What to Look for in a Managed IT Services Provider

Successfully managing complex IT networks and systems relies on in-depth technical expertise. The MSP that a business partners with should demonstrate its knowledge to foster confidence in its abilities. For example, many MSP team members boast various IT industry certifications to prove their expertise.

Plus, a seasoned MSP has extensive experience with advanced tools, technology, and training to provide its clients with the best. Look for evidence the MSP is a trusted partner of market-leading technology vendors.

Various operations, customer types, and regulations make choosing a managed services provider with industry experience essential. The best solution for a 400-employee manufacturing plant is vastly different from that for a 5,000-strong workforce at a global Fortune 500 financial services enterprise.

An expert MSP partner should understand the unique business operating environment, such as the regulatory compliance standards coming into play. If specific certifications are an industry requirement for suppliers, the MSP should readily produce documentation of its qualifications.

MSPs who offer system monitoring, data backup, or service desk support services should inspire confidence with around-the-clock availability. They should also be highly responsive to questions and concerns and ready to act if automated or self-service tools can’t resolve a user issue.

Every business’s tech stack is unique, with numerous applications, platforms, and legacy programs — a cookie-cutter approach won’t do. An experienced MSP will take the time to understand the existing one-of-a-kind setup and create a tailored solution to meet business demands.

IT equipment also differs significantly among organizations. Skilled MSPs will craft a bespoke strategy considering existing hardware to prevent unnecessary capital spending.

Company policies and processes vary widely, even for those in the same industry. Working with an MSP shouldn’t necessitate changing how organizations do business. Instead, the ideal MSP partner learns these workflows and adjusts its services to accommodate existing procedures.

Moreover, the best managed services providers support growth with flexible and scalable service levels. That versatility allows a company to add and remove users and features as it expands or demand shifts.

Service-level agreements help define the scope of an MSP’s engagement with a business. As contracts, they cover the fundamentals, like IT responsibilities, issue management, and performance deliverables.

An experienced MSP offers a high level of transparency in its SLAs to establish clear expectations and mutual understanding. These agreements shouldn’t place customers at a disadvantage with any of the contract terms, including when ending the business relationship.

As a true partner to a business, an MSP should display a focus on a company’s success with a commitment to exceptional service. Reliable MSPs take an active interest in their clients’ businesses and learn about their unique opportunities, goals, and challenges to form long-lasting relationships.

Look for an MSP who’s responsive, accessible, and communicative, such as through regular meetings or reporting. This level of commitment ensures they’re invested in exceeding expectations.

Bad actors are getting more creative, which means cyberattacks are evolving and becoming more complex. A reputable MSP offers comprehensive security tools and personnel to help harden a business’s network, systems, and workforce, including:

Efficient and effective IT management is about more than responding to issues — it’s about taking steps to prevent them from occurring. Proactive measures support business success and help ensure minor incidents don’t become major. By continuously and proactively monitoring systems, knowledgeable MSPs can:

Human beings are inherently influenced by others’ customer experiences, whether good or bad. Often, people share these in the form of online reviews or advice that affects purchasing decisions.

When choosing an MSP, carefully evaluate its industry service and reputation. Does it have a successful history in the industry? Is it willing to provide client references? The answers to these questions and real-world recommendations drive better decision-making.