How To Choose a Managed Service Provider
Technology’s rapid evolution is a double-edged sword. While the latest technology solutions provide unparalleled protection and mobility, small businesses struggle to keep up with these developments. It costs a lot of time and effort to build an internal IT team and purchase new tools.
Furthermore, with the sudden shift to a hybrid work environment, business owners have little choice but to adjust their IT frameworks for their remote workers. Maintaining these new systems is a challenge, and without careful planning and IT expertise, it’s just a matter of time before bad actors exploit these organizations’ vulnerabilities.
How can businesses survive the current tech landscape? By investing in outsourced IT services. Keep reading to learn why you need managed IT services and how to choose a managed service provider.
Why Do You Need Managed IT Services?
Managed service providers (MSPs) are the resource businesses need to thrive. Managed IT services offer technology solutions and expertise at an affordable price. An MSP helps you navigate the complexities of the technology landscape by supporting you with IT services that go beyond break-fix measures. MSP service offerings include remote monitoring and management solutions, backup and disaster recovery, and more.
Whether you have an internal IT team or no one at all, MSPs offer a wealth of experience and resources for an affordable, predictable price.. The most effective managed service providers are seasoned and highly trained. They have licenses and certifications and can deliver the latest technology to you at a fair price. Before you partner with an MSP, do your homework. Research potential providers and make sure your contract doesn’t have any strings attached.
If you’re unsure what questions to ask or how to get started, we have you covered.
Questions To Ask Managed Service Providers
If you’re going to trust an MSP to reinforce your internal IT team and handle day-to-day tasks, you need to guarantee they’re a good match. A service provider that doesn’t gel with your culture or values will negatively affect communication and productivity. You want an MSP who understands your company inside and out, a group that can identify your IT needs and develop strategies for your business to grow. Here are a few questions to help you learn managed service provider best practices and get to know your prospective partner:
How Are Their Response Times?
MSPs should quickly respond to IT issues anytime, anywhere. Whether you need help recovering a password or have an issue with network security, your provider should be available with the tools needed to address the problem. Efficiency is key to effective managed services.
Are Their Services Scalable?
Business technology and businesses themselves are constantly evolving. It’s essential to partner with an MSP that’s aligned with your vision and can support your growth. Broker an agreement with a provider who can remotely monitor and manage the workstations at your office as well as the devices your employees use to work from home. When you experience growth, make sure they can meet the increased demand for coverage.
Are Services Available at a Fixed Rate?
The answer to this question can make all the difference in choosing a managed service provider. An MSP who isn’t upfront with service costs is not worth partnering with. Unexpected fees can wreak havoc on a budget and derail projects. IT spending with an MSP should be predictable and controlled.
Are There Any Cost-Saving Opportunities?
Worthwhile MSPs don’t upsell you on services you don’t need. They take a deep look at your current IT framework and recommend upgrades that make sense for your specific situation. Their technology solutions optimize your business processes and include services like cybersecurity as a service, disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) when they’re needed.
Remember, working with an MSP is intended to be less expensive than hiring an internal IT team. If your provider doesn’t offer cost-effective solutions, that’s a red flag.
Virtual-Q Offers Enterprise-Class Technology Solutions
MSPs become part of your organization, working with your internal IT team to deliver the latest technology and resources. A group that bombards you with unexpected fees or disrespects your values hurts your productivity and prevents you from meeting your goals.
Virtual-Q provides IT solutions with no strings attached. Our professionals are trained and knowledgeable about the latest technologies and processes. We can act as an extension of your internal IT team and consolidate your technology costs into an affordable, predictable price.
Our state-of-the-art desktop-as-a-service, Q Desktop, supports your work from home initiative by allowing your workforce to access all of their applications and software from any internet-connected device. We remove the hardware and location related obstacles businesses encounter when trying to provide a secure hybrid work environment.
Are you ready to experience the Virtual-Q secure advantage? Reach out today to learn more about our team and our approach to managed IT services.
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