Choosing the right Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) is crucial for your business. These experts keep your IT resources running smoothly and performing optimally. But how exactly do you know you’ve picked the right one?
In this article, we will highlight eight essential questions to ask while evaluating a managed IT service provider. But before we dive into these questions, we must understand why MSPs are so popular.
The Rise of Managed IT Services
Today’s companies count on technology more than ever, and managed IT services are becoming their go-to solution to ensure smooth operations. Let’s see why.
Boosting business efficiency
Managed IT services uplift business productivity by remotely handling complex technologies. These services offer tailored solutions that streamline processes while making it easier for a business to remain stable amidst growing technological reliance. Ultimately, this leads to heightened efficiency without the operational burden.
Gaining a competitive technological edge
Managed IT Services are the best path for organisations to leverage technological advancements for the better. They possess the right experience and knowledge to align technology with business goals and help companies navigate the digital landscape smoothly.
Embracing tech-dependency: insights from the UK
UK’s IT market growth is predicted at a CAGR of 10.36%. This data mirrors the escalating importance of Managed IT Services for tech-driven UK businesses. The rising number of internet applications and remote workforces working on distributed devices has led to a greater need for complete IT management. As 12.7% of full-time employees are working remotely, with another 28.2% adopting a hybrid work model, managed IT service providers are the next big thing.
Understanding Managed IT Services
In the UK alone, there are an impressive estimated 11,492 active Managed Services Providers (MSPs). Furthermore, the UK’s B2B sector sees 34% of firms outsource IT support. This highlights the importance of effective managed IT services. MSPs cover everything from network solutions to cloud management, keeping your tech updated and secure. This provides businesses with dependable and effective IT support on demand.
Different types of services offered by MSPs
MSPs deliver a wide array of services to support your business effectively. Here are a few:
- IT support and helpdesk: MSPs provide 24/7 support, resolving IT issues quickly to keep your operations smooth.
- Server management: MSPs handle server upkeep, ensuring fast, reliable performance and minimal downtime.
- Network management: MSPs ensure your network is always up and running, minimising downtime.
- Data backup and recovery: With MSPs, your data is regularly backed up and can be restored quickly after any disaster.
- Monitoring: MSPs continuously oversee your IT systems, helping to identify and address problems before they affect your business.
- O365 managed services optimise your use of Office 365. They ensure seamless collaboration and management of productivity tools.
Trends in Managed IT Services
Knowing about MSP services and capabilities is not the only thing that will help you determine the ideal service provider for your use case. You must also be updated with the trends that are presented below:
- AI is set to automate 70% of MSP tasks by 2025, revolutionising efficiency.
- MSPs are expanding services and consolidating, which is key to thriving in the increasingly tech-dependent market.
- Heightened cybersecurity measures are imperative as MSPs combat sophisticated threats.
- The industry’s competitiveness demands constant innovation and adaptability from MSPs.
Evaluate Your Managed IT Service Provider with these 8 must-ask questions
Do you offer 24/7 live support?
By asking about 24/7 support, you emphasise the importance of uninterrupted service. Thus shaping your partnership around availability and reliability. This question would also give you an estimation of the MSP’s commitment to maintaining your business continuity and handling crises outside standard operating hours.
How do you manage cybersecurity?
This question demonstrates your readiness to secure your business’s digital data. It brings to the forefront the MSP’s competency in handling potential cyber threats. Thus setting the expectation for stringent cybersecurity protocols.
What is the average response time for incoming calls?
By questioning their response time, you’re reinforcing your priority of prompt troubleshooting. It allows you to evaluate their efficiency in handling IT incidents, which directly impacts your performance.
Can you provide me with customer references or testimonials?
Asking for references communicates your interest in transparency and accountability. It enables you to gauge the MSP’s reputation and service quality through the experiences of others. This is like a reference check for a job interview.
How do you ensure only authorised personnel access our data and systems?
This question underlines the importance of the secure handling of your data. It highlights your expectations around their access control protocols. Thus ensuring only authorised individuals have permission to access your sensitive information.
Can you provide an overview of your team?
Seeking information about their approach to IT management displays the value you place on preventative measures. This question presses the MSP to disclose their strategies for preventing IT problems rather than merely reacting to them.
Does your team take a proactive approach to IT?
A proactive approach can catch issues and save precious resources before they interrupt your operational flow. Make sure that your Managed IT provider spends time preventing so that you don’t have to spend time recovering.
Can your system reliably recover data in case of a system failure, disaster, or cyberattack?
Ensure the MSP is prepared for unforeseen events so your business can bounce back like a seasoned marathon runner who quickly recovers and finishes even after stumbling.
Choose IMS Nucleii: Your Trusted Managed IT Service Partner in the UK
With IMS Nucleii, you get to:
- Reduce IT concerns and focus on business growth.
- Protect and adapt cyber defence for your business.
- Customised IT growth that aligns with your business evolution.
Seeking reliable IT services in the UK? Connect with IMS-Nuleii, the trusted partner for businesses aiming for reliability and excellence in managed IT solutions.
