News in the Channel - issue #15

DATA MANAGEMENT

l Security: Strong basic security features to protect your data from common threats l Integration: Easily works with the tools you already use, like accounting software or customer databases l Support: Accessible customer support to help when issues arise. “In recent years, small businesses have shifted towards cloud-based solutions for their flexibility and minimal maintenance, emphasising more on real-time data access for quicker decision-making, and focusing on user-friendly platforms that don't require deep technical expertise,” he says. Reseller conversations With customer needs developing, resellers have an important role to play in ensuring they get the right solutions for their needs. Jonathan advocates that to determine the best way to optimise data management, businesses should conduct a thorough needs assessment. “Considering factors such as data volume, variety, real-time needs and available resources,” he says. “Then, businesses show review current operations, identifying any bottlenecks and pain points that limit productivity and understand the capabilities of existing systems to handle these issues. “Once pain points are identified, businesses can work with resellers to tailor their data management, creating a strategy that is scalable, cost-effective and meets the needs of the team. By developing an incremental optimisation strategy, businesses can ensure they address the most challenging pain points first, demonstrating its value and improving productivity from the outset.” Chris Shaw, UK&SA senior distribution manager at AvePoint, adds: “Even if you’re not in a data orientated business, the need to make sure data is secure, governable, and justifiable is so important. If you are in a data- based business it’s critical to ensure you can generate revenue off the back of it! You need to invest in the correct tooling for the qualified job at hand. “We need to be helping MSPs build out scalable services around data assessments, readiness plans and analytics. Not all data is good data and that can lead to multiple projects and opportunities. They need to be crystal clear on the outcomes and benefits and how AI can be leveraged to help the customers' specific use cases and challenges. SMBs particularly can get really close to customers and add significant value to help

integration, management and analysis of data. “Data is essentially the new oil – it is the most valuable asset companies have. It’s important that businesses of all sizes have robust management in place because it is the driving force behind decisions and actions, and it is vulnerable to being stolen, which can have far-reaching impacts for businesses and their employees if that data contains personal identifiable information.” Customer trends With businesses across the spectrum now looking to harness their data, it is changing their demands. “Traditionally, businesses built data warehouses to consolidate data storage, but this can be a challenge, particularly for smaller businesses with limited resources,” says Jonathan Williams, partner at Xerini. “A data warehouse is a structured, centralised system that makes reporting and managing data easier, but the time-consuming set up can delay gaining visibility over data. If any business goals change during the build, the warehouse may no longer meet the needs of the team and the data might not be up to date. “Now, businesses are seeking alternatives that offer real-time access to data, actionable insights and cost-effectiveness. Cloud-based platforms, for example, offer real-time access to data for analysis that facilitates data-driven decision-making, saving time and resources for businesses. “Businesses also want something scalable. Data mismanagement often happens accidentally because of organic business growth – businesses will invest in a new software or workflow management system to meet an immediate need, but it might not connect to existing infrastructure. Instead, businesses want scalable management solutions to ensure that, as the business grows in size and complexity, the data infrastructure can accommodate increased volumes of data and users without disruption or overhaul.” Sascha adds that data management solutions for SMBs go hand in hand with their business software, with several crucial considerations: l Simplicity and ease of use: solutions that are straightforward to set up and manage, without needing specialised IT skills l Affordability: cost-effective options with clear pricing, avoiding large upfront investments l Scalability: ability to grow with your business without needing a complete overhaul

Steve Haines

embridgeconsulting.com

Data is essentially the new oil – it is the most valuable asset companies have. “ ”

Jonathan Williams

xerini.co.uk

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