Important Things You Must Know About Managed IT Service Provider

As the name indicates, a managed IT service is outsourcing your IT to an external party called a Managed IT Services Provider and asking them to manage, monitor, and resolve issues in your IT systems.

As the business matures, it becomes vital that a lot more attention is paid towards expanding the core operations. The earlier “break-fix” methodology where the issues in IT were resolved on a reactive basis had to make way, as it disrupted daily operations.

Managed IT service became a popular concept as it relieved the top management from overseeing their IT function. As the managed IT service providers are experts in their field; they are adept at identifying and proactively resolving IT issues. They assist businesses in reducing the downtime and help them in streamlining business operations.

Today, we will address some of the critical aspects that must be addressed before working with an MSP.

1.  Services Covered Under the Contract

While some managed service providers offer all-encompassing suites, others offer solutions on A La Carte basis). Knowing beforehand about the services that will be covered under the contract saves you from the hidden fees that MSPs may charge you later on. Make sure you agree on aspects like the times their executive will be available for your assistance, the number of devices that will be covered under the plan, the fees they will charge, etc.

2.  Assistance In the Times Of Disaster

We have seen that IT disasters are inevitable, and at most one can do is be well prepared for such contingencies. When going for a managed service provider, you must choose the one who is well prepared for such catastrophes. A trusted and reputed MSP will walk you through a disaster recovery plan, including the recoverpoint and the RTO that you are willing to set. If not, they will at least be ready to create a customizable plan to deal with the disaster.

3.  Whether the MSP Will Support Or Impede You from Moving Forward?

An MSP that is adaptable to growth and change will help you take your business forward. You must ensure that the MSP you are about to employ has a proper plan to keep your company updated with technological advancements. Managed service providers that are resistant to the change are bound to be a roadblock in achieving growth. Make sure that they not just offer you today’s technology, but also keep you updated with the future technological advancements.

4.  Location Of the Help Desk

Identify where your help desk is located. It will help you determine the times they will be available to attend to your queries. A 24/7 help desk support is a must in today’s competitive landscape as businesses cannot afford long periods of downtimes. You must ensure that there is a 24/7 availability of the executives even during the holidays. Say, if your system goes down on Christmas Day, you must still be able to reach out to the executives and expect them to fix the issues.

5.  Proficiency Of the Team

Knowing well about the team you will be working with is an essential step before entering into an engagement with a managed IT services provider. Make sure you,

• Ascertain whether the professionals hold an in-depth industry experience or are kick-starting their journey with you?
• Determine whether the team is made of IT experts and security engineers holding relevant industry certifications.
• See if they are focussed more on customer retention or onboarding new clients.
• Determine whether their IT professionals go through regular training.

The above points will help you gather useful insights on your prospective managed service provider.

6.  Add-ons that are On Offer

While the standard IT assistance is given by the majority of Managed IT service providers, add-on services are what really differentiates them.

Offerings made available by MSPs usually include server, print, network, infrastructure, web development, software development along with other business functions like HR, accounting and legal.

Determine whether there are additional offerings like rack space, cooling alarm system, power, database, operation systems, and carrier options for telecommunication services, etc.

Make sure that you avail the best of what they have on offer!