Finding time to thoroughly manage data and IT solutions can be overwhelming. Many companies simple allow their managed data and IT operations to suffer, consequently, putting at risk their organization and their employees. Trusting an MSP to handle your data and IT solutions could be the best investment you’ve ever made.
What is an MSP?
A Managed Service Provider is a third-party organization that manages your cloud or IT needs by providing security and scalability options which is a must-have tech expert for every business.
An MSP will perform a comprehensive analysis of your organizations strengths and weaknesses and deliver you a custom solution that can help improve your security, operations and overall performance while adhering to regulations that safeguard you against legal liabilities.
Another benefit from hiring an MSP is the 24/7 support.
For instance, let’s say that the office computers need a Windows update, or some other issue resolved. This can simply be done remotely or deployed overnight allowing your employees to arrive at work with their computers up and running with no downtime or productivity lost.
In short, and MSP will elevate your business to the next level. However, in order to accomplish this, you’ll need to choose the perfect team for your organization and we’re going to show you how you can do that.
Keep in mind when considering an MSP there are six important factors to remember:
Factor #1. Their Track Record
Testimonials and case studies are paramount to finding the right MSP. You can ask for references and success stories as well as researching how long the company has been in operation and any negative reviews associated with them. A fly-by-night MSP could spell disaster for your organization, but when you find that reputable MSP you can have the peace of mind knowing that they will have your best interest at heart, viewing your company as a valuable partner because after all, their reputation is at stake.
Factor #2. The Range of Provisional Services
An MSP will take into consideration the size, needs and infrastructure of your company and advise you accordingly. While some MSPs are full-service, meaning they provide comprehensive Cloud and IT solutions, others providers may offer you lesser tech solutions. Therefore, talking with your MSP to ensure that they are able to meet your organizations demands and that they are fully compliant with the latest tech and security trends is of the utmost importance.
Factor #3. Support
As your company grows, the MSP should be capable of ensuring a timely response within their staff to suite your needs. We mentioned earlier that they provide 24/7 support, but hiring an MSP that provides training to your employees will make your business run more efficiently and encourages your team to train new-hires. “But we don’t have time for that” you may say. So here’s where a reputable MSP will step in and deliver all the training that your organization needs. How’s that for support!
Factor #4. Response Time
If it can happen, it will happen! Networks go down. Computers freeze. Phone lines go dead. These are the dreaded events that we all fear and problems like these can shut your business down in a hurry. Not only will a few hours of downtime hurt the company financially, but it can also hurt your reputation. Imagine not being able to communicate with your customers for hours on end. This is a situation we never want to find ourselves in. But it does happen. This where hiring a top-notch MSP will help your company avoid disasters by identifying threats and responding immediately. So if your MSP can’t provide your company with rapid response time, then you may want to consider finding another one.
Factor #5. Security and Backup
Over half of small businesses have reported being the victims of cyber-crimes; this number continues to rise daily. These attacks can range from Ransomware to Phishing, Session Hijacking and even file infectors and often go unnoticed. The most crucial focal point of an MSP should be protecting your business and clients from these attacks.
Your MSP should recommend security solutions that are in compliance with safe data storage (which may be mandatory in your particular field) and offer backup software which enables you to retrieve your data in the event of a breach. These solutions may involve automation, a restoration plan and a no-downtime policy.
So, with a robust security strategy in place and the with right MSP, your chance of being victim to a cyber-attack is significantly lower, as well as the risk of downtime which allows your company to focus on what’s truly important, making a profit!
Factor #6. Workflow Guidance and Options
Another primary role of an MSP is to advise you on the best practices throughout your tech infrastructure. They should update your approach to workflow and data to create more efficiency throughout all departments, including recommendations on project management and CRM solutions. Their guidance will improve your teams’ collaboration in real-time while instilling confidence in their technical abilities as well as improving the overall efficiency of your organization.
Although hiring an MSP isn’t cheap, it is worth the piece of mind when considering all the above factors. Even spending a little more money for the perfect provider is one of the best investments you can make, simply because the right MSP has a thorough understanding of the existing daily threats and will offer customized plans to protect your business, employees and significantly improve their efficiency.
So before making that decision on a provider make certain that your MSP has the appropriate qualifications and is the perfect fit your organization.
