Are you looking to hire a managed services provider? If so, read on to learn how to choose the right one
The other day, we got a call from a prospective client looking to replace a replacement managed services provider. She represented a boutique Manhattan interior design firm After several lengthy conversations throughout the day; we noticed that she didn’t ask us a single question. She asked nothing about references, prior work in the same niche, certifications. Strange right? After our last call ended, we determined that the reason she’s looking to replace the replacement company is that she didn’t ask questions, and why we’re writing this article.
Are you and your company are looking to hire a managed services provider? Or maybe you have a managed services provider, and you’re not too sure they’re doing the right thing? If so, you’re in the right place,
Whether you are a new business or old, you have a lot on your hands. If you don’t have an internal IT department in the mix, a managed services provider can take some of the burdens off you by eliminating the hassles that come with the technology you use.
But how do you know if you’ve found the right person? What should you look for when getting ready to hire? We’ll look at what you need to consider and what qualities the right person for the job should have.
Let’s get started.
What’s Their Pricing Model?
A managed services provider (MSP) offers both on-site and remote services for your business. Instead of having a team of technicians in-house, they are available to assist you from afar.
This video gives you a more comprehensive understanding of what an MSP can do for your company.
One thing to consider is how an MSP will charge you for their service. Some popular methods include per-device, per-user, and all-inclusive pricing. Depending on your needs and the size of your team, one of these options may be more favorable than another.
Can They Provide References?
Like any service or product, it’s important to get an idea for the type of work your potential managed services provider has done. Ideally, you can find someone that serves your competitors or people in a similar niche to your business.
When researching and interviewing potential MSPs, don’t be afraid to ask for references and specific explanations about why they can meet your needs better than another MSP.
You can also check Google for the company’s reviews and ratings.
How Big Is Their Team?
One obvious advantage of MSPs is that they don’t require the overhead of providing for a big group of people. They can work remotely, which is an example of cost-cutting.
However, it’s important to know the depth and structure of what they have working on the other end. If you run a big business, and the companies IT department is only a few people, will they be able to meet your needs effectively and in a timely manager?
Always make sure you have access to your systems with any managed service provider you choose,
How Competent Are They?
While the size of their team is important, it’s also necessary to consider their backgrounds and the level of training their technical staff has undergone. Many MSPs outsource their work to employees all over the place, so it’s important to know the type of people they will be putting on the front line.
Certifications and education are as important as experience. Ask your managed services provider what certifications and what the educational background of the team that’s assisting you and your company.
Are their business services aligned to the qualifications of their employees? If not, keep looking.
Are They Diverse?
While you’re at it, factor in the diversity of the problems they can solve, it makes no sense to enlist an MSP that only has planning experience if you also need help with implementation, for example.
As you continue to do your research, you’ll see that most managed service providers will tackle your entire infrastructure, where others are specific in the type of managed services they will provide. While most MSPs provide the entire organization and its infrastructure support, specific providers like SMSP’s (security managed service providers) don’t deal with the day-to-day IT support as other’s do.
Managed Services Provider: Wrap-Up
When it comes to hiring a managed services provider for your business, you want a team of people that are experienced, competent, and have a big enough talent and number pool to draw from to effectively meet your business’s needs.
Contact us with any questions you may have about business services like MSPs. Thanks for reading.
