Running a business entails many responsibilities. Often, you will find yourself juggling several tasks and challenges at once. Perhaps, you are too enthusiastic and want to handle every responsibility but this is counter-productive. Some business aspects are best delegated or outsourced – information technology (IT) is one.

Many business leaders understand the importance of outsourcing. Managed services is a booming industry. According to Statista, the managed services market is poised to hit $300 billion by 2025. This is not surprising considering the many rewards of working with a Managed Services Provider (MSP).

Working with an MSP allows you to concentrate on core functions while ensuring that all IT aspects are managed effectively. IT-related issues can have a tremendous impact on your business – and can even cause its stoppage. By outsourcing technology to specialists, you will never need to stress about your system again.

How To Look For the Right Managed IT Services for Big or Small Businesses?

Managed IT services are vital to efficiency and productivity in your business. Aside from helping you deal with complicated and tedious tech issues, MSPs infuse industry knowledge and experience, which helps your company stay ahead of the competition.

Even if you believe investing in managed IT services is worthwhile, looking for the right MSP can be difficult as there are many options. Here are some points to keep in mind when deciding on an IT partner.

A highly experienced talent pool

Considering the shortage of IT professionals, you want to work with an MSP with a deep pool of experienced tech professionals, engineers, and specialists. Specific experiences and credentials are necessary to handle different IT landscapes and concerns. Your MSP should have the correct skillset to be able to deal with your IT needs.

Ask about their workforce and check their credentials, particularly those assigned to your account. They should also have contingencies in case the assigned technician will be away or there is a skill set mismatch. You want to be confident that your IT systems are managed effectively.

Dedicated account manager

Choose an MSP with a dedicated account administrator for your company. An account manager oversees the entire IT system and ensures that all your IT needs are met. He understands your IT landscape and is available to your company anytime.

According to a specialist at Firewall Technical, having a single point-person also makes communication a lot easier. With effective communication, you can easily address your concerns.

Round-the-clock support

For businesses that rely on their IT, even a minute of system downtime could mean losses. This makes it important to look for an MSP with 24/7 coverage. Ask about how the IT provider ensures availability and accessibility. Ideally, they should have a support team with readily available tools to fix sudden troubles.

Inquire about how the prospective MSPs manage worker needs, particularly when technicians go on vacation or unplanned leave. The service provider should have equally qualified personnel to cover.

You also want to know whether they offer onsite and remote support. If your IT system suffers serious damage and the MSP is not available, you might encounter disastrous downtime – something that every business avoids.

Industry experience

Every industry has its unique IT challenges, needs, and regulations. If an MSP is not familiar with your industry regulations, it poses the risk of legal trouble. As such, you have to look for an IT services provider with adequate capabilities and experience in your industry. For instance, some providers are geared towards the finance field while others focus on healthcare accounts.

Check their profile and examine their past clients and projects whether they are in similar industries. Get recommendations from colleagues. Ask for references whom you can contact.

Proven track record

Make sure to read testimonials, case studies, and reviews. This gives you an overall view of the quality of service and skills they offer. Preferably, you should look for an MSP that has been around long enough and have earned a good reputation. Read through their website and ask for references.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for an MSP, keep in mind these five key points to ensure the best provider for your business IT needs. Remember, that not all MSPs are the same. Carefully vetting and evaluating prospects is vital to find a company that shares your vision. This is important to help build a good working relationship and necessary for mutual success.