The benefits of generalists, managed services, fractional leadership

David Zey Gerry Pitt

February 10, 2025

The evolution of IT has been marked by a continuous drive toward frictionless operations, where the focus is on seamless integration, automation and efficiency.

This shift has given rise to the concept of the IT generalist, an IT professional who possesses a broad range of skills and can handle various IT tasks, such as network management, cybersecurity, coding, scripting and cloud engineering.

As technology rapidly advances, it becomes crucial for organizations to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.

Managed service providers play a vital role in this adaptation by providing specialized expertise, reducing operational costs and allowing businesses to focus on their core activities. 

Embracing managed services along with the versatility of an onsite IT generalist ensures that organizations can navigate the complexities of modern IT landscapes effectively.

Historically, IT departments were dominated by specialists, each with deep expertise in specific areas such as network administration, database management or cybersecurity.

These roles were essential for managing the complex and often siloed IT environments of the past.

However, with the development of more advanced and user-friendly IT tools, along with the emergence of XOps (such as DevOps, SecOps and DataOps), there has been a notable shift toward IT generalists.

These professionals possess a broad skill set, enabling them to handle a variety of tasks across different IT domains.

This shift is further driven by the commoditization of IT services, where many routine tasks can now be automated or outsourced, reducing the need for highly specialized in-house expertise. As a result, the rise of the IT generalist reflects a more flexible and efficient approach to managing modern IT infrastructures.

Wear multiple hats

An IT generalist is a versatile professional with a broad range of skills across various IT domains, rather than deep expertise in a single area.

These individuals are characterized by their adaptability, problem-solving abilities and comprehensive understanding of IT systems and processes.

They are system designers and coders that can understand, implement and validate technology that correctly and securely supports the business and can easily adapt to change.

The benefits of having IT generalists in an organization include increased flexibility, cost-effectiveness and the ability to quickly respond to diverse IT needs.

IT generalists can handle a wide array of tasks, such as network management, system administration, cybersecurity, user support and software troubleshooting.

Their ability to wear multiple hats makes them invaluable in dynamic environments where technology and business requirements are constantly evolving.

In addition, they are the perfect “traffic controller” when using AI tools to augment their abilities since they know the upstream and downstream effects of solutions.

Managing an ever-changing industry, demand

The IT industry is currently grappling with significant skill shortages and talent gaps, with evidence showing a critical lack of skilled IT professionals.

This shortage is projected to result in substantial economic losses, estimated to reach $5.5 trillion by 2026.

Organizations are struggling to fill essential IT roles, which hampers their ability to innovate and maintain robust IT infrastructures.

Compounding these challenges is the issue of tool sprawl and complexity, where IT teams must manage an overwhelming number of network-related tools.

The rise of remote work has further complicated IT infrastructure and tool management, as highlighted in the Auvik IT Trends 2024 Industry Report.

The report reveals that some IT teams are using more than 20 network-related applications, while managing hundreds of SaaS programs, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational burdens.

These challenges highlight the necessity for strategic solutions like automation and outsourcing to ease the burden on IT departments.

Additionally, it’s crucial to manage the security of custom or homegrown applications, which have distinct maintenance and security requirements compared to packaged solutions.

IT partners can provide managed services that deliver numerous benefits to organizations, especially in terms of cost-effectiveness and budget management.

By outsourcing IT functions, companies can reduce overhead costs associated with hiring and training in-house staff, while also gaining access to a broader range of expertise and skills.

This allows businesses to leverage specialized knowledge without the need for full-time employees.

Additionally, managed services enable organizations to focus on their core business activities, as IT management and maintenance are handled by external experts.

Examples of managed services include network management, cloud services, end-user support, business app support and cybersecurity – all of which are critical for maintaining robust and secure IT infrastructures.

Case studies have shown that organizations benefiting from managed services experience improved operational efficiency, enhanced security and significant cost savings.

In a report by Forrester, a mid-sized company that outsourced its network management reported a 30% reduction in IT costs and a 50% decrease in network downtime, demonstrating the tangible advantages of managed services.

Fractional IT leadership

Fractional IT leadership involves engaging experienced IT leaders on a part-time, interim or project-based basis, instead of hiring a full-time executive or manager.

This practice is part of the broader category of fractional executives.

The advantages of fractional IT leadership include flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to adjust the level of leadership support based on their current needs.

This approach also offers significant cost savings compared to full-time IT leadership, as companies only pay for the services they require.

Additionally, fractional IT leaders provide strategic insights and guidance, helping organizations navigate complex IT challenges and drive innovation.

To implement fractional IT leadership, businesses should start by identifying their specific needs and selecting a qualified leader with relevant experience.

Best practices for working with fractional IT leaders include clear communication, setting defined goals and outcomes and maintaining regular check-ins to ensure alignment.

Potential challenges, such as integrating the fractional leader into the existing team and managing expectations, can be addressed through proactive planning and fostering a collaborative environment.

Covering wide range of needs

The alignment between IT generalists and managed services creates a powerful combination for organizations, as IT generalists can work alongside managed services to cover a wide range of IT needs efficiently.

IT generalists handle day-to-day operations and troubleshooting, while managed services provide specialized expertise and support for more complex tasks.

Automation and AI play a crucial role in this dynamic, enabling IT generalists to streamline routine processes and focus on higher-value activities.

Strategic IT leadership is essential for long-term success in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. 

By combining the strengths of IT generalists, managed services and fractional leadership, organizations can achieve holistic and optimal business results from their technology.

This integrated approach ensures that businesses remain agile, cost-effective and well-equipped to navigate technological advancements and challenges.

The evolution of IT toward frictionless operations has led to the rise of the IT generalist.

This shift is driven by the standardization of IT services and the increasing complexity of IT environments.

Managed services and fractional IT leadership offer strategic solutions to address skill shortages, tool sprawl and the demands of remote work.

With the inclusion of IT generalists, managed services and fractional leadership, organizations can achieve greater flexibility, cost savings and access to both specialized and scalable expertise.

Adapting to the rise of the IT generalist is crucial for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Organizations are encouraged to consider managed services and fractional IT leadership to enhance their IT capabilities and drive future growth.

Embracing these approaches will ensure that businesses remain agile, innovative and well-prepared for the challenges ahead.