The internet has brought a great deal of positive change to our world. One way it has improved is the ease at which we can find information and do business across the web. However, this newfound ability also allows for increased vulnerabilities in our systems and your privacy. On-demand managed IT services provide affordable and scalable solutions to many problems businesses and individuals face today.
These services are designed to protect your sensitive information and the integrity of your computer systems. Outsourcing your IT solutions can be a great way to free up your time and resources for the things that are important to you. Here are nine qualities that distinguish great managed IT service providers from mediocre ones.
Regular Communication
The best service providers have a good relationship with their clients. This is achieved through regular communication that occurs in a variety of ways. Periodic reports are a great way to communicate the status of your computer systems and the ongoing problems you might be experiencing. An even better approach is to set up an online portal where you and your team can track these issues as they arise. There will be greater expectations for timely responses when issues are tracked this way.
Your provider should also be available for face-to-face communication when necessary. Customers should be able to reach them by phone, email, and send fax from Gmail at all times. Their online portal should also have a live chat feature that allows instant communication with a representative. Remember that you’re paying for the service, so they should be available to fulfill your needs whenever you need them. Their tech support staff should be able to assist with both simple and more complex problems that arise.
Technically Adept Staff
Great computers are only as good as the people who use them. Increased knowledge of recent developments in the field of information technology is a must for any company that wants to stay up-to-date. A great managed IT service provider will have a team of tech-savvy professionals who are well-trained in their respective niches.
These people understand the complexities of IT security and can help you deal with potential threats when they arise. They also have the knowledge and expertise to keep your systems current with the latest technologies and security practices. This translates into a much lower chance of network downtime, computer crashes, data loss, or other problems that could negatively affect your business.
How Closely Their Model Matches Your Goals
Every business has unique needs that need to be met. A great MSP will have a solution for every one of them. They should understand exactly what you need from your computer systems and ensure that their services suit your situation. Working with an outsourced IT solution is a great way to ensure that you have the appropriate tools to complete your job.
Their model should match the expectations set by your company’s management team. The provider should be able to customize the services they provide to fit your needs. Switch providers if you have a specific need and your IT solution provider can’t accommodate it. You should also have access to a wide range of services no matter what your business needs are.
Can Scale With You
As your company grows over time, your IT needs and the services provided to you by your provider will come along with them. You need to know that your provider can meet those needs. They should have the experience necessary for quickly adapting to new programs and ways of doing things. They should also be able to work with your staff to keep up with the demands of your business as time goes on.
Your provider should also be able to add new team members to the mix quickly. This is especially true if there is a sudden spike in business requirements. If your company experiences a growth spurt and you suddenly need more services than before, they should be able to quickly give you what you need.
Robust Security Features
MSPs need to provide your company with the same high level of security you get from your internal IT staff. Your provider should have strong security features, including firewalls and anti-virus software, to protect your network from outside threats. Regular updates, both for hardware and software, can help prevent unexpected problems that could affect the performance of your computer systems.
Cyber security is a unique challenge for IT support staff. Establish the proper security protocols to protect your business from external threats while giving you flexibility and control over your systems. Great managed IT services can provide the hardware and software that enable you to keep up with cyber security standards while maintaining a high level of performance.
Excellent Track Record
The best companies have been in business for years and have a solid reputation for meeting their client’s needs. They are leaders in the industry and have a proven track record for good customer service. They can also provide references, testimonials, and other forms of proof that support their claims. Read these customer reviews and testimonials to help you select a provider.
The MSP should prove that they can get the job done right the first time around. They should have a history of providing quality managed IT services that meet your business needs. This ensures that they’re not a fly-by-night operation that will leave you feeling frustrated down the road.
Get Started Quickly
Many managed IT services available today are completely web-based and require less involvement from your provider. Those that provide a range of on-site support services have a lot more to offer when you have a problem to work through. A great managed IT service should be able to get started as quickly as possible after you place your order.
When you have an issue, you want to resolve it as quickly as possible. If your provider is far from you, they probably can’t provide the level of service you need. You also don’t want to wait long after they’re hired before they begin working on your computer systems. Being patient will help with any short-term setbacks and give you the time you need to see if they are right for your needs.
Smooth Processes and Procedures
MSPs should have smooth processes and procedures for all their services. They should be able to guide you through all the steps. These processes include the initial setup of the service, ongoing care and maintenance, and new features you might need. They should also be able to keep your company’s internal IT staff up to speed on how the service works so you don’t have any hiccups down the road.
These processes help your provider work with your company’s existing IT services and integrate their solutions into your workflow. They also help them keep track of the clients they are servicing.
Affordable Rate Structure
Managed IT services should have specific rate structures that can provide the services you need without costing you a fortune. They should have multiple plan options that vary based on your company’s IT needs. This helps them treat all their clients equally, regardless of their type or size. They should also be able to provide you with as much service as you need without overcharging you.
The cost of the service impacts your company’s bottom line, but it’s not the only factor to consider. Your provider should have a price that reflects the services you are receiving. They should also be able to give you options for paying for their services and make it easy for you to get started.
Managed IT services are an excellent option for any company that needs help with daily operations or security issues. These companies, a great one to check out is MyTek, can provide the resources you need to make your business successful without putting a strain on your budget. Following these tips, you should have no trouble finding the right provider for your business today.
