With the advent of cloud-based software solutions, managed service providers have turned out to be an excellent alternative to traditional on-premise solutions. MSPs are one of the latest additions to the ever-evolving technology landscape of the world we currently live in.
From IT to cybersecurity to marketing to enterprise resource planning (ERP), MSPs are making waves with their incredible offerings that don’t break the bank for small and medium businesses.
At the same time, the sheer availability of these services has made choosing one a daunting task. If you’re on the marketing for a service but not sure which one to go with, we may be able to help in this post. We’ll focus on how to choose a managed service provider with actionable steps on your end.
What is a Managed Service Provider?
Before we go into the actual tips, a little background is necessary to bring you up to speed. In very informal terms, a managed service provider (MSP) is like having a tech-savvy partner for your business. They handle IT tasks, from network security to software updates, keeping your systems running smoothly.
Of course, the benefits are identical to having your own full-time IT staff without actually having to go through the hassle of managing one! If you go through standard MSP contracts and their clauses, you’ll understand why it’s a far better choice than investing in an on-premise solution.
Tips on How to Choose a Managed Service Provider
As promised, we’re going to share the top tips on how to choose an MSP, backed by our industry experience.
Tip 1: Choose an MSP that Understands Your Business
No effort comes to fruition if it’s not fueled by the right motivation. That’s why the first and perhaps the most important tip we can share is choosing an MSP that understands your business. Now, it’s a two-way process.
First up, you need to clearly outline your business’s IT requirements, goals, and budget. Then, hop on the internet to review case studies or client testimonials to gauge their past successes. If you have the option, visit MSP offices to witness their operations with your own eyes. It’s also a great time to meet the team.
While you’re at it, ask if the company offers a trial period. If yes, start with it to assess their fit for your business before committing.
Tip 2: Evaluate the MSP’s Industry Experience
Industry expertise is crucial when it comes to choosing an MSP partner. A company with extended experience in your sector will lead to easier onboarding and better efficiency. They’ll comprehend your unique industry challenges, compliance regulations, and best practices.
The expertise translates into tailored solutions, efficient issue resolution, and insights into the most effective technology solutions for your field. At the same time, Don’t overlook reputation and references. Read online reviews and request references from current clients to gauge performance and reliability.
Tip 3: Clarify Any “Outsourcing” Aspects in Advance
We currently live in the era of information technology where remote working is just as normal as in-office work. So, it’s not uncommon for Managed service providers to outsource different aspects of their service. And there’s nothing wrong with it.
It’s just that you need to know about it from the get-go. Begin by asking the MSP directly whether they outsource any aspect of their services. This can include tasks like customer support, helpdesk services, or infrastructure management. As long as the company is legit and trustworthy, they should have nothing to hide.
At the same time, it helps you because you know which areas of the service you can get prompt resolutions to. If you have any concerns, now would be the time to express them. For example, you may be concerned about data security, communication gaps, or the quality of service provided by third-party vendors.
Last, but not least, ask about the level of oversight and control they maintain over outsourced tasks with the vendors.
Tip 4: In-Depth Analysis of the Service Offerings
When choosing an MSP, it’s a no-brainer that you have to consider the services offered. Ideally, an MSP should offer robust network management services that include the design, implementation, and maintenance of your network infrastructure. This involves managing the equipment such as routers, switches, and everything else that goes into the system.
Then there is cybersecurity. The MSP of your choice should provide comprehensive cybersecurity services to cover threat detection, firewall management, intrusion detection, potential risk assessments, and most importantly, quick response time.
Moreover, the MSP should also facilitate cybersecurity courses for your staff, ensuring that they are well-versed with the latest cyber threats and security protocols. These courses can provide your team with the knowledge and skills to identify and combat security risks, potentially averting detrimental breaches and losses.
MSPs often deal with critical business data that may also be confidential. You don’t want to lose the data due to technical errors or natural disasters, do you?
For this reason, we highly recommend evaluating the MSP’s data backup and recovery offerings. The infrastructure should implement reliable backup solutions and have a robust plan for data restoration in case of emergencies.
If you’re planning to trust the MSP with your fleet of devices including computers, and mobile devices, don’t forget to inquire about the MSP’s device management services. This includes configuration, security, and remote troubleshooting.
Tip 5: Inquire about the Upfront, Hidden, and Maintenance Cost
MSPs are expensive. In most cases, the price is worth it for businesses thanks to the functionalities of the provider. However many providers don’t disclose all the areas of expense in the initial quote.
So, take time to understand the pricing model. Inquire whether it’s a flat fee, pay-as-you-go, or subscription-based tiered pricing. Ensure there are no hidden costs and that the pricing aligns with your budget.
Also, ask about reporting transparency as part of the same conversation. Ideally, you should look for an MSP that provides regular reports on the performance of your IT systems.
Wrapping Up
By carefully considering factors like industry expertise, service offerings, cybersecurity capabilities, and transparency, you can confidently navigate the landscape of MSPs and find the perfect partner to meet your organization’s unique needs. At the end of the day, selecting the best managed service provider (MSP) is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the efficiency, security, and scalability of your business.
