Managed services: A smart solution for device lifecycle management
Device lifecycle management enables organizations of all sizes to optimize the power of existing PCs and improve the security, reliability, and productivity of an existing fleet.
The modern workforce counts on the power of PCs to connect, work, and innovate. And boosting employee productivity and performance is the top priority cited by IT decision-makers participating in IDG’s 2021 Digital Business Survey.1
However, flexible work locations make device lifecycle management complicated, and the day-to-day needs of the hybrid workforce are stretching the capabilities of many IT teams. Even deploying and provisioning devices becomes complicated when IT teams are at one location and users are distributed. In fact, a recent study by Lenovo and Techaisle revealed that small and medium-sized organizations dedicate 77% of their time to reactive device maintenance and support services, with nearly half of their resources dedicated to PC maintenance.2
Partnering with a managed services provider simplifies device lifecycle management. It provides the level of support IT organizations need to focus on strategic priorities while empowering people to work productively and securely in the hybrid landscape.
Leveraging managed services increases the capacity of IT organizations
Many organizations are not staffed to support the needs of the modern workplace. Research by Techaisle found 97% of mainstream businesses feel unprepared for a long-term remote and hybrid workforce, and 46% of mainstream businesses are facing challenges providing remote IT support.3
Procurement, configuration, and deployment have increased the workload for IT staff in the hybrid environment of distributed workforces. Preconfigured devices ensure users are productive and secure out of the box wherever work happens, but they can add deployment complexity. Even tracking and recovering devices has become more challenging and critical to maintaining environmental practices.
Leveraging the resources of a managed services provider helps organizations bridge capability gaps and gain operational efficiencies, and frees up valuable IT time and resources. In addition to providing 24/7 technical support to improve employee productivity, executive VIP services, professional IT residencies, and onsite field services augment staffing needs and deliver operational efficiencies at each stage of the device lifecycle:
- Provisioning services procure hardware, software, and applications tailored to an organization’s unique needs and ideally include devices with built-in security features that work right out of the box
- Configuration services customize images and preconfigure individual devices to ensure they’re ready to work from the moment they arrive
- Deployment services coordinate logistics and security measures to deliver devices directly to each user-specific destination
- Endpoint management tracks, maintains, and modernizes technology assets to keep dispersed devices secure and running at peak performance levels, and proactively manages and patches software
- Asset recovery services include a disposition strategy to rehabilitate reusable devices, protect data from security risks, and recycle retired devices in compliance with regional and national regulatory and environmental requirements
Device lifecycle management enhances the employee experience
Managing the device lifecycle is an important but time-consuming task for IT staff. In fact, in a recent Lenovo survey, four out of five remote workers say their employer is having trouble keeping up with new and emerging technology.4
Shifting from a break-fix approach to proactive managed services mode is a more efficient and reliable way to maintain and modernize technology.5 In another recent survey, 96% of managed services users said they experienced a reduction in IT costs.6 Ultimately, a proactive approach to device lifecycle management maximizes uptime, mitigates security risks, and improves the employee work experience.7
Prepare for tomorrow’s business needs today
Lenovo Managed Services provides an exceptional technology experience for both remote and in-office workers — while empowering IT teams to prepare for what’s next. A comprehensive portfolio of reliable, secure solutions supplements your team’s capabilities, whenever and however it makes the most sense.
Discover how to benefit from a managed services partnership designed to fit your needs:
Checklist
Finding the right managed services partner
Partnering with the right managed services provider empowers IT leaders to focus on strategic priorities and helps enable people to work productively and securely from any location.
When partnering with a managed services provider, seek:
- A trusted single point of accountability dedicated to delivering innovative, customer-driven solutions to increase productivity and operational efficiency
- A reliable industry expert who understands the dynamic needs of the hybrid workforce with the intimate device knowledge you trust to deliver a proven solution
- Security expertise to prevent disruptions and keep data and devices safe
- Comprehensive and scalable solutions to support needs across a distributed and global network of users
- Flexible and customized solutions to support evolving IT needs and provide a premium digital work experience for the entire organization
Sources
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IDG, Digital Business Survey, 2021
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Lenovo and Techaisle, “Improving IT Efficiency, Optimizing IT Time,” June 2020
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Techaisle, “SMB and Midmarket Hybrid work is here to stay — not so fast, says the data,” April 2021
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Lenovo, “Technology and the Evolving World of Work” report, July 2020
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“Managed IT statistics that today’s businesses need to see,” Marconet.com, July 2018
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“Managed Services Providers: How Do They Benefit Businesses?” 2017
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Accenture, “Device Lifecycle Management and the Modern Workplace,” December 2020
