What are the 5 benefits of hiring a managed service provider?

As a managed service provider (MSP), we are often asked “What can you provide us with that we don’t already have?  What can you do to enhance my current IT infrastructure? Does my business need IT services?”  

These are all very valid questions. Managed services aren’t for everyone, and whether it’s for you or not, that’s for you to decide. To help with your decision, we will share some of the most common reasons many companies choose to hire a managed service provider.  

When you hire an MSP, the goal is to optimize your business’ IT environment through innovative technology and full IT support. You will work with your MSP to plan out a personalized infrastructure budget, create an efficient workflow, maintain a secure and innovative network environment, and work with IT experts to develop a long-term plan for business success. These are some of the significant benefits you can expect when hiring a managed service provider. 

Predictable cost and budget plan 

Managed service providers offer a variety of price models that will provide you with a predictable cost structure. When you hire a managed service provider, all of your costs will be predetermined. After receiving a detailed network assessment, your MSP will discuss expenses to point out any vulnerabilities or inefficiencies within your IT infrastructure. 

Your MSP will inform you on what needs to be done to create a more successful IT environment based on this assessment and any costs associated. Meeting with your MSP on a regular basis will help you to eliminate any unexpected costs and fees associated with your IT. 

To plan appropriately, you will work with your MSP to create a personalized budget to accomplish any immediate or long-term goals. All investments into your infrastructure will be put on a road map so that you can budget accordingly for what needs to be done. Replacing equipment, patching up your network vulnerabilities, and planning out long-term innovative IT enhancements will become a proactive strategy rather than a reactive expense.

Any services that are included in your agreement will be formally accounted for in a contract. This contract will consist of any costs that you will pay throughout your managed IT partnership. This means that you will know precisely what the costs are associated with your managed service provider. You will not need to worry about unexpected fees popping up that could compromise your budget. 

Proactive vulnerability and threat monitoring 

When you hire a managed service provider, they will continuously monitor your network to ensure that any threats or vulnerabilities are recognized before they become a risk to your network. This proactive approach ensures that your network isn’t compromised unexpectedly, putting your business in a fragile state.

When your network is compromised, your company will have to focus on getting the issue resolved rather than putting energy where it should be - on your actual business goals.

For instance, if your network is breached, you will need to determine precisely where and how the attack took place to ensure the issue is resolved correctly and will not happen again. If not done properly, you could have the same recurring problem, compromising your ability to focus on your business goals. A proactive approach is a great way to save your company from worrying about your IT infrastructure’s state. 

You will also have an entire support team that you can contact at any moment if an individual employee is running into an issue. Your employees can contact the MSP support team directly and get the issue resolved without involving any of your other employees. 

Having a reliable support team enables all your employees to remain productive and not have to worry about IT issues getting in the way of their work getting done. Everyone can focus on their day-to-day tasks and have a reliable support team to contact whenever needed. 

Access to the latest equipment 

Technology is constantly evolving, and your business must stay current with technology trends to ensure that you remain competitive within your industry. When you hire an MSP, they have access to the latest technology to keep your business running as efficiently as possible. 

Having outdated IT equipment can put your company at risk of new or upcoming security threats. When your equipment becomes obsolete, it will not keep up with the necessary security and/or software updates. These updates are critical because they recognize the most current threats occurring to help mitigate your risk of getting breached.

Your MSP should track your equipment warranties to ensure that you are never using outdated systems. Using an obsolete device can cause your network to run slower and less efficiently. Knowing when to replace aging equipment will ensure you are working without worrying about network crashes and can remain productive.

Managed service providers do all the research and work for you to stay knowledgeable on the best IT products. They can ensure that you have the latest technology you require to stay productive, secure, and competitive within your industry. 

Access to IT experts 

With an MSP, you receive recommendations and firsthand insight from a team of IT experts on your network and infrastructure. These experts can provide you with day-to-day help for your users and training to ensure everyone is up to speed on all things IT. 

They will also provide you with the latest knowledge on security and IT enhancements to ensure your business utilizes the best practices and tools to maximize productivity and mitigate the risk of cybersecurity threats. Not to mention, you can rely on your managed IT provider to handle all support calls, trouble tickets, and a friendly, helpful face to assist you when you have any questions regarding IT.  

Create a long-term business strategy

When you hire a managed service provider, not only do they help you to optimize your current IT environment, but they also help you strategize and implement a long-term plan for your IT infrastructure. 

Your MSP  will work with you to plan where you want your IT infrastructure to be within the next couple of years and strategize to hit those goals. This is accomplished by holding quarterly business reviews, QBRs,  with your MSP to check in on progress. 

In your quarterly business review, you meet with your MSP to discuss the current state of IT and what needs to be done to ensure you are continuing to plan what is required to reach your fully optimized IT infrastructure. This ongoing relationship with your MSP allows you to gain a stronger sense of trust with them and also for them to fully understand your business needs and create a personalized long-term solution. 

How do I ensure I choose the right MSP for my business? 

Hiring a managed service provider can be a great way to enhance your current infrastructure and set your business up for future success. You must seek out an MSP that will tailor solutions specifically to your business to ensure long-term success. 

It is crucial to seek out an MSP that is the right fit for your business goals. Vetting out the right MSP can seem overwhelming, but knowing what an MSP should be doing to sufficiently support your business can make it more manageable. 

As an MSP we’ve worked with many clients who have had bad experiences with their past MSPs. It can be hard to know exactly what to look for when choosing an MSP. If you are interested in looking into managed service providers but don’t know where to start, check out this article: 5 Tips To Ensure You Are With The Best Managed Service Provider For Your Business.