How to Choose a Managed Services Provider for Your Business

Navigating the world of IT services can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The demand for managed services is on the rise, to such an extent that 66% of American companies outsource at least one of their departments.

What’s more, research shows that 37% of all IT tasks are outsourced, and IT departments have allocated 13.6% of their budgets to outsourcing.

If you are considering outsourcing some or all of your IT tasks, finding the right managed services partner (MSP) to protect and streamline your business operations is crucial. As Eric Woodard, CEO of Protek explains, “In today’s IT environment, a proactive approach with a trusted MSP is the cornerstone of business resilience and innovation.”

While working with an MSP offers many benefits, the main question on many business owners’ minds is how to choose a managed service provider. We’ll answer that question, discuss the managed services vendor selection criteria, and provide some helpful tips on how to simplify your selection process in this article.

Understanding Your Business Needs

Before delving into how to choose a managed services provider, it’s vital to understand your own business’s unique needs. Your IT infrastructure is not just about technology; it’s a critical enabler of your business strategy and growth.

Consider what your specific goals are, whether it’s scaling up, improving efficiency, or enhancing security. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managed IT services.

Researching Potential MSPs

Start by researching potential managed service providers in your area. Look through online directories, seek referrals, and attend industry events. Pay close attention to reviews and feedback from other businesses. This initial research is crucial in managed services vendor selection criteria.

When it comes to doing due diligence on potential IT partners, 80% of company executives stated that data security and privacy are among the most significant factors to consider. In addition, the average review tends to last between two and four weeks, so be sure to take your time before making your final decision.

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing an MSP, several factors are non-negotiable in finding a good fit:

• Technical Expertise: Ensure the MSP has experience in technologies relevant to your business.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Understand their response time and how they handle disaster recovery planning.
• Security Standards: With the necessity of managed security services, it’s vital that your MSP is adept in handling cyber threats.
• Business Continuity Planning: Ensure they have a solid plan for keeping your operations running in any situation.
• Flexibility and Scalability: The MSP should be able to grow with your business, offering a wide range of services from cloud services to break fix solutions.

Crucial Questions to Ask a Prospective MSP

Once you’ve narrowed down your list and are ready to begin talking to potential IT providers, here are some examples of questions to ask an MSP.

Technical and Expertise Questions

• How do your services align with our specific business needs?
• What is your experience in our industry, and how do you keep up with evolving technologies?

Support and Service Questions

• Can you explain your service level agreements (SLAs)?
• How do you handle emergencies and ensure minimal downtime?

Security and Compliance Questions

• What measures do you take for cybersecurity and managed security services?
• How do you ensure compliance with our industry’s regulations?

Making the Decision

Your decision should not solely hinge on cost but rather on how well the MSP meets your business needs and objectives based on their answers to your MSP qualifying questions. Trust and comfort with your chosen managed services partner are paramount.

A Quick Guide to Evaluating Managed Services Providers

Find a Partner That Meets Your Managed Services Vendor Selection Criteria

Choosing the right managed services partner is a significant step towards enhancing your business’s efficiency, security, and scalability. Now that you know some of the questions to ask an IT MSP, you’ll be able to streamline your discovery process and find the ideal MSP faster.

Protek stands out as a leading provider in this field, offering tailored solutions and expert guidance. Backed by more than 150 years of collective industry experience, our team can handle your day-to-day IT tasks while focusing on managing your business.

Start on the right path to ensuring your IT infrastructure propels your business forward with dependable managed IT services from a provider you can trust. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free consultation.