Cloud tools for MSPs: Recommendations from an IT leader

Today’s MSP scene is all about cloud this, cloud that. New managed service providers are jumping on the built-for-the-cloud-on-the-cloud bandwagon, while the established ones scramble to rebrand their products as adapted-for-the-cloud.

As cloud software providers become an important piece in the IT services puzzle with a focus on automation and scale, let’s see what cloud tools can do for your business.

Which are the top cloud tools that can take the chaos out of your business?

Scott Riley, the founder of the fastest-growing MSP in the UK, is all for MSP automation. It is befitting that, as a very lean MSP, automation gives the best headstart they need to catch up in an established space. They need to keep moving, do more with less, and tie different things together, cloud-driven automation tools are the one-stop solutions for all of these.  

“My most important mission right now is to make myself useless in my own company. Because a lot of people who start an MSP end up just getting embroiled in day-to-day work, and they just can't escape from it.”

- Scott Riley

Because there are always things that depend on you. Automation reduces dependency and ensures things are on even if you’re off. 

When asked about his top cloud tool picks, Scott Riley points to his proposal automation software. Without automation, proposal writing can be tedious. 

And it always falls on the one who has access to the finance system, and in the case of Cloud Nexus, it’s Scott Riley. 

He invested in a tool called Proposify, a proposal management software. That’s where his inclination towards cloud-powered MSP tools started.

Proposal writing and quoting was one of the first tasks they got out of the habit of just doing things in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, printing to PDF, and emailing them off to people. 

The templated projects helped them automate many time-consuming tasks like 365 migration and endpoint manager deployment and any others that have fixed scopes of work that are repeated often. The same blocks, but with a different customer name. As easy as that. 

Some other tools that make an MSP’s life easier are integrated finance tools.

MSPs usually struggle to get paid on time. They use multiple tools to do that, making the process more hands-on and demanding. Some MSP cloud billing software tools like GoCardless and Xero make invoicing and getting paid incredibly easier and accounted for.

Typically, you collect the direct debit payments, send the invoice, collect the direct debits, reconcile the direct debits with the invoice, and marry all that up in the banking system. You don’t need to do that anymore. 

Manual reconciliation of payments should be a thing of the past. Cloud Nexus uses ThriveCart, which is integrated into Stripe, which is integrated into Xero. In this case, the whole process takes care of itself - no one has to do any manual reconciliations.  

The secret to scaling right

Scaling your business can be fun. Longer desks, bigger workspaces, and of course more desk toys. That is, of course, if you scale right. Scale wrong, and you might invite yourself some serious consequences:

• Your-costs-are-growing-faster-than-your-revenue serious. 

• Your-most-efficient-employees-are-struggling-to-perform-now serious.
  

You have to be prepared for the chaos and uncertainty that come with expanding your business or else you’re left to pick up the pieces and that is not easy.

This is where a modern, unified platform becomes essential. Instead of juggling multiple tools that create data silos and inefficiencies, a solution like SuperOps is built to manage this chaos. As an automation-first, all-in-one PSA and RMM platform, it’s designed to help you scale effectively.

Specifically, it helps you:

• Streamline operations by centralizing management tasks and automating routine workflows, tackling the "costs-growing-faster-than-revenue" problem head-on.
• Increase technician efficiency by providing a truly unified experience that keeps everything in one place, preventing your best employees from getting bogged down.
• Propel growth with a "born-in-the-cloud" system that empowers you to deliver exceptional service without the complexity of legacy tools.

Cloud adoption is one of the key secrets to scaling right. When it comes to the on-premise model, your resources are limited and finite. With the cloud model, it is a matter of increasing your capacity to meet the needs of your newly expanded resources. 

Consider this. You run a candy shop and have more requests coming around Halloween. Run it on-premise and you have to install additional shops or space. Run it on the cloud and you just increase your infrastructure capacity to handle the additional influx of leads. Totally unrelated. But it makes sense, right?

What common challenges do MSPs face when adopting cloud tools?

Adopting cloud tools can bring significant benefits to Managed Service Providers (MSPs), but it also introduces several challenges.

• Integration issues: Many cloud tools may not seamlessly integrate with existing systems, leading to fragmented workflows and inefficiencies.
• Data security and compliance: Ensuring sensitive client data remains secure and compliant with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA is critical.
• Cost management: Subscription-based cloud tools can lead to unexpected or escalating costs if usage is not carefully monitored.
• Staff training and adoption: Teams may require time and training to adapt to new cloud platforms and processes.
• Vendor reliability: Dependence on cloud providers means MSPs must trust uptime, support, and long-term stability.

What are the best practices for choosing and integrating cloud MSP tools?

Selecting and integrating cloud tools for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) requires careful planning to maximize efficiency and security. Best practices include:

• Assess business needs: Identify workflows, pain points, and objectives to choose tools that align with your MSP’s goals.
• Prioritize security and compliance: Ensure tools meet regulatory standards and support data protection for clients.
• Check integration capabilities: Choose cloud solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems and platforms.
• Evaluate scalability: Select tools that can grow with your business without requiring costly replacements.
• Involve your team: Include technicians and managers in testing and feedback to ensure adoption and usability.
• Plan implementation: Use phased rollouts, training sessions, and clear documentation to minimize disruption.

What is the role of cloud automation in MSP profitability?

Cloud automation helps Managed Service Providers (MSPs) become more profitable by reducing repetitive, time-consuming tasks and improving overall efficiency. By automating processes like monitoring, patching, and provisioning, MSPs can lower operational costs, minimize errors, and free up staff to focus on strategic work such as client management and service expansion.

Automation also makes it easier to scale services for more clients without hiring additional staff, while ensuring consistent security and compliance across systems. 

Faster response times, reliable service delivery, and accurate billing improve client satisfaction and loyalty. Ultimately, cloud automation allows MSPs to take on more business, offer higher-value services, and increase revenue, all while running more efficiently.

The future is cloud and it is right here

It is time everyone paid attention to the cloud, not just those born-in-the-cloud and the early adopters. Adopting the right tools is the first step to setting your business up for success in a cloud-driven environment. If you like what you read, let us say this is just a glimpse.

Unwrap the complete version below for extensive insights on 20+ cloud tools that can make running your managed services a breeze.

Frequently asked questions 

How can MSPs choose the right cloud tools for their business needs?

MSPs should evaluate cloud tools based on business goals, team workflows, and client requirements. Consider integration capabilities, scalability, security features, and ease of use. Involving technical staff in testing and gathering feedback ensures adoption and efficiency. Selecting tools that align with growth plans and operational needs helps MSPs maximize productivity and client satisfaction.

What are the biggest challenges MSPs face when moving operations to the cloud?

Key challenges include integration with existing systems, ensuring data security and compliance, managing subscription costs, and training staff to adopt new platforms. Dependence on vendor reliability and uptime is another concern. MSPs must carefully plan migrations, test cloud tools, and provide adequate training to maintain service continuity and avoid disruptions.

Are cloud-based MSP tools secure for handling client data?

Yes, cloud-based MSP tools can be secure if they follow best practices, including encryption, access controls, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. Choosing reputable providers with strong security protocols, regular updates, and monitoring helps protect sensitive client data while enabling MSPs to leverage the benefits of cloud platforms safely

How does cloud automation improve service delivery for MSPs?

Cloud automation streamlines repetitive tasks such as monitoring, patching, and provisioning, reducing human errors and speeding up workflows. This allows MSP teams to respond faster, provide consistent service, and focus on strategic tasks. Automated processes enhance reliability, minimize downtime, and ensure clients receive high-quality support, improving satisfaction and building long-term loyalty.

How do cloud tools help MSPs reduce operational costs?

Cloud tools reduce operational costs by automating routine tasks, consolidating platforms, and improving efficiency. Staff can focus on high-value work rather than manual processes, while remote management reduces travel and on-site support expenses. Additionally, subscription-based cloud solutions eliminate large upfront investments in hardware or software, allowing MSPs to scale affordably as their client base grows.