If you’re like most business owners, you rely on your computer systems to keep your business running smoothly. But, what happens when something goes wrong? According to research, about 60% of businesses that lose their data shut down within six months.
If you’re not confident in your ability to troubleshoot and fix problems yourself, it might be time to consider hiring a managed IT company. With so many companies offering managed IT services, how can you be sure that you’re making the best decision for your business?
In this article, we will outline some tips for choosing the best managed IT providers in your local area.
What Are Their Technical Capabilities?
Your MSP should have robust technical capabilities and be able to offer you a wide range of services. This includes everything from monitoring and managing your infrastructure to providing help desk support, data backup, and disaster recovery.
Ask the potential MSP about its areas of expertise so you can be sure it has the resources to handle all of your IT needs.
Ask about the company’s experience with specific software and platforms that are important to your business. For example, if you use Salesforce for customer relationship management (CRM), be sure to ask whether the MSP has experience working with that platform.
The best-managed IT companies will have a deep understanding of a wide range of software and platforms, as well as the experience and resources to support them. If you’re not sure what kind of services you need, get an IT consultation with a software development agency first.
Do They Have a Local Presence?
One of the benefits of working with a local managed IT company is that they’ll have a better understanding of the specific needs of your business and your local area. They’ll also be more likely to have a physical presence in your area, which can be important if you need on-site support.
When interviewing potential MSPs, ask them where their headquarters are located. If they’re local, find out how much experience they have working with businesses in your area. If you’re based in a remote area or your business is time-sensitive, having someone local who can be on site quickly can be a huge advantage.
How Do They Handle Emergencies?
Emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s important to know how your managed IT company will react if something goes wrong. Ask the company about its emergency response process. How quickly do they respond to alerts?
What kind of support do they offer? Do they have a help desk that is available 24/7? It’s also important to ask about the company’s track record for resolving emergencies.
How often have they had to go beyond their standard support offerings to help a customer? Can they provide references from businesses in your industry? When an emergency does occur, you’ll want to be confident that your MSP will be there to help.
Can They Provide References From Other Businesses?
Reputable managed IT service providers will have no problem providing you with references from other businesses they’ve worked with in the past. Don’t be afraid to ask for contact information so you can reach out and speak to these businesses directly.
References are a great way to get an idea of what an MSP is really like to work with, how responsive it is to problems, and how effective its solutions have been. If the service provider is hesitant to provide you with references or tries to dodge the question, that’s a red flag, and you should consider moving on.
Do They Have Certifications That Demonstrate Their Excellence?
The best managed IT providers will have several industry-recognized certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Partner or Cisco Premier Partner. Certifications show that your MSP is up-to-date on the latest technology and has the necessary skills to provide you with top-notch services.
When considering different managed IT companies, be sure to ask about the training they undergo as well. The best companies will have no problem providing you with a list of recent certifications.
What Is Their Fee Structure?
Many MSPs charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat monthly rate. Ensure you understand what services are included in the fee and how many hours of support you’re getting each month.
Additionally, it’s important to ask about any additional fees that may apply. For example, many MSPs charge for emergency services or if you need them to come out on-site. Be sure to ask about any potential hidden fees, so there are no surprises down the road.
The best-managed IT companies will have a transparent fee structure that is easy to understand.
Will You Be Locked Into a Contract, Or Can You Cancel At Any Time?
Most good MSPs won’t require you to sign a long-term contract, but some may try to convince you to do so. It’s important to remember that you should always have the option to cancel your service at any time if you’re not satisfied.
Likewise, your MSP should be willing to adjust its services and pricing if your needs change or if you decide to terminate the relationship. A good managed IT company will want to ensure that both of you are happy with the arrangement. There should be no hard feelings if either of you decides to go your separate ways.
Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) is critical
Businesses of all sizes are at risk for data loss and system failures, which can have a devastating impact on your bottom line. A good DRP will help you quickly recover from any type of outage or disaster.
This will minimize downtime and ensure your business can continue operating as usual. When looking for a managed IT company, make sure to ask about its disaster recovery plans and how it will help you protect your data. The best companies will have detailed plans in place and will be able to walk you through exactly what they would do in the event of a disaster.
Picking the Best Managed IT Company in Your Area
Choosing the best managed IT company for your business can be a daunting task. Look for a company that understands your business and has robust technical capabilities. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting a partner who’s invested in your success.
Ask them about their experience with specific software and areas of expertise to get a sense of whether it is the right fit for your business. If you found this article informative, please check out our blog for more!