In the world of business and management, the tech sector has become highly competitive. A large number of enterprises are looking for ways to improve their operations and reach new heights.
One way enterprises have done this is by turning to managed services providers (MSPs). MSPs provide IT infrastructure, cloud computing, data center services, software development, and other IT solutions. You will need to consider several elements to choose the right MSP in 2022, primarily on what they offer.
What do MSPs offer?
Managed service providers (MSPs) offer their clients various services to help them run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. The specific services offered by MSPs vary, but they typically fall into one or more of the following categories:
IT support and management: MSPs can provide comprehensive IT support and management services, including help desk support, network and server administration, and software and security updates.
Data backup and disaster recovery: MSPs can help businesses create and maintain robust data backup and disaster recovery plans, ensuring that critical data is always available in the event of an unexpected outage or disaster.
Cloud services: MSPs can assist businesses in migrating to and using cloud-based services, such as email and storage, which can help improve flexibility and reduce costs.
IT consulting: MSPs can provide expert IT consulting services to help businesses assess their needs and make informed decisions about technology investments. They can also provide a wide range of services, such as VoIP phone systems, website hosting, design, and managed print services. By working with an MSP, businesses can free up their internal IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives and save money on IT costs.
Factors to consider when choosing the right MSP in 2022
The flexibility of the MSP
Looking at what type of customer service experience you want is essential. Do you want one person who will handle all of your technical questions? Do you want a team working with you to provide and build custom solutions? Do you want someone to help with things like system maintenance, such as updating software or installing new updates? It is critical to answer these questions before looking at specific vendors to understand what kind of person or team will work best for your needs.
How much support this does MSP provide for its clients?
You may not know if this company has been around for long. But, it is a factor. If they have established themselves in the market, they have more experience than the newcomers. But, it is not necessarily true that newcomers won’t offer better service in their eagerness to be strong contenders. Therefore, gathering pertinent data, such as their track record and customer reviews, would help. The ideal MSP would be capable of providing a roster of long-term clients and showcasing their support capabilities.
How scalable is the MSP’s offering?
Every business aims to grow, and scaling up is a definite possibility. Investing in a solution that is not scalable would mean money wasted. So, MSPs must offer scalable solutions and services to ensure your enterprise can grow anytime. Scalability ensures that existing users remain without needing to go to the market for a better solution provider. Changes in the industry frequently happen and in real-time. As such, you need an MSP who can guide and help your growth from an IT perspective. Look for an MSP that provides holistic solutions and services like cloud, cybersecurity, desktop support, and network and infrastructure management. An effective MSP will assist you in deciding which services you need and which you do not require so that your enterprise may continue to grow.
Cost-effectiveness
Before choosing an MSP, consider their pricing model. You should know that each provider has different pricing models, and the least expensive one is not necessarily the worst or the most expensive the best. Comparing the pricing models of multiple MSPs would help you sift through them and find one that will provide superior management within your budget.
Accessibility and transparency
MSPs must be transparent in their practices, tools, and business processes to ensure visibility into their sense of ownership and accountability. Accessibility is another factor that is tied to their best practices. Using an MSP that goes out of sight when you need them the most will not do. The SLA you enter with the selected MSP must include round-the-clock support services capable of remote assistance. Your business cannot experience downtime because of the unavailability of the MSP.
Location of the MSP
The location of a Managed Services Provider (MSP) can be important for several reasons:
● If the MSP is located in the same city or region as the company, it is servicing, and it can be easier to coordinate and manage services.
● If the MSP is located in a different country, then there may be language barriers and cultural differences that must be taken into account.
● The MSP’s location can impact the cost of services and the quality of the services.
The importance of security when accessing clients’ location
Security is one of the most important factors when choosing an MSP. After all, you trust them with access to your network and data. A good MSP will have strict security protocols to protect your information. They will also know how to deal with the many security threats that target businesses.
Presence of skilled resources wrt to the application and systems in one’s network
MSPs are responsible for the skilled resources required to maintain and operate these systems. The resources required by an MSP include system administrators and application administrators. Both are responsible for the network and systems and applications, respectively. They also ensure that the applications are able to handle the traffic and data loads that are placed on them.
Robust tools used by MSPs
Various tools are available to MSPs to help them manage their services to clients.
● Customer relationship management (CRM) keeps track of clients’ contact information, service requests, and billing information. CRM can also help automate business processes, such as lead generation and follow-up, appointment scheduling, and invoicing.
● Remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform to remotely monitor and manage their client’s IT infrastructure and systems, run remote diagnostics, patch and update systems, and even deploy new applications and updates. It can also help MSPs automate routine tasks, such as system backups and monitoring for performance issues.
● MSPs also need to have a robust set of tools for managing their network infrastructure. This includes tools for managing routers, switches, and other network devices.
● Tools for managing their security posture, i.e., for monitoring and managing their own internal security, as well as tools for helping their clients assess and improve their own security posture. MSPs also have tools for managing and responding to security incidents.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that digital transformation is here to stay. It has affected almost every aspect of business and has made it possible for companies to find new ways to remain competitive. However, this transformation also brings with it an array of challenges. Careful deliberation of some of the listed factors should allow you to choose the right MSP in 2022 that will aid your digital transformation.
(The author is Mr. Satish Kumar V, CEO, EverestIMS Technologies and the views expressed in this article are his own)
