In the evolving landscape of small and medium-sized business (SMB) IT, the need for resilient, secure, and scalable technology has never been greater. Business leaders are increasingly moving away from fragmented, legacy systems and embracing modern, cloud-first strategies that unify operations, improve security, and reduce complexity. In this space, two names have risen above the rest: Cisco and Microsoft. Together, they offer an exceptionally powerful suite of technologies that, when implemented well, can meet nearly every requirement of a modern SMB.
For many businesses, particularly those in competitive urban centres like London, the shift to the cloud has already happened. Microsoft 365, with its familiar suite of tools, has become ubiquitous. Email, productivity, collaboration, and data storage are all streamlined within a single ecosystem. However, the cloud is only one half of the equation. The other, often underestimated component, is networking—where Cisco and its Meraki line come into play.
A capable Managed Service Provider (MSP in London) must be well-versed in both worlds: cloud platforms like Microsoft and robust networking solutions like Cisco. Only then can they offer a truly integrated approach that’s tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. One company from London stands out in that field—Proxar IT Consulting. With deep roots in both Cisco and Microsoft ecosystems, their ability to translate complex technology into reliable, easy-to-use systems for businesses has earned them notable recognition.
Why Microsoft Forms the Digital Core for SMBs
Microsoft’s position as the digital core of modern SMBs is difficult to dispute. Tools like Microsoft 365 deliver essential services such as Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive in a cloud-native, secure framework. Increasingly, however, Microsoft is also setting the bar for endpoint security and device management.
Microsoft Defender, once overlooked by more traditional MSPs, now provides comprehensive endpoint protection that rivals specialist vendors. But implementation is key. Some providers still struggle to migrate clients to Defender effectively, failing to configure it in line with best practices or integrate it fully with other systems.
Moreover, technologies like Microsoft Intune and Autopilot have transformed device deployment and lifecycle management. Intune enables centralised management of both company-owned and personal devices, enforcing compliance and improving control. Autopilot further simplifies onboarding by preconfiguring devices so they’re ready for productive use straight out of the box. Despite these advances, not all MSPs appreciate or take advantage of these capabilities—some still rely on outdated, manual processes that create inefficiencies and increase risk.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM), both delivered through Intune, are also underutilised in many environments. These technologies give businesses control over where data lives and how it’s accessed—an essential feature in today’s mobile-first work culture. When deployed with precision, they create a secure yet flexible working environment that supports both productivity and compliance.
Cisco and Meraki: The Networking Foundation
While Microsoft takes care of the cloud and endpoints, Cisco—particularly its Meraki product line—delivers the networking backbone that connects it all. For SMBs, the challenge is to ensure that connectivity is not only fast but also secure, resilient, and manageable.
Cisco Meraki’s cloud-managed networking solutions are ideal for this. With simple, intuitive interfaces and enterprise-grade performance, they offer peace of mind and futureproof infrastructure. They support zero-touch deployment, remote troubleshooting, and built-in security features like next-generation firewalls and VPNs—perfect for the hybrid work models many SMBs now embrace.
However, integrating Microsoft’s digital services with Cisco’s network architecture requires deep technical expertise. It’s not just about installing access points or configuring routers—it’s about ensuring that identity, policy, and access are aligned across every layer of the stack. Businesses without that expertise often end up with disjointed systems and missed opportunities for automation and efficiency.
A Proven Approach for SMBs
At the intersection of Microsoft and Cisco technologies is a unique opportunity for SMBs to achieve enterprise-level IT performance without enterprise-level complexity. But this requires thoughtful design and expert implementation.
Over the past few years, a number of experienced providers have started developing pre-tested, SMB-focused solutions that combine the best of both worlds. These solutions are designed for rapid deployment, seamless integration, and future scalability. One such approach, developed by a trusted Managed Service Provider in London, is already in use across more than 50 businesses. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with some clients referring to it informally as “IT in the box.”
This model is particularly compelling because it doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel for each client. Instead, it leverages standardised, thoroughly tested configurations based on real-world usage. Clients benefit from faster setup times, predictable outcomes, and robust support. Whether it’s configuring Intune policies, deploying Meraki SD-WAN, or integrating Microsoft Defender across all devices, the system is designed to “just work”.
Beyond Setup: Full-Service IT Support
Once the core systems are in place, many businesses look to extend their relationship with their MSP beyond initial implementation. This often includes ongoing IT support services, network monitoring, and increasingly, advanced cybersecurity offerings such as a Security Operations Centre (SOC). A well-rounded MSP not only deploys and configures technology but also supports it throughout its lifecycle, responding to threats, managing updates, and evolving the solution as business needs change.
By offering a full-service model, including 24/7 monitoring, incident response, and user support, a London-based MSP like Proxar IT Consulting helps clients to focus on their core business, safe in the knowledge that their technology is secure, reliable, and up to date.
Enterprise Features for SMB
For today’s SMBs, success depends on getting the fundamentals right: connectivity, security, collaboration, and control. Microsoft and Cisco together offer everything a growing business needs to build a solid, modern IT foundation. But simply having access to these tools is not enough. Real value comes from choosing a Managed Service Provider with the knowledge and experience to bring them together into a cohesive, scalable solution.
In a city as competitive as London, it’s not surprising that some companies seek out MSPs who go beyond the basics. By focusing on proven technologies and refusing to compromise on quality, one such provider has built a reputation for delivering truly reliable solutions tailored to the needs of SMBs.
Their work speaks for itself—quietly but confidently—through the stability, security, and satisfaction experienced by their clients.
