Working with a managed service provider (MSP) can be one of the best ways to ensure that your business is protected from technical problems. However, there are some things you should know about how to work with an experienced provider. Below, we’ll take a look at a few steps to take to ensure you get the most value out of your relationship with an MSP.
Know What Your Provider Can Offer
When choosing a managed service provider, know what they can offer you. This means choosing a team that knows how to handle the types of problems you encounter and is flexible enough to deal with any situation. This will be the most important choice when it comes to protecting your business from outside dangers, so choose wisely!
Develop a Working Relationship
When choosing a managed service provider, you want to make sure that they are going to be able to support and protect your business. This doesn’t mean making sure they have the best technology or most certifications; it means discovering what kind of relationship they offer their clients. This is especially important when using an outsourced solution for security, as you will need someone who is willing to take on responsibility for protecting your business and data.
Look for Flexible Support Staffing
When choosing a managed service provider, look at how flexible their staff is. While some customers prefer long relationships with smaller teams of specialists, others would rather work with a more generalist team that can provide different solutions depending on the problem at hand. Either approach can be successful, but in general it’s better to go with a team that knows how to handle any situation than one that specializes in just one type of problem.
Contracts Are Crucial
Always read through contracts carefully before signing them. This is especially important when you’re working with an outsourced team, as the contract will likely outline how they can be paid, their level of access to your systems and data, and any other concerns that may arise over time.
Work Together to Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
Disasters happen. Businesses that have a disaster recovery (DR) plan in place are more likely to recover quickly and without too many complications. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to create a disaster recovery plan on your own, which is why you should work with an outsourced IT provider who can help you put together the best possible solution. A well-designed DR plan will account for all of the following:
- What kind of disasters are likely to occur in your area?
- How likely is each disaster to occur?
- What would be the biggest impacts of each type of disaster?
- What steps do you need to take if a disaster occurs?
- How much time does it take for you to get up and running after a disaster has occurred?
- How much data loss or downtime can you tolerate before needing to start over from scratch?
Answering these questions ahead of time will make the recovery process easier in the event that something goes wrong with your business continuity plan.
Clear Communication is Key
When working with a managed service provider, make sure that you’re both on the same page. This means making sure that you understand what they can do for your business and how their staff will interact with your employees.
Key Takeaway
While managed service providers can be a game changer for businesses of any size in any industry, the benefits you’ll see from working with one are only as good as the effort both parties put into the relationship. By following the suggestions listed above, you’ll be able to get more out of your relationship with an MSP and really see the value a service like this can bring. Schedule a free call with MJN Technology Services today, and we’ll discuss how we can work together to help you get the most out of our managed services!
