A Short Talk with Melissa Harris, Regional Director & Certified vCISO

Nashville’s business landscape is evolving quickly—and so are the technology needs of the companies driving that growth. To get a closer look at what’s happening on the ground, we caught up with Melissa Harris, Regional Director for BetterWorld Technology in the Nashville area and a certified vCISO.

She sat down with us for a quick but insightful conversation on local trends, challenges, and the growing importance of Co-Managed IT services.

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Thanks for joining us, Melissa! You're the Regional Director for the Nashville area, right?

Melissa Harris: That’s correct, yes.

Perfect. Today, we’re focusing on the Nashville market. First up: What makes the Nashville market unique when it comes to IT support and Co-Managed IT services?

Melissa Harris: Nashville’s dynamic business ecosystem is a unique mix of established industries—like healthcare, music, and education—alongside a booming tech startup scene. This diversity creates unique IT demands, especially as companies grow and try to balance innovation with operational efficiency.

Many businesses here are deeply rooted in tradition, while also striving to adopt modern IT infrastructures. That’s why Co-Managed IT services are such a great fit—it allows organizations to supplement their internal IT systems and teams with experts like BetterWorld provides. In a market that values both heritage and forward-thinking tech, this model just makes sense.

Great segue into the next question: What would you say are the biggest IT challenges Nashville businesses are facing right now?

Melissa Harris: I wouldn’t say it’s exclusive to Nashville, but the biggest challenge right now is cybersecurity. Nashville is a major healthcare hub, which makes it a constant target for threats to sensitive patient data.

Companies here have to comply with strict regulations like HIPAA, while also protecting against ransomware and phishing attacks.

Another big challenge is managing hybrid work environments. Coming out of COVID, many businesses still operate with distributed teams—and ensuring consistent IT performance across all of them is tough. This creates an urgent need for IT solutions that are both secure and scalable. You really need a partner who can deliver on that.

Absolutely. Now, how do you explain the value of Co-Managed IT services to businesses that might be on the fence?

Melissa Harris: I like to frame Co-Managed IT as the perfect partnership. It’s not about replacing your internal IT team—it’s about empowering and augmenting them.

Think of it as gaining access to a broader pool of expertise, advanced tools, and a team that’s on call to handle the heavy lifting—whether that’s monitoring, cybersecurity, or scaling during periods of rapid growth.

For Nashville businesses, this means closing IT gaps without overextending internal resources. It helps them stay competitive in a fast-paced market while keeping their core team focused on strategic priorities.

What trends are you seeing in the MSP space that Nashville businesses should know about?

Melissa Harris: One major trend is the shift toward zero trust security models. With the rise in cyber threats, businesses are realizing that traditional perimeter defenses aren’t enough anymore.

Another big trend is the growing demand for IT support tailored to hybrid work environments—tools that allow seamless collaboration, along with remote cybersecurity measures, are critical.

Locally, we’re also seeing a push toward IT sustainability. Whether that’s e-waste recycling or energy-efficient tools, Nashville businesses are aligning with broader environmental goals.

What’s the most common misconception Nashville businesses have about working with an MSP?

Melissa Harris: The most common misconception is that working with an MSP means losing control of your IT operations.

In reality, a great MSP—like BetterWorld Technology—is a true partner and an extension of your team. We enhance control through transparency, robust reporting, and proactive solutions.

Another myth is that MSPs are only for large enterprises. But in fact, Nashville’s thriving mid-size businesses often find that MSPs are a cost-effective way to access enterprise-grade tools, expertise, and solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.

And finally—how do you balance proactive support with responsive service for your clients?

Melissa Harris: My approach is built on three pillars: prevention, speed, and personalization.

Proactive support means deploying the right monitoring tools to catch issues before they escalate. We use advanced cybersecurity measures and continuous system health checks.

On the responsive side, when something does happen, we act fast. In Nashville’s fast-paced industries, clear communication and quick resolutions are key. It’s all about minimizing downtime so our clients can focus on what they do best—growing their business.

Thank you so much, Melissa. Appreciate your time—we’ll be in touch.

Melissa Harris: Thank you!

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If your business is looking for flexible IT solutions that grow with you, Co-Managed IT might be the missing piece. To learn more about how BetterWorld Technology supports organizations in Nashville and beyond, get in touch with our team or visit BetterWorldTechnology.com.

FAQs

What are the benefits of Co-Managed IT services for Nashville businesses?

Co-Managed IT services allow Nashville businesses to strengthen their internal IT departments without replacing them. By partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like BetterWorld Technology, companies gain access to advanced cybersecurity tools, expert support, and scalable solutions—ideal for hybrid work environments and fast-growing industries like healthcare and tech.

How does Co-Managed IT improve cybersecurity for healthcare companies in Nashville?

Is Co-Managed IT support cost-effective for mid-sized businesses in Nashville?

What makes BetterWorld Technology a good fit for Nashville’s unique IT landscape?

How does a Co-Managed IT partnership work with existing internal IT teams?