Technology is here to stay. With the Internet of things gaining traction, there is only one thing on the table; to adapt to it. But dealing with the interconnectivity of physical objects and devices in-house is not easy. You may have to spend a lot of time and resources to train your staff and get the right team.
A managed service provider (MSP) can help you unravel this puzzle. MSP dispenses skilled IT services on a subscription approach. Their services include networking, cloud storage, cyber security, and system updates.
Picking the right MSP for your business may pose a challenge. This article will discuss choosing the right managed IT service provider and why you need one.
Factors for choosing an Ideal Managed IT Service Provider
Your company’s IT business functions are vital, and you need to entrust them to a dependable person. Consider these five factors on how to choose an MSP to get the right partner for your business
- Cost
A managed service provider should not make dents in your pocket. The main reason for choosing an MSP is to try and save the organization’s running costs. Scrutinize their pricing structure and rates. You should also pay attention to their initial set-up fee and the monthly or bi-annual subscription fees.
Before signing the dotted line, inquire about the available incentives, such as discounts and offers to save on your end. Similarly, be on the lookout for any hidden costs in the form of maintenance charges.
- Request for their track record
Ask for the portfolio from your prospective MSPs to get a feel of how good their services are. You could also scroll through their website and social media pages for client reviews and testimonials. This is an investment into your organization; thus, a good reputation from your prospective MSP is mandatory.
A good name is everything! So besides checking their portfolio, try interacting with past clients to get an honest review of their system structure and reputation. Never ignore any experiences from past clients.
- Do they offer a guarantee?
An MSP should have a well-laid-out warranty policy like any other service provider. The guarantee terms should spell out the scope of cover, their call-out response, and the preventive maintenance. In the guarantee terms, the MSP should state, if any, the charges to incur.
- Are they willing and able to grow with you?
Your business or organization is dynamic and growing by the hour. Thus, your ideal managed IT service provider should be scalable enough to adapt to your ever-changing needs and capacity. The MSP should quickly adjust to your expansion plans and requirements and offer a quick turnaround.
- The on-site support
Is the MSP available to offer solutions physically at your location? A refined MSP should be accessible to mitigate challenges and offer solutions as needs arise in your organization. They should provide an on-site support plan for various services such as networking, hardware configurations, etc.
Ideally, a top-of-the-rank MSP should have a 24-hour response time in case of a breakdown or inquiry.
Benefits of choosing the right Managed IT Service Provider
Having the above five golden tips on how to choose an MSP, expect the following benefits for your company:
- Cost savings
Engaging the right managed services provider is cheaper than having an in-house IT expert. MSP will help you save for a rainy day since permanent employees are a recurrent expense on your expenditure.
Also, most of the MSP offer discounts and other incentives by the day, as well as an affordable one-off plan. The result is cheaper services compared to hiring an in-house team.
- You get to enjoy the latest technology
The MSPs are often the first to get wind of the new technology by the minute. They invest in research and new tools to ensure they stay on top of the game. Thus, they are handier to advise you on what systems and software to adapt per your needs.
Notwithstanding, they are up to the minute with the new cyber threats and malware. Your in-house IT support is likely to take time before keeping themselves well-informed of recent trends in the market.
- Increased focus on other issues
You enjoy peace of mind every time you realize someone has your back. With your IT and computing needs taken care of by a guru, you get to direct your energy on other facets of the business and thus increase productivity and sales. Over time, your company’s profits increase significantly.
- Statutory compliance
Data compliance is often a headache for many organizations, but an MSP takes care of all that. These certified professionals understand all the statutes and legal provisions and will ensure your company is ever compliant.
Conclusion
Business is a game, and only the finest conquer. But you can only conquer if your organization’s IT needs are well cared for. Follow the above five tips on choosing a managed service provider for a revolutionized experience in the business market. At Managed Services Group, we specialize in providing comprehensive IT management for small-to-medium businesses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help streamline your IT operation.
