Why Would You Want To Outsource Your IT Support ?

May 25, 2020 | By: Scott Lard

There are a variety of reasons why a business may choose to outsource their IT support to a Managed Service Provider, or MSP. From lower costs to increased IT department efficiency to multi-level support options, MSPs offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for any business, regardless of industry or size.

If you’re on the hunt for a new MSP to outsource your business’s IT support, you already know how many options there are and how confusing the process of finding a reputable provider can be. Every MSP offers different services and each business should partner with a provider who offers the ideal balance of services, costs, reputation, and more.

To help streamline the search, below are the top five factors when it comes to choosing the right Managed Service Provider for your business.

Outsourced IT Support

Before partnering with a managed services company, it’s important to know how long they’ve been in business. Choosing an outsourced IT support provider is a big decision – one that will ultimately affect your business’s IT landscape and day-to-day operations, so it can be very helpful knowing your MSP has extensive knowledge and, ideally, years of experience. While meeting with potential providers, ask about the range of skills within their staff and how they stay up to date with industry growth and change. It can also be beneficial to determine if the MSP has experience in your specific industry.

2. Reputation

As important as IT is to modern businesses, it’s essential that your future MSP has a solid reputation in outsourced IT. Speak with former and current clients about their experience with the MSP whether they would recommend them. By finding a Managed Service Provider with a great track record, you’re more likely to have a good experience yourself.

3. Support Offerings

Regardless of the size of your business, you must know whether the MSP can offer the level of support and service you require and expect. If your business needs 24/7 support, you need an MSP who can offer around-the-clock coverage, 365 days a year. In addition, if your business is extremely large, you’ll want to ensure your outsourced IT support team has enough resources to manage the size of your company. Questions to ask your provider regarding their support include, “Do you offer remote support, on-site support, or both?” and “How quick are your response times?” Getting the answers to questions such as these can help determine if the MSPs way of doing business aligns with your IT support needs.

IT Support In Houston

4. Vendor Partnerships

Reputable MSPs should have a wide range of partnerships with vendors and experience with third-party devices and applications. The ideal outsourced IT support provider should be able to offer you a customized recommendation of which of those partners, products, and services are the best fit for your business IT needs.

5. Agreement Terms & Details

Before committing to an MSP, ask about their agreement terms. Some MSPs offer SLA, or Service Level Agreements, while others may offer their services on a per-device or per-user basis. Others may offer block hours which can be purchased in bulk to use however the client wishes. Regardless what method they use, most MSPs offer outlined agreements that clearly state measurable service and performance guidelines. This gives clients a good idea of what to expect regarding cost and service. Although MSPs may vary, knowing what to expect is good for both budget bottom lines and customer service expectations.

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