SaaS applications are more in demand as business workforces continue their transformation, think WFH and hybrid offices. We asked members from CompTIA’s Business Applications Advisory Council to predict 2022. Here are their predictions for 2022. Businesses are constantly changing to meet the demands of a changing workforce, such as WFH and hybrid offices. This is affecting their requirements for purchasing and using business applications. Gartner estimates that global end-user spending on public cloud services increased 23% last year, and that software-as-a-service (SaaS) spending will reach $145.4 billion in 2022.
MSPs, solution providers, and other tech companies have a lot to offer organizations in helping them through their transformations. However, they need to understand the big benefits and challenges. For their predictions for 2022, we asked members of CompTIA’s Business Applications Advisory Council to share their predictions. They produced The Cloud Applications Playbook Success Strategies for SaaS Vendors & Solution Providers. Here’s what they had a to say:
Shift from RMM towards Cloud Management Platforms
“Next year, we will continue to see an increase in the use of cloud management platforms over traditional remote monitoring and management tools.” RMM tools that were used to manage on-premise environments are no longer relevant. This is why RMM tools are being relegated to the background. The demand for tools to manage all things cloudy will continue to grow.” Brian Hamel, CEO at Nuvolex
Business Focus Shifts From Device to User
“With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, I believe we will see a shift away from focusing security and identity at the device level to a holistic view of the user’s identity. It is becoming more common to work remotely and that the devices people use are more varied than ever. This will force companies not to focus on the device they access IT resources from, but the user.” Heather Harlos, Head of MSP Marketing at JumpCloud
AI, IoT Newcomers Will Drive Software-as-a-Service Growth
“Alia and IoT, along with the endless supply of newcomers to these areas–will drive major SaaS sales growth. This is something to be aware of. We’ll also see increased employee engagement as a driver of customer engagement–an entirely different marketing engine.” Angus Robertson is Chief Outsiders CMO.
MSPs challenged to embrace the public cloud
“As the world shifts to cloud-based services, many MSPs will face challenges in making the transition. This is because it requires a complete retooling of IT staff and training. MSPs that fail to successfully transition their business to the public cloud run the risk losing customers who want to do so.” – Brian Hamel CEO of Nuvolex
Increased focus on new customer success metrics
“SaaS and digital platform use is exploding. It’s more important than ever that customer success metrics are measured. These metrics, such as net dollar retention (NDR), and net new annual recurring revenues (Net New ARR), will give businesses a competitive edge. Net New ARR is growth over your install base. NDR is ARR growth per customer and cross-sell ratio.” Craig Weir director of global cybersecurity at Ingram Micro
Security Solutions Are No Longer Optional as Breaches Increase
“As security breaches continue growing, we will see insurance providers increase premiums and requirements for cybersecurity coverage. MSPs and small businesses will be able to align with security and compliance frameworks and a wider range of solutions. Security awareness, endpoint detection & response (EDR), backup, and vulnerability management solutions are no longer optional. Insurance companies will increase their assessments to ensure that you have adequate controls. CIS Controls v8 quickly becomes the standard framework for these assessments,” – Ryan Burton (VP of product strategy, Pax8).
Customer Awareness Drives Security Services
“We will continue seeing more MSPs with a greater focus on managed security services. MSPs are being asked to provide security services that improve security postures for managed customers because of increased security awareness by customers. MSPs that don’t include security in their managed services offerings will be in a disadvantage.” – Brian Hamel CEO of Nuvolex
Apple Devices in High Demand
“SMBs are adopting Apple products in record numbers. Millennials and Gen Z are both hugely fond of iOS and Mac devices, so it is a good idea.