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Managed IT Services Network Server Management

10 Questions to Ask Your Managed IT Services Provider

There are a variety of managed IT services as well as Managed IT Service Providers (MSPs). If you are interested in hiring an MSP for your business’s technology needs, you need to know what you are getting into. Similar to any hiring process, there are several key things to learn before hiring an MSP.

It is essential to ask specific questions to gain as much insight as possible about the MSP, their services, and more. While each provider may differ slightly in their answers, there are certain aspects to look for in these answers.

Keep reading to figure out which questions will get you the answers you need to make a good decision about the best MSP for you!

How do you structure your pricing?

Many MSPs will probably have similar pricing for similar services. Therefore, it is important to figure out what your budget is and which services are most important for you and your business. You will want to know if there is a down payment, if all costs are paid upfront, whether or not you are billed monthly, or if there are different options for billing frequency. This will give you an idea of what you are getting yourself into financially.

What pricing do you offer?

Going off the pricing structure, you want to determine if your potential MSP will offer customized pricing for the services you need. Many successful MSPs will offer pricing that varies based specifically on the needs of your business. This flexibility is important when deciding on an MSP.

Is there an option to co-manage?

A lot of companies have their own IT departments. If you go with an MSP, you can outsource your IT department to another company. However, that does not mean you cannot keep internal IT staff. In fact, it may be beneficial to have an IT person on your team co-manage alongside your MSP to ensure there is consistency in the work.

What security do you have in place?

When it comes to technology and data, security is one of the top things you should be worried about. You will want to figure out how the MSP plans to protect your data and information. Their cybersecurity measures benefit both parties.

What insight can you get me?

Insight into different networks is essential. You will want to ensure that your MSP values accuracy and can give you transparent answers to all your needs or questions.

Do you recommend any hardware or software in particular?

Not only should your service provider be using the best hardware and software, but they should also be able to recommend some for you. In addition, they should want their clients to have the best technology to ensure protection, safety, and functionality.

Is there a service-level agreement?

A service-level agreement (SLA) is a direct contract between the MSP and the client that guarantees the provider will be spending dedicated quality time with the client and their business. This may seem small, but you want to ensure this is in place before you begin work to ensure that there are direct measures to get you what you need as the client. Be sure to come to an agreement on things such as availability, guaranteed response times, and items in-scope vs out-of-scope.

How often is the contract renewed?

The contract you sign to begin working with your MSP does not last forever. Generally, they are renewed annually. The first time you sign on with an MSP, you may want to opt for a one-year contract. However, after officially testing the MSP for a year, you will want to negotiate a longer-term contract.

What accreditations does the company have?

A company that has certain skill levels or completed certain programs is generally more reputable than one that has less experience. Some certifications and accreditations are worth more than others. Consider asking your MSP about their experience and credentials.

Can I talk to someone who has already worked with you?

One way to ensure customer happiness is to talk to a previous client of the MSP; this can provide insight into what the client liked or did not like and whether or not they chose to stay. Typically, your MSP should provide you with a client who is open and honest about the service quality of the MSP.

Next Steps in the Selection of an MSP

Now that you know what to ask, you will want to begin searching for an MSP that will be great for you. You may want to consider starting a list and calling one by one to get started in your search. However, before signing a contract, make sure you compare a couple of MSPs and their answers to the questions above!

Contact We Solve Problems IT

If you need a reliable MSP that is up to date with their technology and can provide you with valuable technology insights for years to come, consider contacting We Solve Problems IT. They have over 15 years of combined experience in the field and have served many happy clients in the Los Angeles area. Take your questions to WSP today and inquire about managed IT services for your growing business.

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Managed IT Services Network Server Management

Why Your Organization Needs Managed IT Services

Managed IT services are some of the best ways for businesses to cut costs when it comes to technology. Hiring a managed IT service provider (MSP) can cut costs for your business and make it more efficient. Not only can these services be incredibly helpful, but many providers offer various services to meet your unique needs as a business.

Whether you are considering starting a business or have one up and running, you will need to invest some money and time into building an IT team. That said, managed IT services can be a great way to save money and time for your company’s tech. 

Read on to discover more about managed IT services and how they can directly benefit your business!

What are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services are typically used by small businesses that may not have an in-house IT team to manage their technology and IT needs. They offer their services at a flat rate to help a company with its tech needs, such as protecting its network, backing up data, and troubleshooting issues that arise. It is a convenient way to get IT support without hiring an entire team to work in-house.

This type of outsourcing provides small businesses with the support they need regarding technology. Generally, these managed IT service providers have teams that work together alongside a small business to create a package and a plan that works well for that business’s needs. They will help manage day-to-day issues, prevent long-term problems, and troubleshoot when necessary.

Pros and Cons of Managed IT Services

Like any service, there are pros and cons of managed IT services. Before deciding on whether or not to hire an outsourced IT service, consider the following:

Pros

  1. Consistent Monitoring: IT service teams will work directly with you to monitor your systems. This helps prevent security breaches and allows them to track data.
  2. Technology: While this does not apply to all providers, some of them will supply your business with devices and the right network. This is a benefit you can’t overlook due to the high cost of choosing and buying technology today. 
  3. Expertise: It can be expensive to put together a team of IT managers. Luckily, sourcing a team from a service provider gets you access to experts for an affordable price. These experts have typically worked for years on IT issues and can directly work alongside you and your team to serve your needs as a business.
  4. Cost: Compared to hiring in-house support, managed IT can be very cost-effective. 

Cons

  1. Remote Support: While outsourcing your IT services has many benefits; you may feel the repercussion of not having an in-person IT team. There are times when there will be conflicts with scheduling and meeting times due to the lack of physical presence. These service providers may not be local to your area, meaning virtual meetings are the only option.
  2. Different Cost Models: It’s important to evaluate the costs associated with outsourcing your IT with the time and expenses required to maintain a robust team in house. There may be upfront fees when partnering with an MSP; as well as ongoing contracts that need to be renewed. Consider what you can afford to pay while looking at the packages service providers offer. 

Why You Need Managed IT Services

For most businesses, the pros of managed IT services outweigh the cons. Here are additional benefits to keep in mind as you consider whether or not you need to consider managed IT services.

Support

Having expert tech support can be a win for any business. Many businesses hire in-house IT experts. While this can seem beneficial, it can be costly and not always worthwhile. Managed IT service providers can work just as quickly and efficiently as an in-house team. 

There are around-the-clock providers available for assistance at any time. Many service providers offer teams of IT tech experts to continuously monitor your business network and work alongside you to ensure everything runs effectively and smoothly. 

Expertise

MSPs know all the ins and outs of their industry and keep up to date with emerging changes. They are highly knowledgeable about a variety of technology, which means that they can offer root-cause solutions and informed recommendations about the best tech, software, and processes for their clients. 

Predictability

When it comes to services, many people want to know what they are getting. This is something that you will be getting when you hire a service provider. Costs and services are presented upfront so you know exactly what your service provider will be doing and how much it will cost. 

Security

Security is a big issue when it comes to technology. Protecting your network is one of the most important things you can do. Managed IT services make this their priority  . Not only will they protect you from security breaches, but they can also protect your data, benefiting you and your business in the long term.

Partner with a Managed IT Service Provider

Technology is necessary to build a successful business. However, not everyone is an expert when it comes to technology use. There are a lot of people who need support. This is where managed IT service providers like We Solve Problems come into play. Working alongside WSP offers direct access to experts who can enhance your knowledge while helping maintain your business. Reach out to WSP IT to get started with your technology assessment today.

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Managed IT Services

What Are Managed IT Services?

Technology is used by almost everyone nowadays. However, when issues arise, who do you turn to? In the business world, most businesses have an in-house or outsourced (“managed”) form of IT services to help with their technology needs. It is essential to understand what these managed IT services are and how to benefit from them.

You could benefit from managed IT services if you run a small business. Read on to learn more about how you can benefit from these services!

What are These Services?

Put simply, managed IT services are a way to outsource your IT department. This may be a more affordable option than hiring an in-house IT department. This third party handles technology tasks for specific businesses. In a lot of cases, companies have an internal team that collaborates with an MSP, too. Supplementing your IT force can be beneficial if you are trying to scale your business.

Typically, a team of technology experts works together for a certain business to reduce costs and manage day-to-day issues that arise. External companies that supply these teams of IT experts are known as Managed Service Providers (MSPs). 

What are MSPs Used for?

An MSP is a team that is hired by companies or organizations when they decide to outsource their IT team. These teams are typically cost-effective and an excellent solution for small businesses looking to protect their data. In addition to that, these teams work alongside an organization to meet its specific IT needs. 

Important Managed IT Services

When you hire an MSP, it is important to look into what they offer. Each organization may do things differently, meaning it is crucial to define your company’s needs ahead of time. However, there are some standard beneficial services to look for when looking to hire a managed IT service:

  • Support – Support from your IT team is critical. If you are outsourcing, it is important to have trust in your team to do what is best for your business. One of the most important things to consider is how quickly and efficiently they can identify and solve problems. Long term, this will avoid more extensive issues that can be detrimental and costly.
  • Data Security – Any security issues or threats can be dangerous. Not only do businesses keep confidential information regarding money, resources, and the business, but they also keep data on their employees. Due to this, it is important to find a team that prioritizes data security and can avoid threats.
  • Data Backup – One of the most important things to do as your business grows is to collect and save data. However, to protect this data, it needs to be backed up frequently. Therefore, hiring an IT team to back up data to a safe source consistently is important.
  • Onsite Support – While many technical issues can be fixed remotely, having direct onsite support from your IT team can be beneficial.

How to Know if you Need Managed IT Services

At this point, you have seen that MSPs can benefit you and your small business. However, how do you know if you really need these services? Here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself to get a better idea of what will benefit you long-term:

  • Is your current IT team doing an adequate job?
  • Are you overpaying for IT and technology needs?
  • Do you have an IT plan in place?
  • Is your data protected and backed up regularly?

While these are not the only important questions, they can guide you towards the right answer when it comes to deciding to outsource your IT department. 

Work With a Managed Service Provider

If you require a managed IT service provider, or if you have any questions about integrating these services into your business model, give We Solve Problems IT a call today. WSP provides each business with a strategy to meet its individual needs when it comes to IT and cyber security. Reach out to learn more today.