Not All MSPs Are The Same
The managed IT services market is expected to increase from $152.45 billion to $257.84 billion in the next 5 years, but why are there so many MSPs out there if they’re all the same?
The simplest answer: They’re not all the same. Sure, they provide similar services, but each MSP has their own set of qualifications, certifications, and skill-sets that enable them to provide those services in a unique manner. Yet so many businesses struggle with the idea that not all MSPs are the same. Why? Because a lot of businesses have been burned by a poor-quality MSP that:
- Overcharged with added fees and hidden costs
- Failed to communicate throughout projects and/or support requests
- Didn’t respond in a timely manner to emergencies
- Lacked a personable, friendly approach
- And so on
The good news is finding an MSP that fits your unique requirements and preferences is possible. So how do you choose the right MSP if they’re not all the same? After all, your technology partner plays a vital role in helping you stay productive, safe against cybercrime, and overall, stay ahead of the competition.
First, let’s look at what an MSP does…
An MSP provides a range of services designed to keep your technology functioning at peak performance. This typically includes the following:
- Remote monitoring and maintenance
- Data backup and business continuity planning
- Help desk services
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Mobile device management
- Managed IT services
- Network planning and/or configuration
- Strategic consulting
So how do you choose the right MSP for you?
There’s one thing we don’t recommend: Choosing an MSP based on price alone. Although some MSPs charge more because they have more skills, there’s no set standard when it comes to pricing managed IT services. You simply never know if paying more will mean getting higher quality. Here’s a few tips to choose the right MSP for you:
1. Pay attention to specializations and certifications:
Every MSP specializes in certain areas, whether it’s industries, technologies or something else. Additionally, every MSP has specific certifications with manufacturers, such as VMware, SonicWall, Dell, Microsoft, and others. Choose an MSP that has specializations and certifications that will come in handy for you.
2. Ask for references from current clients:
A good MSP will be happy to provide references from current clients. They may even give you a few names to contact and talk about their experience. This is a great way to find out if they’re responsive, knowledgeable, and overall, a pleasure to work with or not. Make sure you contact at least one or two current clients.
3. Talk about their values and/or culture:
Similar to any partnership in life, you want to make sure you have similar values and culture within the workplace. For instance, if you and your team values being transparent with your customers, it’s more than likely it’ll get on your nerves if your technology partner isn’t transparent with you.
The Most Important Factor to Remember When Picking an MSP…
At the end of the day, it’s important to know what you want out of your technology partner. Think about what would be helpful in terms of:
- Number of office visits per year
- Methods available to open support tickets
- Capability to resolve issues remotely instead of onsite
- Services available beyond the standard managed services
- And other factors that are important to you
If you have an idea of what would be the most helpful to you, you’re able to weed out MSPs that don’t work the way you want them to – making the process much easier and more efficient than otherwise.
Not all MSPs are the same. TLC Tech is the preferred choice for IT services in Sacramento, CA and surrounding areas. Call (916) 441-3838 to learn more.
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