In today’s age of technology, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of information revolving around IT. With its constant advancement, staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends and best security practices for your business can seem impossible when added on top of everyday responsibilities. For this reason, businesses of all sizes are opting to use a Managed Services Provider to handle their IT. There are numerous articles out there that cover the many benefits of using a Managed Services Provider (MSP), but how do you know which one is right for your business? When selecting a provider, there are 4 main factors to keep in mind.
#1 Offer More Than Just Basic IT Support
When it comes to selecting a Managed Services Provider for your business, you want to make sure that they can deliver more than just the occasional support when a computer or server goes offline. In addition to managed services and generic IT support, a good MSP will help you plan for your future by suggesting and implementing proactive solutions aimed at preventing future issues that your company could face.
A good MSP should also be partnered with multiple hardware and software vendors in order to supply you with a solution that is best for your company’s unique needs. MSPs who do not have a diverse vendor selection try and sell a one-size-fits-all solution to businesses. While such a solution may address some of the concerns the organization is facing, it frequently falls short of the requirements of today’s business technology environment.
#2 Deliver Enhanced Security Offerings and Backup Solutions
One of the most important roles that a Managed Services Provider should play in your IT environment is the protector of your data. To successfully perform this role, your provider needs to have secure backup solutions and advanced security offerings in their wheelhouse. Having a secure, off-site data service center is a good sign that an MSP can securely backup your most valuable data and sensitive documents. These data centers enable your organization to quickly resume daily processes following data loss and ensure business continuity.
As technology progresses, cybercriminals are becoming more creative with their approaches to infiltrate company systems and steal information. In order to protect your data, you need to select an MSP who stays up-to-date with the latest technology trends and cyberthreats. These MSPs can pre-emptively provide solutions and help you avoid falling victim to the latest scam or attack.
#3 Can Scale with Your Business
Company growth is a key goal for all businesses, but smaller IT companies may be unable to meet all of your needs once your company reaches a certain size. As your organization continues to expand, your IT wishes become requirements and your fears can become reality. Though small businesses are the primary target for cyberattacks, the costs of an attack grow exponentially as businesses expand. Your MSP should be able to accommodate the addition of users whether it is on a user-to-user basis or a large-scale change resulting from expansions and acquisitions.
#4 Are A True Partner
IT is integral in today’s business environment, so shouldn’t your MSP be? A lot of IT companies simply care about providing their services, collecting their revenue, and moving on to their next opportunity. The best MSP for you, however, is one that goes above and beyond to form a true partnership with your organization. A true partnership means that your MSP anticipates your needs and fills them prior to them becoming a necessity.
What Next?
Selecting the perfect MSP for your business starts with identifying your specific IT needs and deciding what the best solutions are to meet them. Verticomm’s team of experts offer free consultations to help you determine what your top IT priorities are and how you should best handle them. Contact the specialists at Verticomm and discover what IT solutions can help protect your data, maximize your efficiency, and ensure the health and growth of your company.