How to Choose a Managed Services Provider: Everything You Need to Know

Choosing the right managed service provider (MSP) for your business requires careful consideration and research.

As JCM Telecom President, Christian Hernandez , says, “A proficient MSP isn’t just a service; it’s a strategic collaborator in propelling your business towards digital success.”

Our upcoming blog post delves into the pragmatic aspects of how to choose a managed services provider that aligns seamlessly with your organizational goals. Join us as we dissect the pivotal factors that warrant careful consideration in an MSP partnership. We will discuss:

• How to choose a managed services provider
• How to choose managed security services
• Technical questions to ask qualifying MSPs
• Non-technical questions to ask during MSP discovery

What are Managed IT Services? Understanding the Benefits of Working with an MSP

Managed IT services have emerged as a crucial solution for businesses aiming to streamline their technological operations while focusing on core objectives. At its core, managed IT services involve outsourcing the management and maintenance of an organization’s IT infrastructure, applications, and processes to a specialized managed service provider (MSP).

The managed IT services market is expected to reach USD 354.8 billion over the next five years, registering a CAGR of 7.9%. By leveraging the expertise of an MSP, your business can enjoy a plethora of benefits, including:

• Expertise and Specialization
• Enhanced System Reliability
• Focus on Core Objectives
• Proactive Issue Resolution
• Cost-Efficiency
• 24/7 Support
• Access to Advanced Technologies
• Enhanced Cyber Security
• Peace of Mind

Check out these additional resources to learn more about managed IT services and their benefits:

Managed Services Selection Criteria: Things to Consider

When it comes to developing your managed services vendor selection criteria, several factors warrant careful consideration.

Of course, every business’ managed services selection criteria will be different depending on the unique needs of your organization – but here are some key elements to consider that will likely influence your list of MSP qualifying questions. 

1. Service Range: Ensure the MSP offers the specific services your business needs, such as network management, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and software support.

2. Expertise and Experience: Evaluate the MSP’s industry experience, track record, and client testimonials to gauge their reliability and performance.

3. Scalability: Confirm the MSP’s ability to scale services as your business grows, ensuring their offerings can adapt to changing needs.

4. Pricing Transparency: In your list of questions to ask an MSP, be sure to ask for details regarding pricing models to avoid unexpected costs and budget overruns. 

5. Responsiveness and Support: Choose an MSP with a responsive support system and efficient communication channels to address issues and concerns promptly.

6. Cybersecurity Measures: In 2022, 493.33 million ransomware attacks were detected by organizations worldwide. Assess the provider’s approach to cybersecurity and data protection. 

7. Compatibility: Consider the MSP’s compatibility with not only your existing IT processes – but your company’s core culture and values as well. Strong partnerships are built on shared principles and a collaborative mindset.

Learn More About JCM Telecom’s Managed IT Services

Questions to Ask IT MSPs During the Selection Process

Asking the right MSP qualifying questions can unveil essential insights to guide your decision-making process.

To comprehensively assess their suitability, it’s important to pose both technical and non-technical inquiries as components of your managed services selection criteria. Here’s a breakdown of questions ask during MSP discovery.

Technical Questions:

1. Service Offerings: What specific IT services and solutions does your MSP provide? How do they align with our organization’s needs?

2. Technology Expertise: What technologies and platforms does your IT company specialize in? In your list of questions to ask IT MSPs, ask them to provide examples of successful implementations, integrations, and more. 

3. Cybersecurity Measures: How do your IT experts approach cybersecurity and data protection? What measures does your business put in place to safeguard sensitive information?

4. Response Times: What is the average time of response for addressing technical issues and service requests? 

5. Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Could you provide details of your SLAs, including guaranteed uptime, problem resolution timeframes, and escalation processes? 

6. Data Management: How does your IT company handle data management processes including backups,data recovery, and disaster preparedness?

Non-Technical Questions to Ask:  

1. Industry Experience: How long has your IT company been in the MSP industry? Could you share any existing client references or past case studies that demonstrate successful partnerships?

2. Collaboration Efforts: How do your managed services integrate with my internal IT team and existing business processes? And what steps are taken to ensure a seamless collaboration?

3. Cultural Fit: Could you describe your company culture and values? How do you ensure alignment with our organization’s ethos?

4. Scalability: Can you accommodate changes in the scope of our engagement as my business evolves?

5. Cost Structure: What is your pricing model? Are there any potential hidden costs we should be aware of?

6. Long-Term Vision: How do you stay updated with industry trends and technological advancements? What is your strategy for evolving your services to meet future challenges?

Whether you’re seeking advice on how to choose managed security services, managed IT services, or professional IT services, probing into these technical and non-technical questions to ask during the MSP discovery process will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of how the MSP can effectively contribute to your business’s technological success. Have questions to ask an IT MSP? Ask us!

Why Choose JCM Telecom?

When it comes to establishing your managed services vendor selection criteria, it’s imperative to ask the right questions and ensure you look for a provider who can cater to your unique business needs.

Through a history of delivering state-of-the-art customizable IT solutions and exceptional service, JCM Telecom has firmly established itself as a reliable and innovative partner. Our unwavering dedication to technological progress, combined with a customer-focused approach, sets us apart as an industry frontrunner.

Whether you’re seeking seamless connectivity, robust network infrastructure, or customized IT solutions, we are your trusted partner here and ready to help. Book a free consultation today to learn more!