For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), every dollar counts. The promise of technology has always been to do more with less, but many SMBs find themselves buried under a mountain of tools and licenses, unsure if they’re using even half of what they pay for.

According to Gartner, businesses typically use only 30-40% of the capabilities in their enterprise software stack. This indicates a massive gap between investment and value.

This is where modern Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are stepping up. Far from the break-fix support of the past, today’s MSPs act as strategic partners, helping SMBs maximize ROI from tools they already own. By uncovering underused features, streamlining security settings, and modernizing management practices, MSPs are helping SMBs get every bit of value from platforms like Microsoft 365, Intune, and beyond.

Let’s break down how this works in practice, and why it matters more than ever.

The Hidden Gold in M365 and Intune

Take Microsoft 365. Most SMBs are familiar with the basics like Word, Excel, Outlook. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Microsoft’s own data shows that a significant portion of M365 features go unused by SMBs, especially advanced security and productivity capabilities like:

  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

  • Conditional Access policies

  • Endpoint protection through Defender for Business

  • Self-service password reset and identity governance features in Entra

  • Automation with Power Automate

The Endpoint Ecosystem Study highlights that 72% of IT teams feel they lack the time or expertise to fully leverage existing tools. SMBs, often working with lean teams, are even more likely to overlook what they have.

Modern MSPs can help by running assessments, examining license usage, and mapping business goals to available features, MSPs can unlock:

  • Better security posture, without paying for more tools.

  • Automated workflows reducing manual tasks and freeing up teams.

  • Streamlined device management with Intune and Endpoint Security settings dialed in to match business needs.

SMBs Are Paying for Tools They Don’t Use

The risk of underused technology is more than wasted spend, it’s also missed opportunities for growth and security. According to a 2024 Statista report, 31% of SMBs cite lack of expertise as the top barrier to optimizing IT investments. IBM research reinforces this, showing that SMBs are 4.5x more likely than large enterprises to suffer a breach due to misconfigured or underutilized security tools.

Modern MSPs help SMBs close these gaps by:

  • Running health checks across M365, Intune, and security tools.

  • Identifying unused or redundant licenses and consolidating spend.

  • Training teams on features they already have access to.

  • Implementing policies like Conditional Access to reduce risk.

  • Advising on device lifecycle management to extend hardware value.

In short, MSPs act as navigators, guiding SMBs through the complex landscape of technology they already own, so they can focus on growth.

Why This Matters Now

In a world where economic pressures are mounting, cutting costs by cutting value isn’t an option. SMBs need to do more with what they have. By partnering with a modern MSP, SMBs aren’t just buying support they’re buying clarity, strategy, and execution.

The Bottom Line

The tools you need to grow and secure your business are likely already in your hands. The question is: Are you using them to their fullest?

Modern MSPs help SMBs bridge the gap between ownership and optimization. By working smarter with what you have, you’re not just cutting costs, you’re unlocking value that was hidden in plain sight.

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot for your business. with the Vision and Value Workshop

  • Understand AI reinvention and it’s potential in your business

  • Assess your business’ technical readiness

  • Build a custom business case and implementation roadmap

Andrew Reade

ANDREW READE

Andrew is our Digital Marketing Manager and oversees web-based marketing strategies and content creation for the organization. As a marketing veteran, Andrew has worked with organizations of all sizes in a diverse group of industries, from Risk Management to Transportation. Joining the organization in 2021, Andrew is based in Mobile Mentor’s Nashville, TN office.