When you leave your IT in the hands of managed services providers (MSPs), you must make sure they are the right one for the job. Since they play such an integral role in keeping your business processes up and running, selecting an MSP should not be left up to chance. Here are some qualities you should look for in a potential MSP partner.
Ability to provide high-quality service
High-quality service entails commitment to providing comprehensive IT support, which is why service level agreements (SLAs) have become an important part of the relationship between providers and clients. Some MSPs may provide round-the-clock managed services, while others may only offer network monitoring or network management during business hours. The ideal MSP should be able to guarantee 24/7 service, remote IT support, and fast response/resolution times.
High-quality service should also be constantly providing value to your business, such as regular reports and constant improvements and upgrades. Choose an MSP that is committed to not only improving your business, but to also improving its own ability to serve your business.
Complementary to your business
Every business is different, which is why we at Arnet Technologies take pride in our understanding of small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and their needs. We are committed to understanding how your business works and what makes it go in order to provide the highest quality of service. We then work hand in hand with your enterprise to devise solutions that will address the specific requirements of your business.
The key feature of our managed services is our a flat-rate monthly fee with no unexpected repair costs or downtime. Arnet’s team of technicians take a proactive approach to management, maintenance, and protection of systems, allowing you to focus on your business.
Adaptability
Adaptability refers to an MSP’s responsiveness to unscheduled or unforeseen events such as natural calamities or accidents. A good MSP should have the backup and recovery technologies, resources, and training to respond to these kinds of situations.
A technically agnostic point of view
It is not uncommon for businesses to partner with multiple vendors, especially if their clientele dictates that they be equipped accordingly. This creates a problem of compatibility and redundancy. Top-notch MSPs should be able to handle this if their deployment protocols are coherent and organized. MSPs serve as the single point of contact between client and multi-vendor environments, products, and services, and they should be able to show equivalent levels of dexterity across all the environments, products, and services they offer.
Innovation
Innovation means creating solutions to problems that may not yet exist. It takes a proactive culture to do so, which is why our experts at Arnet are always developing new ways to further improve your experience. MSPs shouldn’t simply be support technicians; they should live up to their billing as IT experts.
A passion for customer service
Customer service is often the make-or-break factor between a trusted IT provider and an unreliable one. Bad MSPs are typically better salesmen than they are providers of their own services. You should assess your MSP’s level of customer service from the beginning, and see how it improves or deteriorates over time.
Good MSPs nurture the relationship between their clients and themselves. Find one with glowing testimonials from existing clients and a comprehensive record of successful case studies.
Alignment with industry best practices
Industry best practices are excellent indicators of whether or not your MSP is a competent one. Organizations that pursue industry best practices will have more consistent service delivery, standardized processes, optimized service and product deployment methods, and clear and rational communication practices. This all translates to efficiency, cost savings, and risk reduction.
MSPs that have a culture of adherence to industry best practices are constantly improving their assets and human resources, which means they are constantly improving your customer experience as well. Certifications do not only show improved skills, but also mean a commitment to excellence.
Arnet Technologies is committed to providing the best virtualization solutions for businesses in Ohio and beyond. Be a part of the growing family today! Contact us for more information.
