Three Factors to Consider When Choosing a Managed Services Provider
From small retail establishments to law firms to construction companies and beyond, companies of all types rely upon IT networks and the data they keep to support their work. Offering a proactive, defined set of IT services on a contractual basis, managed service providers (MSPs)–such as Focus Data Solutions– help organizations achieve the reliable, secure, and effective technology they need to thrive. Still, interviewing and choosing the right provider can be a challenge that requires careful consideration of your company’s IT strategy, network management, and ongoing security and support needs.
Regardless of the nature of your company, turning to Focus Data Solutions can ensure technology solutions that propel your team to new heights. As a trusted IT managed service provider, we offer full-scale network management programs that include security, help desk support, backup and disaster recovery, cloud hosting, email services, and IT consulting. To learn more about our managed IT services, contact us today!
If you’re considering utilizing an MSP for your company’s IT management, be sure to discuss these three key areas during your interview process:
IT Strategy and Future Requirements
Professional managed IT services include access to a CIO-led technology team that develops and implements comprehensive IT strategies for your short-term and long-term business goals. This same team will determine new IT needs as business goals change and technology evolves.
The strategy should include a long-term plan, budgetary information, and routine network maintenance schedules and reports. Your MSP team should discuss this information during regular quarterly reviews. This high-level attention to detail creates cost reductions in equipment, software, personnel, budgeting, insurance, and security services.
Proactive Network Management
Proactive IT service management keeps your network running and ensures security measures are in place, protecting your data and equipment. A strong client onboarding process should include infrastructure upgrades and security protocol assessments to ensure the network is stable.
The MSP should perform routine patches, updates, and backups as part of their daily procedures. Request up-to-date network diagrams, equipment inventories, and status reports on all servers, computers, and peripherals on your managed network. Be sure to ask about these elements in any MSP interview you conduct.
Ongoing Support and Security
Your team needs reliable and trustworthy IT service to support their work. Is your IT managed service provider answering their own telephones? Can you submit a service request with one call, email, or text on a 24/7/365-day basis?
How is your account managed? Client account managers are invaluable assets to the MSP-client relationship, acting as your advocates and your go-to contact for any IT service or strategy concerns.
Contact a Trusted Managed Service Provider!
It is difficult to replicate the best practices, experience, and insights gained with a professional MSP as a partner for your business. For business owners who are inclined to leave such IT headaches to someone else, managed service providers (MSPs) are the logical answer. Businesses seeking for a reliable MSP can turn to Focus Data Solutions. With over 22 years in the industry, our globally-recognized team helps businesses capitalize on the ever-changing world of technology to reach their maximum potential. To learn more information about our IT service management, contact us today!