Scotland’s IT support services industry has been boosted with the creation of a new cluster and best practice ‘charter’.
ScotlandIS, the tech trade body, has announced the launch of the IT Managed Service Provider (ITMSP) cluster and Best Practice Charter.
These initiatives represent a “significant step forward in strengthening Scotland’s ITMSP industry and setting new standards for excellence”, said the cluster management organisation.
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, where technology is integral to business success, adherence to best practices is paramount. ScotlandIS recognises the importance of fostering collaboration within the tech community to harness its full potential,” the organisation said.
The ITMSP cluster comes as demand for outsourced IT services in Scotland continues to grow.
The cluster will act as a ‘dedicated hub for the industry, cultivating knowledge sharing, quality standardisation and enriched partnership working among ScotlandIS’ extensive network of over 200 IT Managed Services Providers’.
Karen Meechan, chief executive at ScotlandIS, said: “In today’s digital landscape, where digitalisation is imperative and the risk of cyber threats is high, effective IT management plays a pivotal role.
“The seamless operation, success and strength of a business hinges upon the robustness of its IT infrastructure. This new cluster supported by the Scottish Government’s Cyber Resilliance Unit, is hugely important in ensuring that Scotland is cyber resilient and allows companies to share a wealth of expertise in one place.”
The Best Practice Charter is also designed to standardise service quality and clarify the roles of clients and ITMSPs. It aims to reduce the potential for gaps in a business’s IT robustness, ultimately enhancing its cyber posture.
The initiatives – which establish clear standards that customers can expect from IT Managed Service providers – were unveiled today at ScotSoft, the annual conference for the IT sector in Scotland.
It aims to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver exceptional services, maintain high levels of cyber security, and build customer trust.
Additionally, the Charter will serve as a ‘badge of excellence’, signifying a steadfast commitment to best practices that elevates business reputation within the industry and with clients. The Charter was spearheaded by ScotlandIS Head of Cyber, Beverly Bowles in close consultation with IT managed service providers over the last 18 months, reflecting the needs of industry.
Meechan added: “The Charter has been established to help protect both parties. It will enable businesses to define the boundaries of their digital protections while allowing IT service providers to clearly communicate and agree on their scope.”
Leading figures within the industry said the initiatives will promote good working practices for ITMSPs and provide customers with clarity on outsourced services.
David Massey, managing director of The Apprentice Store, said: “The charter has been supported in its development by Scottish MSPs so I am confident that it will be able to foster good working practices for MSPs and give customers confidence and clarity on the services that they outsource. The Apprentice Store supported the development of the charter to ensure that the commitments were suitable for large and small MSPs whilst meeting the wider goal of improving the security of Scotland. I personally look forward to seeing the charter develop further and be embraced by ITMSPs as a force for good in the sector.”
Amanda Stewart, managing director of Illuminate Technology, said: “This is an exciting step forward for Scotland’s ITMSP industry, to be ahead of the curve of the rest of the UK towards regulation.
“Signing up to this charter is the best proof to those looking to hire ITMSPs that they are partnering with organisations that take their shared responsibilities seriously.”
For any IT Managed Service Providers that are interested in learning more, they are encouraged to contact Nicola Taylor at nicola.taylor@scotlandis.com, or visit the ScotlandIS website.
