Are you struggling with the headaches that come with maintaining complex IT? Do you need extra support managing your systems and security? It might be time to consider hiring a managed IT service provider (MSP), either to be your full-service IT team or to supplement your in-house team.
One of the biggest reasons so many doubt the benefits of MSPs is that they are not aware of the many benefits that partnering with the right MSP will offer your company.
In this guide we will discuss the following:
- What is a managed IT service provider?
- Why use a managed IT service provider?
- What does a managed IT service provider do?
- How to decide which managed IT service provider to choose
Let’s dive in!
What Is A Managed IT Service Provider?
A Managed IT Service Provider is a third-party company that manages a customer's IT infrastructure and end-user systems.
Businesses in all industries, including law firms, real estate and construction companies, and accounting and finance organizations, often hire MSPs to perform a defined set of IT management services.
MSPs act as an extension of your company, ensuring that your IT systems are running smoothly and securely. By leveraging the expertise and resources of an MSP, businesses can focus on their core operations without the distractions and complexities associated with managing IT in-house.
Why Use A Managed IT Service Provider
While your initial instinct may be to look for ways to cut external IT costs and handle everything in-house, there are several reasons for your business to partner with an MSP.
Cost Efficiency
Hiring and maintaining an in-house IT team can be expensive. MSPs offer a cost-effective alternative, providing access to experienced IT professionals and advanced technologies at a fraction of the cost.
Expertise And Experience
MSPs bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, ensuring that your business benefits from cutting-edge solutions.
Proactive Maintenance And Support
MSPs provide proactive monitoring and maintenance of your IT systems. This means potential issues are identified and resolved before they become major problems, minimizing downtime and improving overall efficiency
Scalability
As your business grows, so do your IT needs. MSPs offer scalable solutions that can easily adapt to your changing requirements, ensuring that your IT infrastructure grows alongside your business.
Enhanced Security
Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated. MSPs provide robust security measures to protect your data and systems from cyber attacks, helping you remain compliant with industry regulations.
What Does A Managed IT Service Provider Do?
MSPs offer a broad range of services designed to keep your IT running smoothly and securely.
Network and Infrastructure Management
One of the core services offered by MSPs is network and infrastructure management. This includes overseeing the operation and maintenance of servers, routers, switches, and other hardware components essential to your IT infrastructure.
The goal is to ensure seamless connectivity and optimal performance across your entire network. MSPs employ proactive monitoring tools to detect and address potential issues before they escalate, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Cybersecurity
In today’s digital age when all of your secure information lives online, cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses. MSPs play a crucial role in safeguarding your organization’s data and systems from cyber threats.
They implement robust security protocols, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and provide continuous monitoring to detect and mitigate potential risks.
Data Backup and Recovery
Data is one of the most valuable assets for any business. MSPs ensure that your data is regularly backed up and can be quickly restored in the event of a disaster such as:
- Cyber attack
- Hardware failure
- Natural disaster
This service is crucial for minimizing data loss and ensuring business continuity.
IT Support
IT support is a fundamental service provided by MSPs, offering help desk services to assist employees with various technical issues. This support ranges from resolving software glitches to troubleshooting hardware malfunctions.
MSPs ensure that your team has access to prompt and reliable assistance from a team of experts, enhancing productivity and reducing frustration.
Strategic Guidance
Beyond day-to-day IT management, good MSPs offer strategic guidance and advisory to help businesses make informed decisions about technology investments and implementations.
They provide strategic advice tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your IT infrastructure aligns with your business goals and growth plans.
How To Decide Which Managed IT Service Provider To Choose
Choosing the right MSP for your business is a critical decision since the wrong one can lead to subpar security measures, inadequate support, and a lack of transparency. Cutting corners and hiring the cheapest MSP can cost you greatly down the road.
Factors To Consider
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your MSP beyond costs.
Experience and Expertise
Look for an MSP with a proven track record and expertise in your industry. They should have a deep understanding of the specific challenges and requirements of your business.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Ensure that the MSP offers clear and comprehensive SLAs that outline the level of service you can expect, including response times and resolution times. They should also have clear remedies detailed in the event expectations are not met.
Scalability
Choose an MSP that can easily scale its services to meet your evolving needs. This is especially important if you anticipate significant growth or changes in your IT requirements.
Security Measures
Evaluate the MSP’s security protocols and ensure they align with your business’s needs and compliance requirements.
References and Reviews
Check references and read reviews from other businesses that have used the MSP’s services. This can provide valuable insights into their reliability and quality of service.
Culture Fit
Since your MSP will be working hand-in-hand with your team, you want to ensure they are people who fit with your business. Review their values and what relationships they prioritize to ensure they are a good fit.
Questions To Ask Potential MSP
So now that you understand what to look for, here are a few questions to help get the conversation started.
9 questions to ask an MSP before hiring them:
- What services do you provide?
- Do you provide cloud-based solutions?
- Will you serve as a strategic partner with our firm?
- Who will be my account manager, and what can I expect from this role?
- What are your security practices, and what security services do you provide for your clients?
- What proactive steps do you take to prevent client IT issues?
- How do you handle client IT issues that arise during the workday and after hours and what are your response times?
- Do you provide backup/business continuity services?
- Can I talk to your current clients?
Download your own template: MSP Questions
Learn More About Our Managed IT Services
Struggling to handle your complex IT systems? Need guidance in implementing IT into your processes? Lack the resources or knowledge to manage your IT?
You don’t have to do it alone. With an experienced cloud and managed IT service provider you can receive a comprehensive suite of services designed to optimize your IT operations, enhance security, and support business growth.
By leveraging the expertise and resources of an MSP, you can focus on your business’s core activities while ensuring your IT infrastructure is robust, secure, and efficient.
To learn more about how Tabush Group can simplify, secure, and enhance your IT, schedule a meeting today.