Checklist of Factors to Consider When Choosing a Managed Services Provider
As the digital landscape continues to grow, businesses are increasingly reliant on advanced technology, enhanced cybersecurity, and optimized IT infrastructures. However, many businesses may find it difficult to keep up; that’s why 49% of organizations depend on managed service providers to handle their IT and cybersecurity needs.
As managed service providers (MSPs) have gained popularity, numerous options have developed for potential partners. However, it is important to look into the factors to consider when choosing a managed services provider to ensure you make the best choice for your business needs.
For example, do you need a company that can assist you with a one-time project, or are you searching for a partner to join your team for the long term? What compliance regulations do you need a partner to follow? It may seem overwhelming at first, but asking the right questions will make all the difference in finding your MSP partner.
Download Your MSP Interview Checklist
Interviewing for your next Managed Service Provider? Download our checklist of questions to ensure you find the right fit for your business.
Understanding managed service providers roles and responsibilities
Now that many companies are operating in more flexible environments—whether fully remote, hybrid, or a combination of both across locations—they need to have a secure IT infrastructure. Small IT teams often struggle to keep up with their daily demands, and the need to secure their systems from evolving threats, optimize advanced technology, and protect new endpoints only adds to their endless to-do list.
As a partner, your MSP can provide you with advanced cyber solutions, improve efficiency, and better protect your business data. Their goal should be to help your business remain secure, prevent attacks, and scale when needed, all while allowing your internal IT team to focus on their daily support tasks.
MSPs can help your team handle the following:
- IT infrastructure
- Technical support for internal staff
- Add cybersecurity software to your existing systems
- Manage user access controls
- Tackle contract management
- Support compliance regulations
- Assist with risk management
While some MSPs offer industry-specific services in areas such as legal, financial, healthcare, or manufacturing, others provide general services applicable to any industry. It is important to consider the industries in which the MSP has experience, as this can aid in understanding compliance regulations, standards, and the nuances of your business.
If your company has limited internal IT resources, is facing budget constraints, experiencing hiring limitations, or requires additional assistance to scale, then an MSP is an excellent option.
3 questions to review when finding reliable IT services
With numerous MSPs offering various services and ambitious solutions, starting your search for the right partner can be overwhelming. Before contacting any MSPs, take a moment to consider these questions to ensure you clearly understand what you’re seeking.
What are your short and long-term business needs and objectives?
Since each business has its own unique challenges and needs, it’s important to start your search for an MSP by gathering your inventory information. Noting all the software, systems, and hardware your teams are currently using will help you gain a clear picture of your IT infrastructure.
After gathering all your inventory, create a hypothetical “to-do” list for your future MSP. Include any pain points your business is experiencing; this also serves as an excellent tool for your interview process. You can use your to-do list and pain points to assess how the MSP would address them.
Additionally, identify all compliance regulations specific to your industry. The MSP you choose to partner with must possess a strong understanding of your standards and be capable of operating within these guidelines.
How will your demands change over time?
Your business can only operate as smoothly as your IT infrastructure allows. As your goals change over time, your technology and cybersecurity systems must be able to scale. Your MSP should be well-versed in scaling up or down to meet your changing demands and adapt to different strategies, tools, resources, and challenges.
It’s important to discuss the goals your business has in mind and to inquire about potential upgrades you may need from your MSP in the future. Notice whether the MSP you are considering has expensive upgrade costs. Although additional costs are usually incurred, a strong MSP should be able to offer service expansion without draining your budget.
Are you looking for an ongoing partnership?
Determine whether you are looking for a company to assist with a short-term initiative requiring some extra help or if you need a long-term partnership to support your business for years to come. A long-term partnership with an MSP will provide access to reliable IT solutions and experts who will help grow your business and achieve new goals.
An added benefit of establishing a long-term partnership is that the MSP can become accustomed to your values, changes, and pain points, effectively integrating into your team. When you find an MSP partner, pay attention to the turnover rate at their company. If they are constantly hiring and training new team members, it will be difficult for them to learn your business and work on projects efficiently.
Download Your MSP Interview Checklist
Interviewing for your next Managed Service Provider? Download our checklist of questions to ensure you find the right fit for your business.
Find your future MSP with Applied Tech
Finding the right managed service provider is an important decision affecting your business’s cybersecurity, efficiency, and ability to scale. By asking the right questions, considering your needs, and identifying future goals, you will be able to feel confident in your decision.
At Applied Tech, we provide flexible and scalable MSP solutions tailored to your specific business needs, challenges, and goals. Whether you’re seeking assistance with a particular project or looking for a strategic partner to support your growth, our team is here to deliver our expertise and provide dependable cybersecurity and IT support.
Contact us today to start building a partnership that fosters your business’s success.
This post was originally published in October 2024 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
About Applied Tech
Applied Tech is a leading IT and cybersecurity services provider dedicated to helping businesses protect their digital assets. Our proactive and strategic services include cloud management, security, productivity, and IT growth strategy. With a team of experienced professionals, we provide unique solutions tailored to your IT needs.
Protect your business with Applied Tech’s fully managed IT services, co-managed support, and security assistance. With IT services focused on your business goals, keep your team productive and your data secure.
