Choosing a managed services partner (MSP) can be a game-changer for your business, but with so many options out there, finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
“When figuring out how to choose a managed services provider, it’s essential to look beyond just technical expertise. The perfect managed IT provider is like a seamless extension of your team, aligning with your goals, understanding your unique challenges, and delivering proactive solutions,” says John Yensen from Revotech Networks.
In this blog post, we will provide invaluable insights and tips on how to choose a managed services provider (MSP). Get ready to learn everything you need to know about:
- Managed services vendor selection criteria framework
- How to choose managed security services
- Technical questions to ask qualifying MSPs
- Non-technical MSP qualifying questions
- And more
How to Choose a Managed Services Provider: Questions to Ask
Did you know the managed IT services market is expected to reach USD 74.2 Billion by 2032?
Image Credit: S&P Global
Over 92% of organizations are outsourcing their IT. And when it comes to selecting an MSP, having a well-defined managed services vendor selection criteria framework is essential to make an informed decision. Here’s a suggested framework to guide your evaluation process:
Business Alignment: The first component of your managed services selection criteria should entail assessing how well the MSP understands your industry, business goals, and unique challenges. Look for a provider that can tailor their solutions to meet your specific needs.
Technical Expertise: Evaluate the MSP’s technical certifications, industry experience, and track record in managing similar IT environments. Ensure they possess the necessary skills to handle your infrastructure and keep up with emerging technologies using your MSP qualifying questions (we’ll discuss more on that below).
Security and Compliance: The next component of your managed services selection criteria is more about how to choose managed security services. This involves investigating the MSP’s security practices, including data protection measures, access controls, and compliance adherence. Ask about their experience in dealing with industry-specific regulations.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Review the SLAs offered by the MSP, including guaranteed response times, resolution times, and uptime commitments. Make sure their service levels align with your business requirements.
Scalability and Flexibility: Consider your future growth and scalability needs. Determine if the MSP can accommodate your evolving IT demands, whether it’s scaling resources, adapting to new technologies, or supporting expansion plans.
Proactive Monitoring and Support: Inquire about their proactive monitoring capabilities and how they detect and address potential issues before they impact your operations. Ask about their support processes, escalation procedures, and communication channels.
Financial Stability: Assess the MSP’s financial stability and longevity in the industry. A financially secure provider is more likely to invest in infrastructure, resources, and ongoing training to deliver high-quality services.
Client References and Testimonials: Request references or testimonials from existing clients to gain insights into their experiences with the MSP. Feedback from others can provide valuable perspectives on the provider’s reliability, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction.
Pricing and Contract Terms: Understand the MSP’s pricing structure, contract terms, and any additional costs that may arise. Ensure transparency and clarity to avoid surprises down the line.
| Check out this additional resource to learn more: |
By evaluating MSPs against these selection criteria, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your business objectives, technology needs, and long-term vision. Remember to customize the framework to your specific requirements and involve key stakeholders in the evaluation process.
Now, let’s take a look at some questions to ask during MSP discovery.
Questions to Ask an MSP: Technical & Non-Technical
Finding the right MSP is all about knowing what questions to ask during the MSP discovery process. Your list should ideally include both technical questions to ask qualifying MSPs as well as non-technical questions.
Some good technical questions to ask an MSP are:
- What technical certifications and expertise does your team possess?
- Can you provide examples of your experience in managing similar IT environments or industries?
- How do you handle data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning?
- What security measures and protocols do you have in place to protect against cyber threats?
- How do you monitor and address network performance and availability?
- Can you outline your approach to proactive system maintenance and updates?
- Do you offer scalable solutions to accommodate business growth or changes in IT requirements?
- How do you handle software and hardware procurement and licensing?
Skip these Questions to Ask IT MSPs & Go Straight to the Experts
Learn more about how Revotech can help
Contact UsBy asking technical questions, you can evaluate the MSP’s level of competence and proficiency in handling complex IT systems. This helps you gauge their ability to meet your specific technical requirements and ensure they have the necessary knowledge and experience to support your infrastructure.
Some non-technical questions to ask an MSP include:
- What is your approach to client communication and collaboration?
- Can you provide references or testimonials from current clients?
- How do you ensure responsive support and timely issue resolution?
- What are your Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and guaranteed response times?
- How do you handle escalations and provide updates during critical incidents?
- Can you explain your pricing structure and any potential additional costs?
- What reporting and performance metrics do you provide to clients?
- How do you stay current with the latest technology trends and advancements?
| Discover our suite of Computer Services: |
Trust Your IT Operations to Revotech: An MSP You Can Count On
When considering potential MSPs, Revotech Networks emerges as a top choice.
With over 12 years of experience in the industry, we have honed our expertise in managing diverse IT environments, making us well-equipped to handle the complexities of your day-to-day IT infrastructure.
Our timely response time of less than 10 minutes illustrates our commitment to customer service and ensuring that your IT issues are swiftly addressed, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Make the right decision for your business and partner with Revotech – get in touch now!
