Beyond Cost-Cutting: Why European Enterprises Are Embracing Managed IT Services
Nearly 70% of companies use third-party service providers to manage their IT operations, according to IDC 2025 Trends in Managed IT Services Research sponsored by Comarch (Feb 2025). What was once seen primarily as a way to cut costs is now perceived as a strategic asset. Companies are increasingly moving from tactical outsourcing to integrated, innovation-focused collaboration, making managed IT services something much more than simply a part of a cost-saving strategy.
In this article, you’ll gain insights into:
- Why more European enterprises are shifting to managed IT services
- The strategic drivers behind IT outsourcing
- The benefits of partnering with managed IT service providers
From Vendors to Strategic Partners
For some time now, we’ve been observing a shift in the perception of managed IT services. More and more companies are moving beyond relying on external IT providers solely for basic support and are beginning to view them as strategic business partners. According to IDC research, 77% of surveyed organizations now consider their managed IT service providers to play a strategic role.
This shift reflects evolving business priorities, with the top expectation being a provider’s ability to combine automation and human expertise. A close second is a desire for strategic, long-term partnerships built around shared goals and continuous value rather than merely cost optimization.
Providers are increasingly entrusted with managing complex IT environments, including cloud ecosystems and hybrid infrastructures. Their role extends beyond operational support—fostering innovation and enabling long-term digital initiatives.
As a result, the relationship has evolved from transactional to collaborative—focused not only on convenience but also on driving business growth.
Why Companies Partner with Managed IT Services Providers
Organizations are under constant pressure to continually improve efficiency, enhance agility, and lower costs—often with limited internal resources. IT outsourcing offers a way to mitigate these challenges. Below, we present some of the key reasons behind enterprises choosing to collaborate with managed IT service providers.
1. Staying Agile in a Fast-Moving Tech Landscape
Today’s IT landscape is anything but static. Businesses are navigating constant change—from emerging technologies to shifting customer expectations and regulatory demands. Managing this level of complexity with internal resources alone is no longer sustainable. Managed IT service providers offer a practical solution by giving companies immediate access to the latest tools, frameworks, and specialized expertise.
2. Addressing the Talent Shortage
Recruiting and retaining IT specialists is both costly and challenging. In fact, according to IDC research, 41.3% of companies cited a shortage of skilled professionals as a key reason for considering a partnership with managed IT service providers. And with growing demand for new IT services, building and maintaining in-house expertise across every area of IT is not only expensive but often unrealistic—especially as tech stacks become more complex.
3. Rising Infrastructure and Operational Complexity
As organizations increasingly adopt hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, many find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of managing diverse platforms, applications, and processes. IDC research shows that IT operational process outsourcing (68.2%) and IT infrastructure management (67.5%) are among the most commonly outsourced today—a clear sign that internal teams are seeking relief from operational burdens.
4. The Need to Refocus Internal Teams on Strategic Goals
IT departments are expected not only to maintain infrastructure but to drive innovation, enhance customer experience, and support business growth. However, internal teams often lack the bandwidth to deliver on these strategic goals while managing day-to-day operations. Businesses view IT outsourcing as a way to free up internal teams from routine tasks and let them focus on higher-value initiatives.
5. Managing Costs Without Compromising Value
Though no longer primary, cost reduction remains an important reason for choosing managed IT services. For many organizations, IT outsourcing offers a more efficient allocation of resources—eliminating the need for large capital investments in infrastructure or expanding internal teams.
Benefits of Managed IT Services for Business
IT outsourcing offers much more than a way to cut costs or offload routine tasks. It gives businesses a real competitive advantage. Businesses that partner with managed IT service providers gain greater flexibility, faster execution, and more control over their IT operations. Here are five key benefits that explain why more companies are adopting it.
1. Predictable Cost Structure
Managing IT internally often involves unpredictable expenses—from urgent troubleshooting and resource bottlenecks to fluctuating staffing costs. Adopting managed IT services allows organizations to shift to a fixed, transparent pricing model, enabling better budget planning and financial control—which can often result in lower overall IT costs.
Outsourcing is often more cost-effective than maintaining a fully staffed in-house team. And for many businesses, this remains one of the key reasons behind choosing such services.
2. Immediate Access to Advanced Technologies and Expertise
With managed IT services, organizations can gain on-demand access to the latest tools and expertise without the costs of additional training or hiring internal staff. This allows them to quickly respond to technological changes and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. In a business landscape where maintaining legacy systems is the norm, the real advantage lies in the ability to modernize—and to do it quickly.
3. Enhanced Security and Risk Reduction
Access to various experts means access to the latest knowledge on security threats, compliance requirements, and risk mitigation strategies. Many companies struggle to keep up with constant regulatory changes and emerging threats—but with IT outsourcing, that responsibility is shifted to experienced providers. External security specialists offer 24/7 monitoring, proactive threat detection, and rapid incident response. This improves overall security and reduces the risk of data breaches, downtime, and non-compliance.
4. Scalable IT Resources and Flexible Budget Allocation
Managed IT services offer the scalability and flexibility to quickly adjust resources and service levels in response to market shifts, seasonal demand, or evolving priorities—without the delays or high costs of expanding internal infrastructure or teams.
It also allows for more flexible budget allocation, giving organizations the freedom to direct spending where it delivers the most value—presenting the level of adaptability that is difficult to achieve with an internal IT department.
5. Operational Flexibility and Strategic Focus
By entrusting IT functions to external experts, internal teams can concentrate on higher-value, strategic initiatives. Instead of being tied up with troubleshooting and system upkeep, enterprises can redirect their attention toward innovation, business alignment, and growth.
Turning IT Outsourcing into a Competitive Advantage
The role of managed IT services has fundamentally changed. It’s no longer just a tactical way to reduce costs—it’s a vital part of long-term business strategy. Outsourcing helps businesses stay agile, resilient, and ready to adapt to an ever-evolving technology landscape.
By partnering with the right provider, organizations gain access to a wide range of benefits— from scalable IT resources and immediate access to the latest technologies to expert guidance and enhanced security. Providers with local capabilities also help bridge cultural and language gaps, ensuring seamless collaboration and service delivery.
In a market where success depends on how fast and effectively businesses can adapt, managed IT services can provide a strong foundation for continuous growth and competitive advantage.
To explore the full findings and data behind this shift, get access to the complete IDC research.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 70% of companies now use third-party providers to manage their IT operations, moving beyond cost-cutting to driving innovation and digital growth.
- 77% of enterprises now view their managed IT service providers as strategic partners, reflecting a shift from transactional relationships to long-term, value-driven collaborations.
- 41.3% of companies cite the shortage of IT talent as the key reason for outsourcing—highlighting the growing need for on-demand expertise.
- Managed IT services offer immediate access to advanced skills and technologies, helping them modernize, strengthen security, and cut costs—while freeing internal teams to focus on innovation and business goals.
