Just by clicking on this article, you’ve probably already concluded that your managed services provider (MSP) isn’t cutting it. But, sometimes, it’s hard to tell if they’re not doing a good job or if you’re unfamiliar with the services and support they could offer your business.
If you have any current technology issues and rely on an external company for IT support, now is the time to assess the situation.
How long do you have to wait for someone to return your call if you’re having computer problems? Are you paying for extra costs that you thought your contract covered? Do you have remote employees who are having trouble working from home?
If you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Remember, your partnership with your MSP is vital to the success of your business.
Without an experienced and helpful company by your side, your business could experience extensive downtime and significant security breaches.
Follow along as I explain five signs that clearly indicate that your MSP is not providing the technology services and support that your business deserves.
Your MSP Isn’t Cutting It: Learn The Signs
Times are a little crazy right now, and everything seems to be changing in the blink of an eye. Because of this, it’s even more important to feel confident in your MSP and the different measures they’re taking for your business, employees, and customers.
1. Slow or Non-Existent Response Times
Outsourcing your IT department is done so that someone qualified and knowledgeable can assist with your network’s issues as soon as they arise.
Even if it’s not 24/7 support, an IT help desk can often fix your issues remotely without traveling to your location.
As a matter of fact, a great managed services provider can even identify a problem (and fix it) before you’re ever made aware of it. How nice!
Being proactive (instead of taking a reactive approach or relying on a break-fix business model solution) helps decrease the downtime you might face by eliminating the issues before they get in the way of you doing your job.
2. Multiple Visits Until a Resolution
One of the most important aspects to consider when assessing your current MSP is making sure you’re provided with an information technology expert or team who are trained troubleshooters.
A great managed services provider can assist you in purchasing the best technology devices, software, hardware, and tools for your business based on your needs, the line of work, and your organizational and departmental goals.
The service provider you choose should be willing and able to reseat any software on some of your other technology devices, such as your copiers and phone systems.
Great service teams may also assist with your technology issues through remote support or over the phone, saving you time and eliminating an on-site appointment.
3. A Lack of Business Continuity Plans or IT Roadmaps
What are your current and future plans for IT? Do you have any? An excellent managed IT services company should be offering you thought-leadership skills and ‘best practices’ recommendations for the future of your business.
Your MSP is there to help you formulate and execute long-term IT plans and strategies that pertain to your business, employee, and customer needs. This way, you can focus on running your business and completing those everyday tasks that have to be done.
Like every other department at your company, you have instilled long-term plans and expectations for growth in each department. Your IT department should be no different.
4. A Shortage of Security Updates and Data Backups
Network management and email security are continually shifting targets. Companies that lack enough resources to dedicate to server and network cybersecurity and disaster recovery are even more at risk of a security breach.
Wouldn’t you feel better knowing there’s a system that monitors your company’s personal and critical documents… even as you and your employees work from home?
Email security also comes in handy, helping block spam, phishing scams, malware, and other inappropriate email content before it takes over your network.
With the growing technology, it’s extremely valuable to have a robust security system that covers all of your office technology products and machines.
It’s better (and much easier) to prevent a security threat from happening instead of trying to get rid of it once your business is attacked.
It’s too late once a disaster or security breach is happening. In business today, protecting your data is right behind safeguarding the lives of your staff. A great managed services provider is designed to be your data center's insurance policy.
Related Article: Data Backup: Best Practices for 2024.
5. Unable to Adjust To Changing Times/Measures
Everything is changing. When it comes to technology, we can never be too prepared for new developments and protocols. If your managed services provider isn’t adjusting to our “new normal” of remote work, they just aren’t cutting it.
An essential feature to look for in a managed IT services company is the detailed reporting of your office technology.
Detailed reporting lets you see the applications and personnel taking up most of your network resources and the daily demand for each technology your employees use.
Remote monitoring and management also provide insight into traffic bottlenecks and peak periods, allowing you to add more capacity when needed and prevent your employees from becoming frustrated.
The more you know about your network resources and how your employees use them, the easier it will be for your business to grow.
The Final Say On Your Managed Services Provider
Your business's partnership with its managed services provider is pivotal for continuity. You deserve an MSP who understands your current technology pain points and is dedicated to finding solutions that work best for your entire organization.
Set aside some time to assess whether your current provider is providing all of the services and support you and your employees require.
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