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rise in cyber attacks. Managing IT security in-house can be challenging and costly, so many companies are turning to managed service providers (MSPs).
Selecting the right MSP is crucial for your company’s success and growth. An ideal IT partner can streamline operations, enhance productivity and drive innovation, as well as reduce costs, bolster security and align technology with your long-term business goals.
However, making the wrong choice can lead to wasted resources, security breaches and operational disruptions. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a list of nine tips for choosing the right IT partner.
Read: What Makes a Top-Notch Managed Service Provider?
1. Understand Your Business Needs
Before you start searching for an MSP, it’s essential to understand your business needs and goals. Evaluate your current IT infrastructure, and ask yourself:
- What core IT functions or services do you need help with?
- What are your business goals and how can IT support them?
- What is your budget for IT services?
- What are your current pain points or security gaps?
Clearly outlining your requirements will help you find an MSP that meets your specific requirements. You can also communicate exactly what you need from the IT partner.
2. Evaluate Experience and Expertise
Experience and expertise are paramount when choosing an MSP. Look for a company with a proven track record in your industry, as they’re more capable of handling your unique challenges and compliance requirements. Evaluate their portfolio and case studies to see if they have successfully handled similar projects or provided the specific technologies and services you need. You should ask:
- How long has the MSP been in business?
- How many clients do they have?
- Do they have experience working with companies of your size and in your industry?
- What technical certifications or training do their team members have?
- Do they have any awards or recognitions, or any industry partnerships?
Client testimonials, reviews and references also provide valuable insights into an IT partner’s reliability, performance and customer service skills. Reach out to their current and past clients for feedback on their experiences. Online review platforms and industry forums can offer helpful information about the partner’s reputation and credibility.
It's also important for the MSP to have a good viewpoint of your business and practices. For example, at Thriveon, our staff supports and guides your entire IT spend to ensure you're getting the most out of your IT investments.
3. Proactive vs. Reactive
When selecting an MSP, it’s essential to choose one that offers proactive managed IT services instead of break-fix or reactive services. This approach involves identifying and addressing vulnerabilities and issues before they occur, minimizing downtime and ensuring a more stable IT infrastructure. Proactive IT also utilizes fractional chief information officers (CIOs), which operate differently than account managers. At Thriveon, our team of dedicated fractional CIOs implements robust proactive managed IT services.
By avoiding the constant need to fix IT issues after they occur, your staff can focus on strategic initiatives and the future, contributing to your company’s growth and success.
4. Assess Their Technology Capability
The technology an IT partner uses can significantly impact your IT projects’ efficiency and scalability. Common services include:
- Data backup and disaster recovery plans
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Network management
- Cloud services
- Modern office services
- IT support and helpdesk
- IT project services
- Compliance and regulatory services
Ensure that the MSP uses up-to-date technologies and follows industry best practices, and confirm they can scale their services to grow with your business and its changing needs. A good IT partner should be open to integrating new technologies that can benefit your business, including artificial intelligence (AI).
5. Evaluate Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration are critical to a successful IT partnership, as poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and delays. Assess the MSP’s:
- Communication channels: What communication channels do they use, like phone, email or Teams?
- Responsiveness: How quickly do they respond to inquiries and concerns?
- Support availability: Do they offer 24/7 availability to handle security incidents and minimize downtime?
They should be able to explain complex technical issues in simple terms. They should also provide reports and updates about project progress, challenges and milestones so everyone is on the same page. Ensure that they use collaboration tools and platforms that facilitate smooth communication.
6. Consider Security and Compliance
Security and compliance are critical considerations in today’s digital world, especially if your company handles sensitive data. Ensure that your IT partner has stringent security measures in place to protect your data and systems, including:
- Incident response and disaster recovery plans
- Data protection policies and procedures
- Intrusion detection and prevention systems
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Strong firewall, encryption and data backup solutions
- Continuous monitoring
They should also be well-versed in industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements, like GDPR and HIPAA, to help you avoid legal pitfalls, security breaches and damaged reputations.
7. Evaluate Flexibility and Scalability
Your business needs will evolve over time, and your IT partner should be able to adapt to these changes accordingly. Ask about:
- Scalability: Can they handle increased demand as your business grows?
- Customization: Can the MSP tailor their services to fit your specific needs?
- Contract flexibility: Can you adjust services as needed to meet your needs?
Choose a partner that offers flexible solutions and can scale their services as your business grows and technology evolves. The MSP should also be forward-thinking and utilize emerging technologies and trends that could benefit your business. This ensures that you won’t need to switch partners frequently, saving time and resources in the long run.
8. Assess Cost and Value
Although cost is an essential factor, it shouldn’t be the sole criterion for choosing an MSP. Also analyze the overall value they bring to your business. Consider the long-term benefits of their services, expertise and reliability.
The MSP should provide transparent pricing without hidden fees or expenses so that you can compare pricing models. A higher upfront cost may be justified if the IT partner offers superior quality and support; cheaper doesn’t always mean better. You should also ensure that the services fit within your budget without compromising on essential needs. Strike a balance between affordability and high quality.
9: Review the Service Level Agreement (SLA)
Service level agreements (SLAs) are the backbone of your partnership; they define the MSP’s scope, quality and responsibilities, and they guarantee a certain level of performance from the MSP. Carefully review the SLA to ensure they align with your expectations and business needs. Pay close attention to factors like:
- Specific details like response times and support availability
- Performance metrics and reporting
- Penalties for failing to meet standards
For example, at Thriveon, we offer a hassle-free guarantee; if we can't correct an issue with our client after 90 days, they can terminate the contract.
Why Not Choose Thriveon?
Choosing the right MSP for your business can save you from potential problems and support your future ambitions. Providers like Thriveon offer comprehensive solutions and a commitment to excellence.
For over 20 years, Thriveon has provided robust IT services to various industries. Our team of certified professionals ensures that your IT systems are managed by experts who understand your business inside and out. Our proactive approach to security helps prevent breaches before they occur, and we ensure that your IT infrastructure supports your company’s growth and success.
Schedule a meeting today to discover how you can partner with Thriveon.
