How to Choose a Managed Service Provider

Managing the technology needs of a business in the modern era is an expensive, time-consuming headache. When you have the help of a managed service provider, everything gets much easier.

But what exactly is an MSP? And how can you choose the right one for your business?

What Is an MSP?

MSP stands for managed service provider. Essentially, an MSP is going to function as an externalized IT department. If you already have an IT department in place, your MSP can serve as a supplementary resource. If you don’t have an IT department, or if you plan on decommissioning your IT department, your MSP can serve as a substitute for it.

An MSP can help you with a wide range of IT-related tasks, including procuring equipment, improving network performance, optimizing your security, troubleshooting issues, helping employees resolve questions, and more. In other words, your MSP is going to be responsible for managing all your business technology needs—or at least, the technology needs you can’t already address internally.

MSP Models to Consider When Choosing a Managed Service Provider

There are three primary MSP models to choose from:

Vendor-Neutral MSP Models

In a vendor neutral model, the MSP and the supply chain remain entirely separate; your MSP won’t directly fill contingent vacancies. Instead, the MSP will manage suppliers and decide which vendor is the best candidate for a specific purpose on your behalf.

Master Vendor MSP Models

In a master vendor model, the MSP functions as a kind of vendor in and of itself, filling contingent vacancies and tapping into secondary vendors whenever additional vacancies need to be filled.

Hybrid MSP Models

As you might expect, the hybrid MSP model is a combination of both vendor neutral and master vendor models. Because this model is the most flexible, it’s arguably the most appropriate for businesses undecided on which model is best for them.

At Reverus, we’re committed to finding the right service model for your unique business. Explore our managed IT services and discover how our custom solutions can streamline your IT operations.

How to Choose a Managed Service Provider for Your Unique Needs

So how do you choose a managed service provider that satisfies the unique needs of your business?

Determine The Scope Of Your Needs

Everything starts with a needs analysis. Before you can decide what type of MSP you want to hire, you need to know the scope of your technology needs and the gaps that your MSP is going to fill.

Set An Appropriate Budget

From there, you can work on setting an appropriate budget. MSP costs vary significantly based on your needs and the experience level of the institution you hire. Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for; sometimes, it pays to spend a little more on an MSP competent and skilled enough to handle all your needs.

Evaluate Areas Of Expertise/Specialty

When researching prospective MSPs, pay close attention to their areas of expertise or specialty. Does this MSP have specific experience working with businesses like yours?

Prioritize Experience

Experienced MSPs typically perform better than their inexperienced counterparts. Prioritize choosing a firm with years, if not decades, of experience, and closely examine the leadership of this organization.

Research Ratings, Reviews, And Testimonials

Next, research readings, reviews, testimonials, and other third-party indications of this firm’s abilities and performance. Are clients generally satisfied with this MSP? Are there any common complaints or comments that you see frequently repeated across reviews?

Explore The Scope Of Services Offered

Many MSPs deliberately attempt to be a one-stop shop, offering every conceivable service in the IT realm. Others are somewhat limited in the scope of services they can offer. Choose the right fit for your business’s needs by thoroughly examining their service level agreements (SLAs).

Be Wary Of Outsourcing

Does this MSP outsource any of their work to other contractors? This isn’t always a bad thing, but you should be aware of it.

Pay Attention To Initial Communications

You need an MSP with strong communication skills; your initial conversations with an MSP can be very telling about your professional relationship moving forward.

Read Contracts Closely

Always take the time to read the fine print on your contract before signing.

Discover Superior Managed Services in Charlotte

Are you in need of IT services? Are you ready to outsource your IT service management? Or are you looking for more information about MSPs and how they can become a true partner to your organization? Reverus is here to answer your questions. Contact us for a free consultation today!