In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and business operations, companies need reliable IT to remain secure and competitive. They constantly seek ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance security, especially if IT is not their area of expertise.
However, implementing and maintaining an IT infrastructure with staff, resources and equipment can be costly and difficult, especially for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) without the means or time to do so.
One solution companies have turned to is partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) to optimize their IT infrastructure, streamline operations and reduce IT issues. A top-notch MSP goes above and beyond basic MSPs, and knowing how to recognize the difference can be vital for your business. First, you need to know what an MSP is and the services they offer.
Read: Internal vs. Outsourced IT: 5 Reasons You Should Outsource Your IT
What Is a Managed Service Provider?
An MSP is a company that offers a range of outsourced IT services and support based on the client’s needs and IT budget. These services help manage, monitor and maintain their IT infrastructure and systems, as well as strategize how IT can help reach specific business goals and improve their processes.
By choosing the right MSP partner, a business can unlock its full potential and stay ahead of the competition while enhancing productivity and efficiency. Clients can focus on their core business activities instead of IT challenges and gain peace of mind with their MSP partnership.
A company can choose to outsource some or all of its IT needs; some will fill their IT gaps that their internal team can’t handle, while others will replace their entire IT department with an MSP. Most MSPs offer their services at a fixed rate, providing more predictable IT spending for clients and appealing to SMBs’ limited IT spending.
What Services Do Managed Service Providers Offer?
MSPs offer various IT services and support, including:
- Networking management: MSPs manage and monitor a client’s network infrastructure, ensuring it runs smoothly and securely.
- Cybersecurity: One of the most critical parts of IT management is robust cybersecurity compliance, including threat detection, prevention and response to protect data and systems from cyber threats. Cyber threats constantly evolve, so MSPs must prioritize robust cybersecurity measures and protect clients. MSPs also ensure compliance with relevant industry laws and regulations, like HIPAA, SOX or PCI DSS, so the company can avoid penalties and fines.
- Data backup and recovery: Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, and MSPs ensure that data is handled correctly and backed up They also check that it can be quickly restored in case of data loss or during a disaster by implementing a disaster recovery plan.
- Cloud migration: MSPs can also help businesses move to cloud platforms and provide ongoing cloud infrastructure management.
- Help desk support: MSPs also offer help desk services that provide clients with ongoing technical support and assistance for day-to-day IT issues, including troubleshooting and resolutions.
- Project management: MSPs can successfully drive IT projects and ensure they stay on schedule and within budget.
- Vendor management: MSPs can help manage your vendor relationships and track of your warranties and licenses.
- Production and collaboration: MSPs can also assist businesses to excel in productivity and collaboration by installing software like Microsoft Teams.
Who Can Use a Managed Service Provider?
Almost any industry can use MSPs, though they are most popular with SMBs. Most MSPs are not industry-specific and serve various clients simultaneously. These industries include:
If you’re considering a partnership with an MSP, look at their testimonials, case studies and reviews' specifically look at other businesses in your industry.
Now that you know what an MSP is, the services they offer and who can use them, you need to know what distinguishes an MSP from a top-notch one.
What Makes a Top-Notch Managed Service Provider?
Although most MSPs offer the same type of services, several factors distinguish the best from the rest:
- Proactive monitoring and preventative maintenance: A top MSP doesn’t just react to problems as they occur, which is known as the break-fix model. They utilize managed IT to actively monitor systems, identify issues and solve them before they impact organizations.
- Tailored solutions: Since every business is different, the best MSPs create customized solutions that align with their client’s specific needs and goals instead of a one-size-fits-all strategy. They design a custom IT roadmap and strategy to support these needs.
- 24/7 availability: Given the unpredictable nature of IT issues, a top MSP offers 24/7 support and assistance, ensuring clients can reach them whenever needed without long response times or downtime.
- Expertise and certifications: The best MSPs employ certified, experienced IT professionals with multiple skill sets and in-depth knowledge of the latest technologies and tools and industry best practices.
- Scalability: Top-notch MSPs adapt and scale their services and resources to accommodate their client’s IT needs as their companies grow and change. They also implement new technologies and strategies to meet changing market demands.
- Transparency and communication: Effective communication is crucial, and the best MSPs maintain open channels of communication, keeping clients informed about the state of their infrastructure, any necessary updates and project progress.
- Cost-effective solutions: MSP services are an investment, and the best ones offer cost-effective solutions that align with the client’s budget while maintaining high-quality services. By outsourcing, clients can save on paying for internal staff, equipment and training.
- Client-centric approach: A top MSP focuses on the client’s success and strives to build a long-term partnership rather than a distanced, transactional one.
Thriveon as Your Managed Service Provider
For over 20 years, Thriveon has helped businesses succeed by offering proactive IT services to clients throughout Minnesota and Florida. Our clients experience a range of benefits, including a 90% reduction in issues and security vulnerabilities, as well as $800 and 250 hours saved annually per computer user.
To see Thriveon's proactive approach in action,schedule a meeting today.