Multi-vendor becomes the new normal

JumpCloud Inc. has released the findings of its first report for UK managed service providers (MSPs). The 2025 MSP Performance Report outlines a strategic roadmap to sustainable growth, highlighting AI adoption, vendor flexibility, and streamlined SaaS management as critical factors.

The report finds that 70% of UK MSPs now manage a mix of Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks, driving new security and compliance risks. However, high-growth MSPs are adapting faster, with 74% supporting both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, 66% automating device onboarding and security enforcement, and 72% actively investing in AI to reduce overhead and scale efficiently.

Key UK report findings:

UK MSPs are no longer Microsoft-only – multi-vendor productivity is the new normal: 74% of high-growth UK MSPs now actively manage both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. However, 38% report vendor lock-in as a major frustration, limiting their ability to meet diverse client needs. Over 90% of UK MSPs support at least one non-Microsoft productivity suite, highlighting the shift away from single-vendor dependency.

SaaS spawl and Shadow IT now threaten operational efficiency: 48% of UK MSPs say SaaS complexity is a major challenge to efficient scaling, with 70% managing mixed device environments (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebooks) MSPs face mounting security and compliance hurdles. Additionally, 40% lack a formal Shadow IT policy, exposing clients to security blind spots due to unmanaged apps and BYOD usage

High-growth UK MSPs embrace AI and automation to scale faster: 38% of UK MSPs say hiring skilled IT talent is a top challenge for 2025. However, amongst high-growth MSPs, just 29% see hiring as a major barrier, thanks to their investment in automation and AI. In fact, 72% are investing in AI-driven automation, using it to boost internal efficiency and client service delivery.

Google Workspace MSPs report lower complexity and better margins: 62% say it enables more automation and reduces IT overhead while 58% report serving more clients with few resources, showing the operational edge of multi-vendor environments.

"We understand that in the fast-paced world of managed services, clarity is key,” said Antoine Jebara, co-founder and general manager of MSP business, JumpCloud. “This report cuts through the noise, offering practical, data-backed insights that MSPs can immediately leverage to enhance their service delivery, optimize their operations, and ultimately drive better outcomes for their clients."

The 2025 MSP Performance Report provides UK MSPs with a clear benchmark and a competitive edge. From cutting vendor lock-in to embracing AI, high-growth providers are proving that adaptability and strategic technological adoption are key to long-term success.