Today’s businesses are powered by their IT, which has become integral to everything from customer experience to employee management. This increased role of technology in key business functions can overwhelm in-house IT staff and cause businesses to lose track of their objectives. That’s why it makes sense for many businesses to consider outsourcing some of their IT needs to a managed services provider (MSP).
Let’s take a quick look at the benefits of using an MSP for IT.
Benefits of using an MSP
MSPs help companies focus on handling their day-to-day business without worrying about IT headaches. Some of these potential benefits include:
- Freeing up in-house IT staff.
- Keeping up with changing technology.
- Assuring round-the-clock service.
- Keeping costs predictable.
Of course, utilizing an MSP is not like simply flipping a switch. For any outsourcing relationship to be effective, businesses must choose their provider carefully and understand the parameters of the relationship.
Choosing an MSP
Before entering a relationship with an MSP, the business should meet with the prospective provider to discuss the unique business IT needs. Since the purpose is to replace in-house IT services with an outsourced solution, there should be a clear meeting of the minds between both the MSP and the business about every aspect of the proposed relationship.
The MSP should fully explain:
- Scope of services.
- Communication protocols.
- Response timelines.
- Support procedures.
- Data security.
- Disaster recovery protocols.
- Contract terms.
- Cost.
Part of the MSP discussion should also involve identifying potential obstacles that need to be overcome to fully maximize all benefits. For example, it is essential to understand that an MSP will not fully understand all the needs of users, unless there is full and thorough communication and objectives discussed up front. If users are comfortable with in-house IT services, there can be some friction with outsourcing if the user experience is not adequately addressed from the onset. A potential MSP needs to know the daily IT related issues you and your employees may face, and any technology systems prohibitive to your productivity.
Managed Services Providers aren’t all equal.
Many MSPs have varying standards for response time, communication, attention to detail, and company rapport. These ‘soft’ skills have a large impact on your professional relationship, and it is important to determine if your business is compatible with a potential MSP. How will you communicate issues to your MSP? Over the phone, on a website, or through an email? When can you expect a response to your reported issue? Are your daily staffing and operations compatible with those of your MSP? Do you need to have a point person on staff as a liaison, or can any team member report an issue? Most importantly, do you trust this service provider with your business? There is much more to consider than technical certifications and licensure for a complementary partnership.
Cost of managed services
A frequently touted benefit of using an MSP is increased cost efficiency. Partnering with an MSP lets your business tap into the savings of scalable on-demand services. Businesses that do not need full-time in-house IT can leverage emerging technologies such as security as a service, threat detection and intelligence, and other features that can be incorporated into an MSP relationship. This can save costs, of course, but also ensures that businesses get the most mileage out of their IT budgets.
While using an MSP can be cost-effective, it is also important to take into account not only the cost of the MSP contract but also the cost of internal oversight of the MSP. Your business gains a savvy technology partner and consultant to support your business now and as growth occurs in the future. Having an advisor with expertise your company leaders can trust is invaluable.
Beyond cost savings and flexibility, successful MSPs are all about relationships. Think Tech Advisors approaches Managed Services differently: focusing on personality compatibility of crucial staff, creating stable and long-lived business relationships, and ensuring that a managed services option is a good fit for the businesses they support. Contact Think Tech Advisors to learn more about the custom-tailored MSP solutions we offer to our clients.
