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Five Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Managed Service Provider
Technology is ever-changing. Not to mention critical to many SMBs (small to medium size businesses) who depend on their IT infrastructure to run their day-to-day operations. When you rely so heavily on your IT, you need to ensure that you have the right management service provider on your side. Managed service providers take on the responsibility of controlling your organization’s IT infrastructure and keeping up with the evolving landscape which can be both challenging and time-consuming. While on your search to find the right MSP, here are five key characteristics to consider.
1 . Expertise and Experience
When partnering with a MSP, there are skills that go far beyond the necessary maintenance and operation. It is important to make sure they have the capability to manage security cloud-based technology, multiple network technologies, databases, and more. Selecting a managed service provider who can provide a wide range of skills can implement strategies to make your organization’s IT infrastructure more secure and efficient.
A few key questions to consider pertain to the experience they bring to the table, such as how many years they have been in the industry, what organizations they have worked alongside, and the certification and knowledge related to solution competencies and specific vendors/partners.
2. Service-Level Agreement (SLA)
Service-level agreements are legally binding contracts to outline the expectations between your business and your managed service provider. These SLAs may include items like guaranteed response time for tickets or network uptime. When service-level agreements are put into place it allows both parties to know what to expect and can set the foundation for mutual success.
3. Ability to Tailor to Your Business Needs
No two businesses are the same. Every organization has certain needs that must be met. If you are working with a managed service provider, you should be able to have your requirements fulfilled. For instance, you would like to have backup continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR), managed IT services, and helpdesk services. Your MSP should be able to grant your request to ensure your business runs to your exact needs. While having this flexibility is critical, it is important to understand that your pricing will change as your operations scale up or down.
4. Clear Communication and Response Time
There is a lot of importance in constant and clear communication between a managed service provider and their clients. Having an incredibly open and clear dialogue will allow your business and your managed service provider to move diligently through tasks. Another important note is having a fast response time which can prevent unnecessary downtime and alleviate impacting on other areas of your business.
5. Compliance and Regulation
If you are in the healthcare industry or in any highly regulated organization, you understand the compelling nature of having to be compliant with the standards that are in place. An example of this delicate matter is HIPAA compliance. Compliance with the federal government in reference to Patient Health Information (PHI) and electronic Patient Health Information (ePHI) is of utmost importance and requires constant monitoring. It is crucial to dot every I and cross every T with your managed service provider for superb compliance.
The managed service provider you consider while on your IT search should align with your IT needs and will allow you to boost productivity, reduce costs, and improve your overall security. Partnering with the right managed service provider to manage your daily IT operations will give you and your staff the peace of mind to focus on your business goals while knowing you have found an investment that will grow with you.
You can call Simon IT at 727-263-2950 or fill out a contact form to learn more about how our managed services can benefit your business.
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