Business downtime due to IT issues has got to be one of the most frustrating issues a company can face. And there are enough frustrating issues to face in this 2021 world without adding to them! Outsourcing to a managed IT services provider is a delegation that will not only offer a PROACTIVE approach to the management of your technology infrastructure but will also free up you and your team to get back to day-to-day business.
Important steps when choosing a Managed Services Provider
While picking an MSP should not be complicated, it’s still an important decision – this will become a partnership, after all, and you want to choose a provider that will best suit your business’ needs and objectives.
First: Evaluate your current situation Before you chat to an IT MSP, conduct an audit of your business’ IT infrastructure to understand exactly where your business sits IT-wise. Think about your hardware and software, your current network status, your security set-up, your back-up procedures and, possibly, your telephone systems.
Second: Evaluate your future needs Now that you know where you’re at, the next step is to decide what you need, ensuring you won’t miss any essential services when you’re negotiating. Do you plan to migrate your data to a managed cloud solution? Does your company need to add components to your existing IT infrastructure? Are you looking to grow your business and need IT flexibility and scalability? Does your communications package allow you to give your clients the best possible service?
Third: Do your research Once you’ve clarified where you’re at and what you need, the next step is to seek out professional managed service providers in your region and analyze if they’ll be the best fit for your company, asking for details and quotes (remembering that when it comes to services such as remote monitoring, managed cybersecurity and data backup, you want to have the greatest peace of mind, not just the least money spent).
Questions to ask potential IT Managed Services Providers
- What services do you provide?
Yep – an obvious one, but you generally want an MSP who can handle all of your needs – not just a handful of them.
- Do you have experience providing IT support to my type and size of business?
Be on the lookout for an MSP that knows your industry well and who will understand your business model and IT requirements. And, one who can help you upscale as your business grows.
- What does your Service Level Agreement (SLA) cover?
This is the commitment your MSP will make to you as part of your contract. Ensure items such as response time-frames and asset management meet your business needs.
- How do your pricing plans work?
Ensure hidden costs aren’t going to jump out and surprise you when bill time rolls around.
- Can I see client testimonials or references?
A reputable MSP should be able to provide great testimonials from past or current clients. Remember to look for reviews from businesses of a similar size or industry to yours.
For dedicated managed IT support, choose Geelong’s IT professionals
Our expert managed IT support services team are here to help your business operate seamlessly on a daily basis (without the overheads of an in-house IT department).
We can start with a free business audit. We will work with you to understand your business needs, then implement a targeted plan tailored for your unique requirements. Best of all, our services are underpinned by flat-rate agreements. You’ll know exactly what your IT support and maintenance will cost. No surprises.
Servicing businesses in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, and beyond, we’re here to answer your questions about managed services, so get the ball rolling and give us a call today.