Not every managed services provider (MSP) is the same. Your business has unique needs, all of which need to be handled by your MSP. Your MSP should understand how to improve regulatory compliance, protect your IT infrastructure, and improve business efficiencies. Some IT providers are better equipped than others to handle these needs.
Your managed services provider should know the ins and outs of your business and provide recommendations accordingly. Choosing an MSP that’s right for you will save time and money in the long run! Wondering how to partner with the right IT company? Look no further. Your MSP should:
Secure Your IT Environment
Without a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, your network is increasingly vulnerable. Your MSP should have a plan to keep your IT infrastructure protected from cyber attacks by establishing best practices and implementing security measures. Look for an MSP that has successful experiences safeguarding networks that will aid them in developing systems that are simple to maintain but sturdy enough to withstand attacks.
Offer 24/7 Monitoring
If you’re not around to troubleshoot issues when they arise, they could quickly become major problems. Your MSP should be keeping an eye on your network 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ask if they get early alerts when services go offline, what they’ll do if problems happen after hours, and how they’ll guarantee protection from downtime. 24/7 monitoring allows your MSP to respond quickly and know there is a problem before it affects your organization.
Shift the Burden of Network Security Compliance
Leave the burden of ever-changing standards and regulations to the professionals. Your MSP should be equipped to handle compliance needs across a variety of industries. Look for an MSP that has experience with your industry specifically to ensure the success of computer network compliance.
Guarantee Predictable Services
A major issue that can plague businesses is IT services that are delivered poorly or inconsistently. A quality MSP will offer you a suite of IT services for a flat monthly fee. They make a commitment in the form of a service level agreement (SLA) that defines target response times. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they will respond in a timely manner.
Build Relationships
It’s important to find an MSP that strives to build relationships with their clients. Today’s network environments are dynamic, and an intense focus on customer satisfaction will increase the probability that you work with the same service provider for years to come. At the end of the day, your MSP is becoming a partner in your business and should take the time to get to know both your team and your business.
Connect You with Vendors
You shouldn’t spend your own time or resources to source and manage your relationships with vendors. Your MSP should have existing vendor relationships that ultimately save you time and money when it comes to hardware and software. These relationships can work to your advantage, as your managed services provider will work directly with the vendor to resolve problems, and they may be able to negotiate better rates on the equipment you need.
Have Relevant Industry Experience
Today’s IT environment is changing fast. An MSP that understands the tech trends in your industry will be a valuable partner for managing your services. Look for an MSP who has extensive experience in your field to ensure they have the knowledge and resources needed to keep you up-to-date on your industry’s latest developments.
If you own a manufacturing business for example, an IT professional with manufacturing industry expertise would be significantly more beneficial than one who has spent most of their time dealing with healthcare organizations. Industry knowledge shields your managed service provider from being blindsided by unforeseen issues and anticipated demands.
Prioritize Communication
When partnering with an MSP, communication is key. Your provider should be proactive about keeping you in the loop regarding any issues that arise or changes that are made to your technology. Keeping everyone on the same page will undoubtedly benefit all parties involved.
An MSP that prioritizes communication will be able to expand your IT strategy, limit downtime, and ensure you’re compliant with industry regulations. By partnering with a wholly customer-focused company, you’ll develop systems that keep your technology safe while saving time and money.
Provide References
Your MSP should be able to provide you with references from qualified clients. Be sure to ask about the scope of their work, what issues your potential provider resolved, and how long it took for problems to be addressed. A vendor who is responsive and can demonstrate success from satisfied clients may be your best option for a long-term partnership.
Offer Customized Solutions
Today’s IT landscape is extremely complex, and it is difficult for businesses to arrive at custom solutions on their own. In your search for the right IT provider, beware of those who claim to supply personalized solutions but instead offer a predetermined package of services you may or may not need.The right MSP will offer the technology expertise that will help you reach your business goals without pushing unnecessary upsells and irrelevant services.
Reduce Your IT Costs
Managed services providers help reduce your enterprise’s costs through proactive planning and routine maintenance. This can be in the form of hardware upgrades, software applications, or just general administration and monitoring of the network and day-to-day operations. By reducing one-off expenses, you can funnel more money into your core business model.
Think Outside the Box
Just as technology is constantly changing, so are the ways businesses use it. An MSP that can think outside the box will be able to provide planning and implementation of new strategies, services, and applications that may not otherwise be on your radar.
By partnering with a managed services provider who welcomes innovation and offers unique solutions, you’ll find yourself better equipped to handle today’s complex IT landscape.
