Technology is vital for businesses to remain adaptive and to compete, driving the need for reliable IT support. As more operations move to the cloud, small businesses gain flexibility for remote work, but also require assistance to optimize and secure these environments. It goes without saying that cybersecurity threats are a top concern for business leaders today. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, small businesses are turning to MSPs to help them secure their tech.
A recent survey revealed that a majority (nearly 88%) of small and medium-sized companies now use or plan to use managed service providers (MSPs) to manage IT infrastructure.
This speaks to the value businesses place on having expert guidance in adopting and managing technology. An MSP could be your secret weapon to boosting your company’s productivity and growth.
3 Things to Look for in a Managed Service Provider
1. An Innovative Partnership
The relationship between businesses and MSPs can transform your roadmap to operational success. You want to hire an MSP that will take the time to understand your business. It is no longer about outsourcing IT tasks. It is about forging a partnership that drives innovation, while leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and productivity over the long-term.
What to Look for:
- Strategic Alignment: Select an MSP that prioritizes understanding and supporting your business goals and vision. An ideal MSP partner will have a vested interest in strategically leveraging technology to ensure your continued competitiveness and success.
- Commitment to Innovation: Look for an MSP that is knowledgeable about emerging technologies. Choose an IT partner that proactively recommends and implements new solutions like cloud-based services, automation, and machine learning to drive business success.
2. Comprehensive Support
A great MSP supplies remote monitoring and on-demand troubleshooting to help you avoid IT disruptions. With a greater reliance on IT services comes the need for cybersecurity protocols. Your MSP must deploy the latest security updates, address vulnerabilities in your operations, and establish effective cybersecurity measures.
What to Look for:
- Support Availability: Look for an MSP that can support you when you need it. If your business is 24x7, then look for an MSP that offers 24x7 support.
- Range of Services: Onboarding support, proactive maintenance, cloud-based support, and reporting services are just a few of the essentials your MSP should offer.
- vCIO Services: Make sure that your account manager is dedicated to your account, focused on catering to your IT needs, and eager to help you achieve your business goals.
3. Cybersecurity Focus
In today's threat landscape, organizations require an MSP that offers cybersecurity support. Businesses need advanced threat detection and proactive strategies to keep their systems hardened and secure.
By partnering with an MSP that prioritizes a holistic approach to cybersecurity, organizations can strengthen their overall security posture and minimize the risks of business disruptions.
What to Look for:
- Endpoint Hardening: Look for an MSP that manages updates and patching so that your devices are always current.
- Comprehensive Security Strategy: opt for an MSP with a broad understanding of your systems, capable of reinforcing all facets of your security infrastructure. Additionally, your MSP can help you set security policies and procedures.
- Reporting: Security reporting will show you that your systems are secure and that any potential vulnerabilities have been addressed.
Net Friends is Your Game-Changer
Choosing the right MSP is critical for businesses to thrive in the digital age. An MSP that aligns with your strategic goals, offers extensive support, and prioritizes security can be a game-changer. By emphasizing these critical aspects, businesses can forge partnerships with MSPs that not only safeguard their digital assets but also propel them towards sustained growth and innovation.
Looking for an MSP partner? Discover how Net Friends stands out, offering a wide range of IT services tailored to support your operations. Reach out to us now and take a significant step towards surpassing your strategic objectives!
Originally Published: February 11, 2021
Revised & Updated: May 16, 2024
WHAT TO READ NEXT:
- How Managed Service Providers Help Businesses Thrive
- Does Your MSP Understand You?
- How to Align Your IT Ducks Before Choosing Your MSP
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At Net Friends, we believe in the power of human expertise. While we leverage AI to enhance our content and processes, all blog posts are written and edited by our knowledgeable staff. You can trust you are getting insights directly from our team.