Looking For Enterprise-Level IT Capabilities Without a Large Investment?
Are you or your small business struggling to maintain an ever-changing IT infrastructure? Is it costing too much, taking up too much of your time, or putting you and your customers at risk?
If you are reassessing your business’s IT infrastructure and looking for enterprise-level IT capabilities without having to make a large investment, it might be time to consider retaining the services of an IT Managed Services Provider (MSP). For a predictable monthly fee, an IT managed services provider takes care of your network-based services, applications and hardware around the clock.
But how do you know who to hire? Here are some simple and straight-forward managed service provider questions you can ask to help figure out what’s right for your company.
Reputation and Experience
Does the company have a good reputation in the industry? How many years of experience do they have behind them? Do they publish testimonials? Do you recognize any of those companies?
Ask for references and testimonials from other clients for which the MSP has worked. Call the references and ask about their experience with the provider.
Services
Technology is rapidly changing so it’s important for the MSP to keep pace. Ask them how they do that. Are they reading the latest technology news and press releases? Are they attending relevant conferences? Do they, themselves, speak publically or publish insights on what’s happening in their industry?
Make sure the MSP provides everything you require to help keep your IT infrastructure stable and adapting to the environment. Ask them how, and how often, they monitor and test your infrastructure.
There should be no cookie cutter solutions here – each company has different requirements. It’s important for the MSP to be able to adapt to your unique needs and flex up or down accordingly.
Security
It is critical that your systems stay safe from viruses and other attacks. Cyber attacks are on the rise. Ask how your MSP plans to tackle security issues. Are they proactive or reactive? Do they have the relationships and support they need with industry providers?
Proactive Approach
Speaking of being proactive, managing a system is about making sure it is running smoothly now and in the future. What long-term, proactive approach does the provider take to make sure your systems are maintained and issues are prevented before they arise?
An MSP should have access to Cloud Computing and discuss with you whether or not it’s a good fit for your business. Cloud computing helps MSPs reduce costs and improve efficiencies and service levels for their customers.
Response Team & Time
Does a real person answer the phone when you call or do you get an automated system? Can you always get a hold of someone? What are their response times? It’s important to make sure you can get any issues fixed as quickly as possible to reduce the impact on your business.
These are good questions to ask the MSP as well as their references. Be sure to ask about evenings, weekends and holidays. Ask how and when systems are backed up and whether or not they have ever been tested.
Price and Cost Savings
Although price should not be the only factor, it is still something to consider. It’s also important to ask your MSP what cost savings they can provide you through managing your IT infrastructure. There may be some savings that you had not previously anticipated.
Still have questions?
Comment below or contact us if we can be of further assistance. We also provide a full complement of services, including managed services and a technology assessment that determines how companies can best utilize technology to improve business performance.