When MSPs Outgrow SharePoint and OneDrive: A Practical Blueprint for Cloud File Access Without VPN

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) sit at the center of today’s cloud transition. Small and mid-sized businesses want the agility of the cloud, but they also expect security, predictable performance, and an experience their teams will actually adopt. For many MSPs, that means moving beyond “default” file-sharing tools that work fine for light documents but struggle when clients rely on large datasets, specialized apps, and strict access controls.

This story comes from sales-team insights gathered while working with a security-focused MSP that was actively expanding its managed services portfolio. Their direction was clear: deliver cloud outcomes with a strong cybersecurity foundation—without introducing new complexity for end users.

The MSP Landscape: Cloud Services Are Now Table Stakes

Across industries, clients are asking MSPs for a consistent set of outcomes:

• Secure remote access to files from anywhere

• Simplified onboarding and offboarding as teams change

• Centralized visibility for auditing and compliance

• Reduced reliance on traditional VPN setups

• A user experience that doesn’t trigger constant support tickets

The challenge? Many SMBs start with familiar tools and then discover the gaps the hard way—especially when file sizes and workflows don’t fit neatly into consumer-style sync.

What Sales Conversations Revealed

In discovery calls, the MSP repeatedly heard the same tension:

1. Clients want “cloud-like” access—but not at the cost of control or performance.

2. Teams want simple workflows—mapped drives and familiar file browsing still matter.

3. IT wants enforceable security—identity-based access, logging, and least-privilege permissions.

Sales notes also highlighted a recurring pain point: clients using design, engineering, or construction tools weren’t just uploading documents—they were working with large project files, frequent revisions, and application dependencies (such as AutoCAD workflows) that don’t tolerate syncing errors.

The Cloud Migration Problem No One Wants to Own

One of the most common scenarios discussed was a technical services firm preparing to move more of its operations into the cloud. Remote work was now standard, and leadership wanted:

• Faster collaboration across teams and job sites

• Fewer file sync issues and “missing changes”

• Stronger security controls without disrupting productivity

• A reduction in VPN dependency (and VPN-related troubleshooting)

But reality hit quickly. Traditional file-sharing platforms often led to:

• Sync conflicts and inconsistent file states

• Large-file performance problems (slow sync, partial sync, failed uploads)

• Workflow friction when users need mapped drives or consistent paths

• Difficulties supporting specialized apps and large project folders

• Ongoing helpdesk burden when users can’t trust what they’re seeing

The Turning Point: “We Need Something Built for Real Workflows”

The turning point came from a simple pattern in the MSP’s sales pipeline: the clients most ready to buy weren’t asking for “a cloud drive.” They were asking for a business-grade file access layer that could deliver:

• Reliable access to shared data without VPN

• Strong identity integration (especially Azure AD)

• Better handling of heavy project files (including AutoCAD)

• Versioning/backup to reduce risk from accidental overwrites

• A smoother experience that reduces support overhead

In other words, the need wasn’t just storage—it was secure, scalable file access that behaves like users expect, even under real-world workloads.

Why CentreStack Fits the MSP Use Case

CentreStack aligned with what the MSP needed to deliver for clients: cloud convenience with security, control, and performance.

What the MSP prioritized

• VPN-less remote access for users working from anywhere

• Azure AD integration for streamlined identity and policy alignment

• Support for large files and specialized workflows, including heavy design files

• Reliable collaboration without constant sync conflicts

• Data protection features that reduce risk and recovery time

How CentreStack addressed those needs

• Enables secure remote access to files without relying on VPN

• Integrates with Azure AD, simplifying authentication and access management

• Handles large datasets more effectively than “lightweight sync” tools built primarily for office documents

• Reduces file confusion and rework with stronger controls and reliability

• Improves the end-user experience while giving IT better oversight

Operational Results: Better Client Outcomes, Less Support Burden

For MSPs, the win is twofold: happier end users and fewer recurring tickets. Based on the needs surfaced in sales conversations, the expected outcomes are practical and measurable:

• Fewer sync-related incidents (conflicts, duplicates, missing updates)

• More predictable performance with large project folders

• Faster rollout thanks to identity integration and simpler access

• Improved security posture with centralized authentication and controls

• Better user adoption because workflows feel familiar and dependable

Just as important: the MSP can package this as a repeatable offering—turning a one-off migration project into a scalable managed service.

Key Takeaways for MSPs Building a Cloud File Practice

If your pipeline includes clients who complain about SharePoint/OneDrive limitations, this checklist can help qualify the right fit early:

• Do users work with large files or specialized apps (AutoCAD, design tools, media projects)?

• Are there recurring issues with sync conflicts or “who has the latest version”?

• Do clients want to reduce or eliminate VPN dependency?

• Is Azure AD already central to their identity strategy?

• Is the helpdesk spending too much time on “file access” problems?

If you’re hearing “yes” consistently, it’s usually a sign that basic file-sharing tools are no longer enough.

Call to Action

If you’re an MSP looking to strengthen your cloud offerings—especially for clients with demanding file workflows—CentreStack can help you deliver secure, reliable, VPN-less file access with the identity integration your clients expect. Reach out to learn how to package a scalable solution that improves client satisfaction and reduces support overhead.