How to find the best MSP for your company (the key qualities)
With the advances in technology, more and more people are looking for a reliable MSP to protect their systems.
One of the best ways to find a good MSP is by asking around. Talk with other business owners like yourself or your IT team members about their experiences and what they would recommend. If you don’t know any other companies that use an MSP, ask friends and family who work in different fields if they have any recommendations. It’s important to consider all options before making your final decision on which company will be right for you. You’ll want to feel confident that these services will help keep your data safe while also providing excellent customer service when needed (and not just because you’re paying them).
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is an external company that offers data protection through the use of security software and technical support. Depending on the MSP, they may monitor your systems to ensure that they are working properly or just monitor for any potential vulnerabilities. However, it’s important to note that there are significant differences in services depending on what type of MSP you choose.
There are two types of MSPs: On-Premise and Offsite.
The company you choose should offer the services that best match your needs, security requirements, and budget. For example, an on-premise MSP will provide full control over your systems; however, an offsite service is less expensive because they do not require as much equipment or staff. Your company’s size will also come into play when choosing an MSP. Larger companies often look for a team of experts to oversee all their IT work rather than one person with a varied set of skills. Under this scenario you may be looking for full IT outsourcing.
Qualities of a Good MSP
All companies are different, which means that all MSPs are different. However, there’s a few qualities you should look for to make finding the right one easier.
1) An MSP operating on security and privacy by design is one of the best qualities you can find in any company, not just your MSP. It will help ensure your data is protected against any and all cyber-attacks.
2) A guarantee on your data protection may be the key to your business, so make sure it’s covered in any agreement you sign and that the company has enough insurance. The last thing you want is for a security breach (or even rumors of one) to wreck your credibility and take down your company. You might also want to investigate what services come standard with the MSP, and which ones cost extra. Sometimes having too many options can get confusing!
3) Industry standards like HIPAA and GDPR ensure that companies that work with health care (covered by HIPAA) and financial information (covered by GDPR) can still find an MSP without compromising their industry or violating any laws. If possible, try looking for an MSP that has experience in both.
When you purchase a plan from an MSP, you’re not just buying services, you’re investing in the company. Make sure you do research on any MSP before signing anything!
4) A history of success means that an MSP has served other companies like yours and knows exactly what to expect. You can also often find referrals or recommendations from previous customers. There are many places online to check for reviews including google and yelp. And lastly, if their staff is available around the clock, there’s no reason to waste time when help is just a phone call away.
If your company requires any special services (like HIPAA), look for an MSP that offers them as part of their standard package or at least easily adaptable with an add-on service. Finding the right match doesn’t take too long; all you need is some time and patience. But when you find the right MSP for your company, it will be well worth it!
Tips for Working with an MSP
Once you think you have found the perfect MSP for your company there are a few tips you should consider while working with them.
- Keep an open communication line. There is nothing more important that communication in any business. Keeping a good communication line with your account manager can make it much easier for them to make sure you are always happy.
- Pay your bill on time. Working with an outsourced company can provide many benefits including terms for paying your bill. Whether it is net 30 etc. Make sure you pay your bill one time. It fosters a healthier relationship with your provider.
- Be responsive to requests from the MSP. If they need and answer about something regarding your IT, make sure they get it in a timely manner.
- Keep them honest. Although your MSP should be recommending new products and services as they arise in the industry.
Finding the right MSP for your company is no easy task, but there are some qualities that will make it easier. Look for a vendor who operates on security and privacy by design, offers guaranteed data protection without expensive additional options, is compliant with industry standards like HIPAA and GDPR, has a history of success in business (meaning they’ve served other companies like yours), and has knowledgeable staff available around the clock. If you can find an MSP with these traits, then you’re off to a great start! These might be hard to come by all at once so if one characteristic stands out more than others when comparing different vendors, look closely before committing. If this sounds intimidating or time-consuming contact us today! Our team of experts would love to assist you, but only if it is the right fit for your business and ours.