Deciding to entrust your business’s IT infrastructure to an external managed service provider (MSP) is a significant step.
Your IT network and systems likely support many essential business operations and processes. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a service that not only meets your current needs but also ensures reliability, expertise, and continuity for the future.
What are Managed IT Services and Does Your Business Need Them? In essence, managed IT services involve an external company taking on tasks such as:
Installations
Managing IT systems
Optimizing tech systems
Troubleshooting
Providing proactive maintenance
General computer support
This encompasses infrastructure like networks, servers, PCs, phones, and connectivity, extending to cloud solutions, security, backup, and disaster recovery services.
The aim for your business is fewer IT headaches, long-term stability, and optimized systems to support business operations and growth. The MSP benefits from stable, fixed-fee monthly contracts over multi-year periods.
Most small and medium-sized businesses lack the in-house resources and expertise to effectively manage, maintain, and maximize increasingly complex IT infrastructure and services. Hence, partnering with an MSP makes financial and operational sense. It allows you to focus on core business goals rather than grappling with technology issues.
15 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Managed IT Service Provider
When evaluating MSPs, consider these crucial factors to find a provider that meets your current and future business needs:
Industry Familiarity Opt for an MSP with experience in your sector. They will better understand your technology infrastructure needs now and as your operations grow. Check reviews and case studies to see what kinds of businesses they've worked with before.
Clear and Friendly Onboarding Process Your initial experience with the provider is crucial. Look for MSPs that offer a transparent, structured onboarding process, ensuring that all stakeholders within your business are aligned.
Quick & Guaranteed Response Times Service level agreements (SLAs) that stipulate response times for various incidents ensure you receive prompt support when needed. Responses to business-critical system outages within an hour should be standard.
Proactive Support and Advice The best MSPs offer proactive support, reaching out with communications and recommendations to optimize system performance and prevent IT issues before they escalate. This saves money and enhances security and compliance.
A Single, Friendly Point of Contact A dedicated IT support contact ensures familiarity with your infrastructure and facilitates quick resolutions. An account manager can help with advisory conversations about optimizing technology spend and strategy.
Expertise in Disaster Recovery Processes Ensure the MSP has strong disaster recovery protocols, including thorough backup procedures, replicated systems across multiple locations, and expertise in rapid system restoration.
Respected Within Your Industry or Network Client testimonials and case studies relevant to your sector can demonstrate the MSP's familiarity and trust within your industry.
24/7 Support If your business relies on IT infrastructure constantly, ensure the MSP offers support that matches your operating hours, including holidays and weekends.
Ability to Provide Onsite Support Some situations require in-person intervention. Ensure your MSP can provide onsite support when needed, possibly through local providers or nationwide offices.
Qualifications Matter Look for MSPs with up-to-date industry accreditations, such as ISO certifications, ensuring they adhere to best practices and deliver expert service.
Solutions Spanning Different Budgets Choose a provider offering a range of contract tiers, accommodating growth and ensuring that you can scale services as your needs evolve.
Strong Security Credentials and Practices Ensure the MSP has robust internal security policies and advanced security qualifications to protect against cyber threats.
Technology Vendor Partnerships MSPs with partnerships with leading technology providers, like Microsoft and Dell, can offer cutting-edge solutions and faster resolutions to tech issues.
Training and Technology Education The best MSPs act as extensions of your team, sharing security insights and industry trends, and offering ongoing technology education.
Culture Fit Ensure the MSP's values, personalities, and working methods align with yours for a long-term, trust-based relationship.
In Summary Considering these factors will help you choose the right managed IT services partner, ensuring your business's security and reliability into the future.
At CNS, we meet all these criteria with managed IT contracts tailored to clients’ specific sectors, budgets, and operational needs. To learn more about partnering with us, call us today or view our range of IT support options for businesses.
Comments