What to Look for in a Managed IT Provider?

 

The shift towards managed services is becoming increasingly pronounced. A 2023 report reveals a compelling trend: 87.5% of organizations were either using or considering a Managed Service Provider (MSP) in 2022, this figure rose to 92.6% in 2023.

This growing inclination towards managed services reflects a significant shift in organizational IT support strategies. As businesses increasingly recognize the benefits of a managed approach, selecting a Managed IT Provider (MSP) is a pivotal decision for any business, particularly in an environment where technological reliability and efficiency are crucial.

As Nahjee Maybin, CEO of Kenyatta Computer Services, says, “The challenge often lies in finding an MSP that not only aligns with your current needs but also supports your long-term business goals.”

This can be a source of stress, as the wrong choice might lead to inadequate support, security risks, and financial strain.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and considerations to ensure you choose an MSP that effectively caters to your unique business requirements and fosters long-term

 

First Things First: Understand Your Business Needs

Before exploring potential MSPs, it’s important to assess your specific needs. Consider what aspects of your IT requires management.

Do you need comprehensive support, or are you looking for assistance in specific areas like cloud services or cybersecurity? Understanding your requirements will help you formulate relevant managed services questions to ask potential providers.

 

 

Managed IT Services Checklist

• Assess Experience and Expertise: Ensure the MSP has a strong track record in your industry, deals with similar-sized businesses, and is familiar with your specific software and compliance requirements.
•  Evaluate Range of Services: Confirm that the provider offers a comprehensive array of managed services that align with your needs, including infrastructure management, cloud services, cybersecurity, disaster recovery plans, and data backup.
•  Understand Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Review the SLAs to ensure they outline clear service quality, availability, and response times that meet your business’s operational needs.
•  Check for Customer Service Excellence: Look for an MSP known for accessible, responsive, and customer-first service.
•  Ensure Robust Disaster Recovery Plans: Verify that the MSP provides effective disaster recovery strategies to safeguard your data and operations.
•  Verify Data Backup Solutions: Inquire about the MSP’s data backup frequency, security measures, and recovery times.
•  Proactive Maintenance and Monitoring: Ensure the MSP proactively monitors and maintains systems to prevent issues rather than just reacting to them.
•  Advanced Security Measures: Confirm that the MSP implements strong and current security measures to protect against cybersecurity threats.
•  Seek References and Case Studies: Request and review references and case studies to gauge the MSP’s performance and client satisfaction in scenarios similar to your business.

 

An Additional Checklist On How to Choose a Managed IT Provider By Clutch

Source: Clutch

 

Managed IT Services Questionnaire

When interviewing potential MSPs, it’s important to ask the right questions. This includes inquiries about their team members, specific technologies they support, how they align with your business goals, and details about their MSP offerings. Here are some questions to begin with:

Can you provide a detailed assessment of our IT infrastructure before offering service fees? Are your Service Level Agreements (SLAs) negotiable, and do they vary for different customers? What is your average network uptime performance? Can you handle service issues remotely without our IT team’s intervention? How do you protect our data, and who will have access to it? What methods do you use for data backups and disaster recovery? How many years of experience do you have in providing IT managed services? Can we meet the team members who will be providing our support? What level of expertise do you have in our industry, especially regarding regulatory compliance? How do you ensure that your IT service desk team stays current with new technology developments? Is emergency support available 24/7, and what are the channels for initiating it? Will you support our existing IT systems, and how do you handle third-party provider issues? What types of advanced security services do you offer? How do you handle feedback from your clients, and what processes are in place for continuous improvement? Besides IT support, will you assist with IT strategy and project delivery? Do you staff your own helpdesk or outsource it to a third party?

 

 

Benefits of Working With a Managed Services Provider

Working with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) offers several advantages for businesses looking to optimize their IT operations. Here are some key benefits:

Cost Savings: Outsourcing IT services to an MSP can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT team. In fact, 46 percent of firms have trimmed their annual IT expenditures by 25 percent or more as a result of their shift to managed services.

Enhanced Security: With cybersecurity threats constantly evolving, MSPs stay on top of the latest security trends and implement robust security measures to protect your data and IT infrastructure.

Compliance and Risk Management: MSPs are knowledgeable about regulatory requirements and can ensure your IT systems comply with industry standards, reducing legal and security risks.

Focus on Core Business Activities: With an MSP handling your IT needs, you can focus more on your core business activities without worrying about IT issues, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

More resources you might like: Understanding the Different Types of Managed Services The 6 Biggest IT Problems in Business and How to Solve Them Managed Services Challenges & How You Can Avoid Them

 

Tick Off All Managed IT Services Checklist Items At Kenyatta Computer Services

 

There’s no doubt about the fact that the right MSP can be a valuable partner in achieving your business goals and ensuring long-term technological success.

Choosing the right Managed IT Service Provider is essential for businesses facing complex IT challenges and aiming for sustained growth.

Explore our range of IT services in Denver: Managed IT Services IT Support Cybersecurity IT Outsourcing IT Consulting IT Helpdesk IT Network Support IT Company

At Kenyatta Computer Services, we understand these challenges intimately. Having over 33+ years of experience and a team that brings over 100 years of combined expertise, we are well-equipped to handle your IT needs. O

Our commitment to excellence and deep industry knowledge makes us a leading choice in managed IT services. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us show you how our services can streamline your IT operations and contribute to your business’s success.