How to Choose a Managed IT Service Provider

A managed service provider, or MSP, is a third-party service provider that remotely manages a client’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems on a proactive basis. There are many reasons to use an MSP. Some of the reasons you should take advantage of managed IT services include increased security and compliance and a proactive approach to maintenance. Improved efficiency in IT operations, greater access to new technologies and IT capabilities, and shifting capital expenses to operating expenses are also great reasons to partner with an MSP. Although it is easy enough to find a random managed IT service provider to work with, much consideration must be given to ensure that the MSP you choose can meet your business’ objectives and requirements. Let us explore some of the key areas you should inspect and evaluate before signing up with any MSP.

Managed IT Service Provider

Depth

Growing infrastructure and rapidly evolving technologies can place an overwhelming strain on any IT department with specialized or limited knowledge. Working with an MSP is a cost-effective and effortless way to add professional skillsets to your IT team. A premium managed service provider has a deep pool of talent to draw from who possess extensive experience in deploying a vast range of delivery models including managed services, traditional IT, and public, hybrid, and private cloud solutions. Go with an MSP that has the right talent in their arsenal.

Expertise

You need to be up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices of your industry, which is where an experienced MSP comes in. A well-established MSP will provide managed IT services through personnel who have earned industry certifications and other credentials proving their competence. ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and other best practices frameworks should be employed to align your business goals with your IT requirements. Choose an MSP that employs the most current best practices for your industry.

Tools

You can gain access to the best talent and tools available to manage your IT environment without having to invest in expensive software solutions or constant upgrades by partnering with an MSP. Advanced managed IT services require the deployment of tools that can monitor all aspects of the IT environment from virtualized servers, internal and cloud-based resources, and applications to storage and core internal network infrastructure. The right tools will notify you of potential issues and take proactive measures to resolve them without any intervention on your part. Choose an MSP that has the best tools at their disposal.

Proactivity

MSPs need to be proactive and consistently working to improve operations and prevent unplanned network downtime or data breaches. Predictive analytics should be implemented to ensure that an MSP is well aware of all potential issues that may arise prior to them becoming overwhelming challenges. Choose an MSP that provides managed IT services that are diligent in addressing risks and system threats before they can compromise your security.

You should consider partnering with managed service providers if you are looking to increase your system’s compliance and security, improve maintenance, gain greater access to new technologies, leverage better IT capabilities, or shift your capital expenses to operating expenses. There are many areas to consider before signing up with an MSP. You need to ensure that the managed IT services they provide are proactive and not responsive in nature and that they possess the right tools to meet your business objectives. Moreover, they should also have the most expertise and knowledge in the industry and possess a vast talent pool that can easily cater to your business needs in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Read Full Article Here - How to Choose a Managed IT Service Provider