Managed Solutions Providers – what do they do?

It’s hard, but it may be time to admit you’re not an expert in technology, or that you might not have enough staff to handle regular content changes or maintain your digital systems.

Don’t worry – there are people out there who are (like us!) and if you find the right ones, you can trust them to make the right decisions on your behalf while you focus on your core business.

These people are called Managed Services Providers (MSP’s).

Simply put, an MSP is a company that manages your technology for you, typically as part of a monthly or annual subscription. Sounds great, right? It can be! But not always… read on to learn what to look for in an MSP.

Trust should win over price every time

The old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is 100% accurate in the tech world. While value should always be the ultimate goal, cutting corners and overlooking important details can cost a fortune, especially with contracted services. A good MSP aims to create a collaborative solution that empowers your business. They should go above and beyond to ensure you are not left in the dark, ever. Your MSP should be someone you trust 100%; look for one you get all the feels from, not one that feels like you’ve been taken on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. The market is full of MSP’s who might serve some clients’ needs, but can’t (or won’t) serve yours.

Be honest, be transparent

Business can be cutthroat, and some companies may feed on your lack of knowledge and aim to take advantage of the situation. Any MSP should be upfront about what their services include and how that will meet your needs as a client. Remember, quality isn’t revealed through a comparison of line items on a chart, or reviews on Google. By all means, do your research, but always meet face to face with potential MSP’s!! An MSP should be responsive, reliable and collaborative. Every provider is slightly different in their offering; it’s important to know what your business needs are before you pick up the phone and shop for the right provider. Nothing beats a conversation to get a good feel for someone.

Reliability. Availability. Efficiency. All the things

MSP’s should know when there’s a problem before you do. If you frequently tell them a system is down, your MSP is not doing their job. Their core service is monitoring and proactively managing your technology to make sure it works – that’s what you’re paying them for!

If you aren’t sure about what value they’re delivering, ask for a monthly call or a scheduled report. You’ll see the value-add an MSP brings to your business after your first chat.  When you call, they should answer. When you email, you should get a response from their ticketing system so you can move forward with the confidence that the issue at hand is being taken care of.

Don’t think you can’t afford it – there is an MSP out there that will work for you. Do your research first, trust your gut, and you’ll find the right provider. At 10net we pride ourselves on being one of the best, if not the best Managed Service Providers in the market especially with our Support+ offering. We will optimize and scale your solution ensuring your personalized digital experience delivers the result you want. Give us a call, you won’t be disappointed.