Securing a reliable IT support system is essential for operational continuity as well as staying ahead of today’s fast-paced competition. Many organisations enlist the help of local managed service providers (MSPs) for remote and on-site support, to ensure they have the help needed to succeed. Local technology monitoring has many benefits including:
- Proximity and faster response times
- Strong community connections
- Support for the local business ecosystem
- On-site technology support
There are many managed service providers from which to choose. However, finding the right one can be challenging. This guide will help you locate the best MSPs near you by first identifying your business needs and then researching and evaluating individual managed service providers to find the best IT company to support your business.
Understanding your business needs
To find a great MSP near you, you must first identify your business’s needs. This question must be addressed before starting the search for technical support. Follow these steps to identify the specific services your business needs.
Evaluate your current IT operations
Begin by taking stock of your current IT network setup. This includes the hardware, software, and network components that are part of your technology stack including:
- Hardware: Servers, routers, switches, or other physical technology devices
- Software: Licenses, operating systems, or other applications
- Network: Internal network integration, internet solutions, and security details
Answering this question is the first step to finding the best managed service provider in your area. When you know what kind of support and service your business needs, you will be much more confident when shopping for a technology support company.
Identify business pain points
This is a perfect time to think about the challenges and roadblocks your company or existing IT department is facing. Some ideas include:
- Poor performance productivity
- Poor network security
- Poor in-house technical understanding
- Poor regular software maintenance
- A desire for greater proximity to your MSP
Identify business technology goals
Next, think about your organisation’s focus or goals. These technology goals may include implementing integrated communication capabilities, developing businesses in new locations, or augmenting data security. Because the integration of a new software or technology service is often high on a business’s list, be open to trying new tech solutions to reach your goals.
Once you have thought through some business goals, brainstorm how an IT department could support those goals. For example, most companies want to resolve IT issues as quickly and effectively as possible both internally and externally. With this goal in mind, a business owner may need to improve communication and collaboration.
Implementing a robust ticketing system can be an answer for some businesses. However, there are simple non-ticketing integration options available for quicker and easier collaboration. IT collaboration platforms such as Thread integrate directly into the communication software your business already uses to quickly and efficiently solve issues. This is accomplished by connecting the right people at the right time to resolve tech problems with much less fuss.
Remember, specifying your businesses’ individual goals will help you identify specific areas in an MSP’s expertise that will affect your company for the better. If you find the perfect MSP but they don’t use a collaboration platform like Thread, you could also request that they implement it.
Determine your organisation’s managed services budget
What type of budget does your business have for managed services? IT management solutions vary widely in price depending on the level of support, operational plan, and size of your company. Weigh these service cost possibilities:
- Fixed and variable costs: Local managed service companies typically offer fixed monthly rates for customers, but there can be extra costs for additional projects, consulting, or other services not included in the monthly fee.
- Costs vs. values: When comparing managed technology services, don’t automatically go for the cheapest option. Sometimes, a more expensive technology company may offer better support that will save you money in the long run compared to working with the cheapest managed service provider.
Research and evaluate local managed service providers
Now that you have outlined your organisation’s needs and budget, you are ready to locate the right technology support company in your area. Try these next steps.
Search for a local managed service provider
There are several avenues to begin your search for local MSPs. Try searching Google for managed service operations in your area. Use keywords such as “managed service provider near me”, or “MSP [your city]”. Business directories such as Yelp, the Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories will guide your search to local MSPs.
One of the best options for finding great local managed service technology companies is to ask for recommendations from other businesses in your network. Personal referrals go a long way to locating and receiving insights, evaluations, and value on managed services for IT.
Assess MSP businesses’ reviews and reputations
After you have acquired a list of local MSPs, look into their customer reviews. Does this technology management business have a good reputation in the area? Or, are their ratings low due to communication problems, poor productivity, or lack of customer service desk support?
Find reviews and reputation ratings in the following places:
- Online reviews: Google, Yelp, and industry-specific sites. Read both good and bad feedback to get an overall picture.
- Case studies and testimonials: Read through customer feedback on the MSP’s website. This will give you an understanding of how the managed IT company could best assist your business.
Reviews can make or break a business. Around 90% of buyers research and read online reviews before visiting a business. There is usually plenty of information out there about local businesses, so take advantage of this great resource to assess each MSP’s reputation.
Evaluate the MSP’s service and expertise
Analyse the managed services’ range of services, as not all MSPs offer the same solutions. Common services include:
- 24/7 monitoring and support
- Data backup and recovery
- Cyber security: Cyber security may include monitoring for security threats or compliance with security standards.
- Cloud services: This is important if your business wishes to implement cloud services.
Assess the MSP’s certifications and technical skills
Explore the MSP’s technical experience and expertise. Certifications from dominant tech providers such as Microsoft or Cisco show that the MSP has expertise in the technology field.
An MSP that serves businesses in your industry may also be better equipped to handle your business needs than an MSP that is not familiar with your industry.
Consider the MSP’s communication and responsiveness
Communication can make or break a relationship. Evaluate how the MSP deals with:
- Initial communication: Is it clear and responsive?
- Support channels: What support channels do they offer?
- Service level agreements (SLAs): Examine their SLAs to find their promises for response times and issue resolution.
Solicit proposals and conduct interviews
When you have narrowed your search to the top MSPs in your area, request proposals and quotes. Next, compare the MSPs on your shortlist in at least these three areas:
- Cost
- Scope of services
- Contract terms
Finally, conduct interviews and choose the MSP that best fits your needs. When interviewing a local MSP company, ask plenty of questions. Rate their cultural fit with your business as well as their eagerness to learn about your business’s specific needs.
Choosing the right managed services provider
Deciding which MSP to partner with is an important task that entails understanding the support needed, and careful research of potential MSPs. When you gauge your current IT department’s pain points and appraise local MSPs, you can make a decision that supports your business’s goals and needs.
A superb MSP can be a strategic partner in your business. When you choose wisely, your business will benefit from a reliable and proactive team of IT professionals who will help you achieve your business goals and navigate the quickly morphing tech landscape.
