How Do You Choose An MSP?
Choosing an MSP shouldn’t revolve around price, slick marketing or outlandish claims. You need to focus on finding an MSP that will partner with you to help you achieve organizational objectives.
Businesses of all types and sizes struggle with access to qualified, affordable technology resources nowadays. Even if you have an internal person or department handling your technology, it’s likely not enough. As technology advances at a rapid rate, so does cybercrime and other important factors that make it difficult for in-house staff members to keep up. Most businesses outsource some aspect of their environment to a third-party because an overworked staff leads to mismanaged and unsecure systems. So how do you choose an MSP? Remember, this is a partnership that can and will have a HUGE impact on your productivity, profitability, and overall, the way you serve your customers.
What does an MSP do?
First and foremost, it’s vital to have a clear idea of what an MSP actually does. An MSP takes over some or all of the responsibility surrounding your information technology, including but not limited to monitoring, managing, and maintaining your environment. Essentially, they help you choose, implement, and support technologies within your business with a range of services, such as:
- Remote monitoring and maintenance
- Help desk services
- Data backup and business continuity planning
- Managed IT services
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Mobile device management
- Network planning and/or configuration
- Strategic consulting
If they all provide similar services, how do you know which MSP is right for you?
Here’s the thing… Not all MSPs are the same. You can’t choose an MSP based on price, slick marketing or outlandish claims because at the end of the day, it’s all about their ability to partner with you to help you achieve organizational objectives. Although the services offered may not differ too much from one MSP to another, their ability to be a great partner certainly does. Let’s take a look at the important areas MSPs tend to differ from one another:
- How fast they’re able to respond to you: If you’re heavily dependent on technology (like most businesses are), you’ll need an MSP that can respond to you quickly. While one MSP may respond within an hour, another may take a full business day or two. Make sure you’re clarifying their response time before you sign a contract or agreement.
- The level and quality of customer service: A large MSP that supports hundreds of enterprises may offer a less personal level of customer service whereas a smaller MSP can provide a more consistent experience. This is typically the case, but it’s always a good idea to ask and speak to a few of their existing clients because you never know.
- What type of values and/or culture they have: Every company, including MSPs, values different things. If they don’t have a mission statement available for you to read, ask them about their mission. What’s important to them? What do the ownership team and the staff members value when it comes to serving their customers? Make sure it’s aligned with your own company.
- The partnerships they have with manufacturers: Most MSPs have various partnerships with manufacturers, such as Dell, Microsoft, Datto, and other industry leaders. Naturally, it’s helpful to have an MSP who is partnered with manufacturers of technologies you’re using. This way, they’ll be able to provide better pricing and/or support for those solutions.
Not all MSPs are the same. Sure, the services are similar – but there are huge differences that can impact your partnership. Looking for the right MSP in Culver City, CA? Let’s talk. Call {phone} or email us at {email}.
