What to look for in a Managed Service Provider (MSP)

As the world becomes increasingly digital, businesses of all sizes are relying more and more on technology to help them run smoothly. However, keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of IT can be a challenge, particularly for small businesses with limited resources. This is where an I.T...

As the world becomes increasingly digital, businesses of all sizes are relying more and more on technology to help them run smoothly. However, keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of IT can be a challenge, particularly for small businesses with limited resources. This is where an I.T support team or managed service providers (MSP) can be a valuable asset.

An MSP can provide a wide range of IT services, from managing your network and servers to providing help desk support for your employees. They can also offer proactive monitoring and maintenance, which can help prevent problems before they occur.

Here we explore what to look for when choosing an MSP. 

But first things first!

What are the specific benefits and potential drawbacks of using an MSP?

Pros and Cons of an MSP

Pros

Some of the top benefits that MSPs can bring to your business include:

• Lower costs: MSPs can often provide services at a lower cost than if you were to hire an in-house IT team.
• Greater efficiency: MSPs have the knowledge and experience to provide services more efficiently than an in-house IT team.
• Increased security: MSPs can often provide increased security for your data and systems.
• Improved compliance: MSPs can help you meet compliance requirements more easily.
• Flexibility: MSPs can often provide more flexible services than an in-house IT team.

Overall, using an MSP can save you time and money while providing you with expert services.

Cons

• Lack of control: When you outsource your IT to an MSP, you are giving up a certain degree of control over your company's IT infrastructure. While this can be seen as a positive (allowing you to focus on your core business), it can also be negative if specific requirements are not being met.
• Lock-in: Most MSPs often require long-term contracts, which can lead to a lock-in situation. This can be a problem if you are not happy with the service you are receiving or if you want to switch to a different provider.

Having said that ... Before outsourcing your IT, remember to do your research and find a reputable provider that will meet your specific needs.

But, with the plethora of providers out there, how do you select the best IT support for your business? Let’s dive deeper and find out.

What To Look For When Selecting an IT Service Provider For Your Business

Here are a few qualities that any great MSP should have:

Proactive Ethics and Management

First and foremost, you want to make sure that the company is proactive in its ethics and management. You don't want to work with a company that is constantly putting out fires instead of preventing them.

The best MSPs are always ahead of the game, nipping potential problems in the bud before they have a chance to become full-blown disasters. They're also transparent with their clients, keeping them in the loop every step of the way.

Experience

Second, experience is key when it comes to IT service providers. You don't want to be the guinea pig for a new company that is still trying to figure things out.

Make sure that the provider you select has a lot of experience in managing and maintaining IT systems. This will ensure that they are able to properly handle any issues that may arise with your system.

Responsiveness

Another important thing to look for in an IT service provider is responsiveness. Things can go wrong with IT systems at any time and you need to know that your provider will be available to help you resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

A responsive IT service provider will have a team of experts on call 24/7 so that you can get the help you need when you need it.

Quercus IT as your Partner

If you're looking for an MSP that ticks all of these boxes, look no further than Quercus IT. We have the experience and expertise to keep your business running like a well-oiled machine. We'll take care of everything for you so that you can focus on what you do best – running your business.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.