There’s a lot of merit in having an IT supplier for your business. They’re able to help you focus on your company’s core duties, keep your sensitive data safe, and all-around help to boost your productivity. Now, you’re not going to have any trouble finding a company that can take care of your IT needs. However, it’s important to remember that not all managed service providers are created equal, and not all will be right for your business. Below, we take a look at a few key questions to ask yourself before deciding which company to work with.
Can They Work With You?
You might think of your IT needs in generic terms, but this might not be the best way to think. The IT needs of a medical practice are different from that of, say, a financial investment company. As such, you’ll want to take a look at their areas of expertise; many MSPs have specific companies that they’re more suited to working with. This might be small businesses, schools, or anything else — if they don’t outline any specific industries on their website, ask them, and see if their answer is in line with your needs.
Are They Clear and Transparent?
One reason why some companies get annoyed with their managed services provider is that they believe there’s a lack of clarity in how they act. They might say there’s one price for their services, but then, over time, it becomes clear that there’s a whole bunch of charges that they were not expecting. As such, you’ll want to analyze any potential IT companies for how clear and transparent they are. You may want to ask them if they’re using software like that available on strategyoverview.com, which allows MSPs to create a long-term budget. That way, you’ll always know how much you’re going to spend.
What Are Their Credentials?
You wouldn’t hire an employee without figuring out how qualified they were for the role. The same goes for any companies that you decide to work with. Don’t just assume that they’re going to deliver the best work just because they’ve set up a company! Ask them to give examples of other work that they’ve done for other companies, and evaluate it for yourself. You’re trying to set up a long-term relationship, so it’s really important that you’re confident of their ability to deliver before you sign any contracts.
How Available Are They?
A good MSP will keep things ticking over nicely behind the scenes; you shouldn’t even notice them. However, there’ll be times when something goes wrong, for whatever reason, and they need to come into the foreground. You can judge their strength by their availability. It’ll be no good for you if they’re hard to get in contact with when you need them most. Ask about their availability, and how long you should expect to wait before they’re able to fix whatever problem you have. If it’s too long, then they might not be the right company for you.
