Having a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) in your IT mix can free up internal staff for more strategic projects, like that app you’ve always wanted or those file-sharing tools your employees need. Establishing a strategic partnership with your IT vendor is essential to the relationship’s success. After 30 years in the IT Service realm, these are the biggest misconceptions surrounding your current MSP and internal teams.
“Bargain-Shop” Managed IT Service Provider
Organizations are continuing to turn towards MSPs to handle certain IT functions as an extension of their internal teams. Although it appears most businesses see the value of augmenting a Managed Service Provider, many are looking for the cheapest option available.
This highlights the very reason an organization turns to a Managed IT Service Provider in the first place – for change. Cost-savings were always seen as benefits to Managed IT Services, but many have shifted their mindset, from finding the lowest price to hunting for the greatest value.
Look for MSPs that have experience in your industry, and speak less about technology. Across the board, you want a partner that can explain business outcomes and how services can help shorten the roadmap to your goals, not pushing a product. Managed Service Providers share business perspectives, not technology pushed by vendors. The only way to avoid deadbeat-IT is by leveraging outside partners that carry proven track records with established clients.
Top Managed Service Providers Extend Proficiency and Reach
Your MSP usage doesn’t have to be confined to break-fix services related to hardware and its availability. Many CIOs are looking for MSPs that can deliver advanced services, like virtualization, converged infrastructure, or Security-as-a-Service.
With an increase in demand for services around network analytics, business intelligence, and application monitoring, your service provider should have an evolving offering: one that meets the demands of a dynamic technology landscape. It should be noted, a shift with some MSPs has begun, as we’ve seen several refuse the extension to support legacy infrastructure and outdated software.
Partners, NOT Replacements
While more and more companies are relying on outside help for IT needs, MSPs should complement your internal team, rather than replace it. Instead, this frees up existing assets to focus on core business functions to better utilize company resources. Many of our clients have claimed it brought IT departments out of the shadows and allowed them to focus on core initiatives, a win-win for your IT staff.
Your MSP should provide you with strategy, documentation, repeatable process, access to their ticketing portal, and friendly staff welcoming your calls. Company technology doesn’t have to keep you up at night.
Contact Us to discover how Managed IT Services with Clare Computer Solutions can begin to benefit your business overnight.
