The trend toward specialization in various technologies is increasingly centered on those capabilities that contribute to a company's competitive advantage. There is a notable shift towards outsourcing all services related to supporting platforms outside of the primary revenue stream. This shift has led to a growing demand for Managed Services (MS), particularly in the context of Sitecore.

Traditionally, Managed Services have been perceived as a function that merely "keeps the lights on." However, its primary focus is on ensuring the system remains operational and addressing any issues that could disrupt the normal functioning of the platform. Sitecore Managed Services typically comprises cloud specialists, DevOps professionals, and development engineers. Their role is to support the required uptime for the platform and the websites running on it.

The Challenge of Outdated Solutions in Sitecore Managed Services

While this model has enabled Sitecore users to maintain operational continuity, a realization has emerged over time. Despite being on track, many Sitecore clients have found themselves on a trajectory that may not be optimal. The inherent challenge lies in Managed Services provider teams typically lacking solution architects. Consequently, these teams tend to be reactive in their approach, responding to issues as they arise. Unfortunately, they may fall short when it comes to proactively educating clients, providing strategic advice, and positioning them for future growth.

As a result, a significant number of companies looking for Sitecore services discover themselves stuck with outdated technologies and burdened by substantial technical debt. This accumulation of technical debt results in costly overhead and high price tags for any changes, migrations, or improvements. Essentially, their solutions have not kept pace with technological advancements, leading to an ever-increasing price tag for managed services.

A critical observation is that Managed Services providers may not perceive a problem with this existing approach. From their perspective, the service naturally expands in scope with the growing number of issues and overhead, thereby bringing more revenue to the business. However, this expansion comes at the cost of the client's long-term strategic alignment and financial efficiency.

Maximizing Business Outcomes Through Innovation

The escalating cost of Sitecore Managed Services poses a significant challenge for businesses, as it exerts considerable strain on marketing and IT budgets. This financial burden diverts resources that could otherwise be allocated to gaining a competitive edge in the digital realm. Consequently, when organizations seek a Sitecore partner for Managed Services, it is imperative to prioritize agencies specializing in top-line outcomes such as strategy, customer experience, and revenue generation.

The forward focused Sitecore partners such as Altudo, view managed services as a way to achieve broader business objectives. They are committed to minimizing Managed Services expenditure and redirecting client budgets towards projects that propel the business forward. This strategic approach not only reduces the cost of MS but also aligns technology with your business goals, yielding a dual benefit.

Sitecore Managed services partners that prioritize business outcomes often embody an innovative culture. They recognize that sustained business success requires extensive experimentation, with innovation serving as the cornerstone. Agencies embracing innovation while providing Managed Services consistently discover ways to diminish the cost of "keeping the lights on." They achieve this through the adoption of new tools, automation, and templatization.

Following just a few engagements with Sitecore Managed Services clients, an innovative Sitecore services provider can establish the automation necessary to progressively reduce the cost or effort required to maintain the platform by 10-15% annually. Therefore, if your Sitecore Managed Services partner does not offer this type of reduction, it is advisable to initiate a conversation with them about the matter and explore alternative options. This proactive approach ensures that both the client and the agency embark on a trajectory toward mutual success.

Conclusion

At Altudo, our focus lies in assisting businesses in achieving their objectives through digital channels, where we establish business outcomes as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). By aligning our strategies with your business goals, we ensure a tangible impact on your success. Besides, our innovative strategies in Sitecore Managed Services operationalize your business growth, minimizing disruptions and risks while accelerating your journey of transformation.

Elevate your digital presence with Altudo—your partner in realizing business excellence through tailored, results-driven solutions. Reach out to us and let our Sitecore experts help you transform your digital journey.