology roadmap and work with you to plan an IT budget aligned with your long-term business goals.

Thriveon: An MSP with CIO Services

A reliable MSP is important, but a strategic MSP that offers CIO services is transformative. With CIO-level guidance, you gain the insight, expertise and proactive strategy that’s often missing from your typical MSPs. If your current IT provider doesn’t offer these services, you may miss out on a significant growth opportunity.

At Thriveon, we take a holistic approach to IT services by providing fractional CIOs as part of our managed IT services. This ensures that your IT is running smoothly and is actively contributing to your company’s success. We bridge the gap between tech support and business strategy, offering services that go beyond traditional MSP support models. Our CIO-level experts work with you to create a strategic IT roadmap, align technology with your business goals and proactively address risks and opportunities.

Schedule a meeting now to see how our CIOs can enhance your business.