How to Choose Your IT Managed Services Provider

As remote work is the new standard and cybersecurity threats are ever-increasing, IT solutions and managed IT services are more critical than ever before. We’ve heard from many small and medium-sized companies that have questions about what is right for their business and are looking for solutions. 

You may be exploring managed services for your business environment for the first time, or you might be considering changing partners. Either way, we want you to have the information you need to make the best decisions for your business, your employees, and your customers. Here are a few of the key factors you need to consider when choosing or changing your managed service provider. 

Experience and Expertise 

Your managed IT services provider has to demonstrate that they can keep up with rapidly changing technology. They need to show that they understand current technologies, have proven experience in implementing solutions, and have a roadmap for keeping their team up-to-date. How a managed service provider keeps up with those changes within their own company will show you whether you can rely on them to keep your business moving with the times. 

Also, keep in mind that it is one thing to know how back-up and recovery planning should work. It is another to be able to implement, maintain, and troubleshoot specific IT technologies. Anyone can say they have IT expertise, but you need to ask any managed IT service provider for examples of their demonstrated experience. 

Support and Availability

Your managed IT services provider needs to be there for you whenever you need them. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need a 24/7 IT call center. Instead, that means you need to work with a provider who is setting up your systems with continuous and proactive cybersecurity and business continuity services. Ask for a demonstration of the solutions they offer and what will be appropriate for and responsive to your current and emergent needs.

Demonstrated Commitment

Your managed service provider should demonstrate how they will make time for you, your questions, and your day-to-day and emergency IT needs. Consider how and when they communicate with you during your consideration process. Are they responsive? Collaborative? Do they communicate on your terms, using language and terminology that you understand, or do they talk over your head? Any managed service provider should be able to express and display that they genuinely want to work with you and genuinely care about the success of your business. 

Choosing a managed service provider is one of the most critical decisions a company can make. If you are a small to mid-sized company, you need a managed service provider who has the right blend of experience and expertise, proven capability, and demonstrated commitment to your company’s success. It’s easy to be swayed by low fees and to let that be your deciding factor but consider what and who you’re getting for the cost. Going with the lowest-budget option could cost your business more down the line if the provider or their services aren’t the right fit for your needs. 

At Midnight Blue, our focus is on keeping your business secure, backed up, and running 24/7, so you can focus on running your business. Contact us today to talk about managed services and IT solutions that make the most sense for your business.