Definition of a Managed Service Provider
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party IT service firm that provides ongoing IT management and support services. MSPs specialize in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and continuity management and offer various support options.
MSPs are utilized by organizations, ranging from small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to government agencies and nonprofit organizations. They act as strategic partners to enhance the operational efficiency of these entities.
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How Does an MSP Work
MSPs come in all shapes and sizes, and there is a difference between “low maturity” and “high maturity” providers. Depending on your needs, either type of provider could be a good fit for you.
Low-maturity providers deploy basic measures to monitor and secure an environment. They might also do basic preventative maintenance, but most of their efforts are focused on responding quickly to issues when they arise. When they meet with you, the discussion will focus on technical issues and which devices to upgrade next.
High-maturity providers respond quickly as well, but they put a greater emphasis on preventing issues altogether. They rigorously align your technology to best practices for security, performance, reliability, and compliance. They function more as a strategic business partner to help you align your IT capacities to your business goals.
Benefits of Using an MSP
When you hire an MSP, you are enhancing the efficiency of your entire organization by bringing in a team of experts who specialize in maintaining a secure and reliable IT environment. User requests for support are resolved quickly, allowing your team to focus on achieving core business goals without any IT distractions.
Due to their size and scale, MSPs are generally more cost-effective than hiring and managing a similar team in-house. You can have an entire turnkey IT department for a fixed monthly price.
Your risk and the potential impact of cyber threats has never been higher. MSPs have the resources and capacity to keep up with this ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
As your business grows, your MSP can easily scale the services up or down based on your changing needs. With IT taken care of, you and your team can dedicate more time and resources to strategic, revenue-generating activities.
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How to Find an MSP
Start with a vision of the results you hope to achieve. What would “better IT” look like within your company?
Decide if you need a “high-maturity” or a “low-maturity” MSP. If IT is “mission-critical” to your operation, you’ll want a high-maturity provider who focuses on helping you achieve strategic outcomes. If IT is more of a “necessary evil” in your business and you care more about cost management, a low-maturity provider is the way to go.
Research prospective MSPs based on their past performance, testimonials, and expertise. Create a shortlist of two or three providers to evaluate further.
Speak to representatives from your shortlisted MSPs to understand their approach to managing and maintaining services. Look for evidence that they can consistently deliver the right outcomes for your business.
Last, it’s essential to evaluate the health of the MSP’s business. Are they stable? Do they have evidence of strong internal cybersecurity?
3 Essential Factors When Choosing an MSP
1. Are They Outcomes-Focused?
2. Do They Have a Proven Process to Deliver Those Outcomes?
3. Is Their Business Healthy, Stable, And Secure
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Is an MSP Right For Your Business?
Working with an MSP may or may not be the right move for your business. A lot of it will depend on the size and complexity of your IT environment. Some organizations partner with an MSP to supplement their internal IT staff, while others leverage an MSP as a turnkey, outsourced IT department.
When it comes to selecting a specific partner, choosing the right MSP can significantly impact your success. To ensure that your IT operations are aligned with your business goals, selecting an MSP with a high level of maturity, structure, process, and discipline is important. However, it's equally important to conduct thorough research to make sure that the MSP you choose is the right fit for your specific needs and requirements.
Conclusion
Managed Service Providers offer an effective way for businesses to optimize IT management and support, allowing them to focus on what really matters. You can significantly enhance your business's operational efficiency by defining “better IT” for your team, doing your due diligence, and creating a partnership with the right MSP.