Making the critical decision to hire a Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a big deal. Making the mistake of hiring the wrong IT solutions company can cost you months of setbacks. Just imagine when you keep hiring and firing for the same open position at your office, over the last ten months. You’re wasting a large amount of time and resources making the wrong moves for something that can be simple.
Deciding between a managed IT provider as your technology manager is even more important.
1)What are your requirements?
The good IT companies will start out with a Network Assessment. Usually, this encompasses a status of your machines and specs of your software for compatibility. Having the right operating software is a critical component of staying with the right guys to do the job. Make sure while the assessment is performed, you understand what the status of your network needs to be. Ask to see the results of the report.
2)When is your service desk available?
Depending on when your business operates, you need to find a service desk to be there for your employees. 8-5 or 9-5 are the traditional times, but if there is 24/7 emergency line even during the holiday, that is a plus-plus. It’s best practice to choose a provider with 24x7x365 remote monitoring.
3) What are the Guaranteed Service Agreements?
When there are problems that are crucial to your business, you need to know what to expect a resolution to be in place. Service Level Agreements (SLA) can bind you and your managed IT provider to an understanding of expectations.
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4) Virtual CIO Services?
Granting someone the keys to the server room and controlling your environment, should be able to lend insights. Your MSP needs to understand this and offer virtual CIO services. Technology is one of the biggest impacts affecting your bottom line and your MSP needs to let you know of your quarterly performance, planning for the future IT budget.
5)Do you offer on-site and remote service?
A combination of remote monitoring and an in-person checkup doesn’t hurt. A technician coming to check on things in your office lets them get comfortable with your environment. The more familiar they are with users and machines they are dealing with can double your uptime and productivity. Maintaining a good relationship with your managed IT provider is a good omen.
If you need more information about the managed IT services dynamic with your office, check out these myths about IT service providers.
