CNWR Blog

Improving IT Project Coordination in Multi-Cloud Environments with MSPs

Written by Brett Chittum | Jan 27, 2025 3:00:00 PM

Managing IT projects in multi-cloud environments can feel like spinning plates—you’re constantly juggling multiple platforms, services, and tools, all while ensuring that they stay aligned with your business goals. For business owners, the complexity only grows as cloud adoption soars and systems become increasingly fragmented. Sound familiar? 

This is where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) step in to simplify the chaos. By acting as your IT coordinators, MSPs provide the expertise, tools, and support needed to streamline multi-cloud projects and help your business stay ahead of the curve. 

This blog will explore what MSPs offer, how they can optimize your multi-cloud environments, and best practices for maximizing their value. Keep reading if you’re ready to improve your IT project coordination and reclaim time for more strategic priorities. 

Understanding MSPs (Managed Service Providers) 

Before we dig into the benefits, let's clarify—you might be wondering, what exactly is an MSP? 

MSPs are third-party organizations that manage and oversee a business’s IT services. They provide ongoing support, maintenance, and optimization for networks, applications, and infrastructure, often working remotely. 

Think of MSPs as your IT problem-solvers. From handling cloud migrations to monitoring cybersecurity, they’re equipped to manage both short-term challenges and long-term needs. 

For businesses in multi-cloud environments, the MSP’s role becomes even more critical. Why? They bridge the gap between platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, improving efficiency and reducing complexity. 

If you’re tackling multi-cloud management solo, you likely understand how quickly issues can snowball—from performance bottlenecks to budget overruns. With an MSP on your side, those risks are mitigated by their expertise and tools. 

Benefits of MSPs in Multi-Cloud Environments 

1. Improved Project Efficiency 

Multi-cloud environments can be a labyrinth, with multiple cloud providers, APIs, workflows, and configurations. Coordinating across all of them requires expertise, otherwise you risk delays and misaligned efforts. MSPs specialize in navigating these challenges. 

  • Centralized Project Oversight: MSPs create unified dashboards to monitor and manage data, processes, and communications across clouds. This means better collaboration and quicker resolutions when something goes awry. 
  • Specialized Expertise: The IT professionals at MSPs understand each cloud provider’s unique quirks and capabilities, helping you leverage the best tools for each aspect of your project. 
  • Automated Workflows: Many MSPs implement automation tools to handle repetitive tasks like provisioning resources or monitoring traffic, freeing up your in-house team to focus on higher-value work. 

By improving efficiency, MSPs help businesses meet deadlines, boost productivity, and get more value from their IT investments. 

2. Cost Savings 

Multi-cloud environments bring flexibility and scalability, but they can also balloon costs if not properly managed. Hidden charges, like data egress fees or underutilized resources, can quickly eat into your budget. MSPs bring a laser focus to cost optimization. 

  • Budget Planning: MSPs help businesses forecast cloud spending, ensuring you only pay for what you need. 
  • Usage Monitoring: By tracking resource usage, MSPs can identify cost-saving opportunities like consolidating workloads or right-sizing instances. 
  • Vendor Negotiation: MSPs often have established relationships with cloud providers, which allows for better support and sometimes even reduced pricing. 

With MSPs at the helm, businesses can maintain control over their cloud costs while avoiding unexpected bills. 

3. Enhanced Security 

When managing IT projects across multiple clouds, security becomes a top priority. Each platform has its own vulnerabilities—and neglecting even one can make your business an easy target for cyberattacks. MSPs, however, implement a consistent approach to security across all clouds. 

  • Threat Monitoring: MSPs use advanced tools to continuously monitor your infrastructure for breaches or vulnerabilities, ensuring quick remediation. 
  • Compliance Expertise: They stay up-to-date on regulations like GDPR, SOC 2, or HIPAA and ensure your cloud configurations align with industry standards. 
  • Disaster Recovery Plans: MSPs craft robust backup and recovery processes, so you can quickly bounce back from outages or attacks. 

By partnering with an MSP, your business not only reduces security risks but builds stronger trust with customers and stakeholders. 

Best Practices for Leveraging MSPs 

1. Choose the Right MSP 

Not all Managed Service Providers are created equal. Selecting the right partner is crucial for your success. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Proven Industry Expertise: How well do they understand your industry’s unique challenges? A telecom MSP won't have the same skills as one focused on e-commerce. 
  • Multi-Cloud Experience: Make sure they’ve proven they can handle the complexities of managing multiple platforms simultaneously. 
  • Transparent Pricing: Clarity is key. Ask for detailed quotes and avoid MSPs that don’t communicate costs upfront. 

2. Establish Effective Communication 

Your collaboration will thrive only with open lines of communication. From day one, set clear expectations around availability, response times, and touchpoints. Monthly review meetings or customized updates can ensure both teams stay aligned. 

3. Define Clear Project Goals 

Vague objectives lead to inconsistent results. Work alongside your MSP to define measurable goals for your IT projects. For instance:

  • Reduce average server downtime by 20%. 
  • Improve data transfer speeds by 15%. 
  • Lower cloud storage costs by 10%. 

Defining clear goals will empower MSPs to deliver results that align with your business’s vision. 

4. Start Small Before Scaling 

If you’re new to MSPs, consider starting with a smaller project to gauge their approach and compatibility. This "trial run" provides a low-risk opportunity to assess their expertise before scaling their support across multiple IT functions. 

Change the Way You Manage Multi-Cloud IT Projects 

The challenges of multi-cloud environments are vast, but they’re not insurmountable. By leveraging the power of MSPs, businesses can improve efficiency, lower costs, and boost security across their IT projects. 

At CNWR, we specialize in helping businesses make the most out of their multi-cloud strategies. Whether you’re a fast-growing startup or an established enterprise, our team is here to simplify your IT management and deliver measurable results.