Interscale Content Hub – As more Australian businesses move towards digital-first models, the role of an MSP becomes more important. But, a fundamental question arises: how to choose an MSP?
As we know, there are so many choices out there and they can be pretty intimidating.
That’s why we’re going to run through a few key things to look for. So we can make sure we’re making the right choice.
What Services do MSPs Typically Offer?
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer a whole range of services designed to support and enhance a company’s IT infrastructure.
What you get from these services can vary a lot depending on who you’re working with, the size of the company, and what your industry needs.
The Milestone in “Best Practice Guide: Selecting an MSP,” says when it comes to choosing an MSP, you’ll typically find they offer network management, cybersecurity, cloud computing and disaster recovery.
Also, MSPs often include 24/7 help desk support, as highlighted in the “How to Choose the Right Managed Service Provider (MSP),” guide by Ripple IT.
Ripler IT say it’s important to have round-the-clock availability to deal with unexpected issues.
MSPs can also help you implement and manage your cloud computing strategy, from migration to ongoing management, to make sure everything’s running smoothly and securely.
As the Astute Technology Management in “How To Choose A Managed It Service Provider (MSP),” points out, the cloud can be a real game-changer for your business, but only if you manage it properly.
Meanwhile, the Ripler IT guide says a whopping 55% of small and mid-sized businesses have already had a cybersecurity intrusion attempt.
That’s why MSPs offer services like network security monitoring, regular security audits, and employee cybersecurity training to help reduce these risks.
MSPs can also help you with cloud computing, including managing public, private or hybrid cloud environments.
These services often involve moving existing systems to the cloud, managing cloud infrastructure, and making sure we comply with the relevant regulations.
For example, our client, a startup based in Australia, uses Interscale Cloud Services to quickly scale up its operations by moving to a cloud infrastructure, which helps cut costs associated with physical servers.
Benefits of working with an MSP
The main benefit is you can leave the IT management to the experts, so you can focus on your core business activities.
This can help your staff be more productive and efficient, as MSPs can focus on their main roles without getting bogged down in IT issues.
Another plus is you can get access to a wider range of IT skills and expertise than you might be able to afford in-house.
This can be really helpful for small and medium-sized businesses who might not have the resources to hire a full IT team.
The Milestone also points out the plus side here, saying that an MSP can help “close skills gaps” and provide “convenient access to specialists and experts.”
Thirdly, an MSP can help you make the latest tech work for you and stay on top of the latest trends.
They can give you the lowdown on new solutions, get the latest upgrades up and running, and make sure your IT infrastructure is working at its best and secure.
Last but not least, an MSP can put your mind at ease, knowing your IT systems are being kept an eye on and maintained in a cost-effective way.
This can help you avoid problems like downtime, data loss and security breaches. It can also help protect your business’s reputation and bottom line.
So, with so many services, benefits, and the number of MSPs out there, how to choose an MSP?
Guide to Choosing A Managed Service Provider
Assessing Your Business Needs
Before you start looking at potential providers, it’s always a good idea to figure out what you’re missing regarding your company IT capabilities.
For example, if your business relies a lot on cloud computing or remote work, you might want to look for an MSP with strong cloud services and cybersecurity measures.
Milestone says it’s crucial to understand your current IT set-up and what you’ll need in the future.
The guide says it’s important to think about what extra skills your company needs and then look at what an MSP can offer you in that area.
Also, Ripple IT’s guide says you should rank your needs based on how important they are to your business.
Knowing what matters most will help you choose the right support for your business. It could be consistent support, strategic IT planning or cybersecurity.
Experience and Expertise
Once you know what you need, it’s time to look for an MSP with the right experience and expertise.
Don’t just go for the big names; think about an MSP with a proven track record in your industry.
As the Milestone suggests, look for “demonstrated success with previous MSP engagements” and “experience with various monitoring and reporting tools.”
It’s not just about hiring a tech team, it’s about partnering with a strategic advisor.
In Australia, where industries like AEC and healthcare have to stick to strict compliance rules, it’s vital to pick an MSP with a proven track record in these sectors.
For instance Interscale, an MSP with lots of experience in AEC IT will know all about Australian privacy laws and data security standards.
That way, you can be sure your business is compliant while making the most of its IT operations.
For details on MSP for AEC, please refer to “Managed IT Services for AEC Industry: From Solutions to Implementations.”
Service Offerings
Another important thing to look for is a wide range of services.
The Milestone shows why it’s important to choose an MSP with lots of different services on offer, from network management to cybersecurity and disaster recovery.
The services on offer should fit in with what you need now and in the future.
For example, if you’re planning to expand into new markets, you might want an MSP like Interscale to support you in other countries with various services.
The guide from Ripple IT also says you should think about how these services are delivered.
Are they proactive, trying to stop problems before they happen, or reactive, dealing with problems as they arise?
If you take a proactive approach, backed up by data analytics, you can cut downtime and boost your operational efficiency.
Technology and Infrastructure
When you’re looking at an MSP, think about what tech they’ve got and how they’re set up.
The Astute guide says a good MSP should know their stuff when it comes to the latest tech, like cloud computing, AI-driven security systems and advanced networking.
This means your IT environment is not only up to date but also future-proof.
Also, the guide says it’s pretty important to be able to scale your infrastructure.
As your business grows, your IT needs will change too. An MSP with a scalable infrastructure can adapt to these changes, so you can count on continuous support and optimisation.
Support and Availability
When things go wrong, you need to know your MSP will be there to help out.
So, it’s essential to have 24/7 support, and look for an MSP with a local presence so they can respond more quickly.
The Milestone says you should choose an MSP that offers on-site services and 24/7/365 support.
It’s worth remembering how costly a downtime can be. So it’s a good idea to choose an MSP with a proven track record of quick and effective issue resolution.
For example, Interscale, an Australian IT Managed Services solutions, has a local support team on hand to respond quickly and understand the unique challenges of the Australian market.
Pricing and Contract Terms
Pricing is a big factor in choosing a product or service, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider.
The Astute guide says it’s a good idea to look beyond the price tag to get a sense of what’s included in the MSP’s service packages.
Are there any extra costs I should know about? Can you tell me what services are included in the contract?
Ideally, you’ll want to find a pricing model that’s transparent and in line with your business’s budget and growth plans.
And watch out for long-term contracts that tie you down.
Ripple IT says that if an MSP is happy for you to cancel a contract at the end of any given month or 60 days, it shows they’re committed to doing a good job and earning your business every day.
For instance, it’s better to go with an MSP that offers a simple, flat monthly fee with no hidden costs than one with a complex pricing structure that could end up costing you more.
This scheme is a big deal for startups and small businesses in Australia, where money is often tight.
Compliance and Security
Your MSP should have solid security measures in place, including keeping an eye on your network, checking for weaknesses, and making sure your staff know how to stay safe.
As Astute Technology Management says, “55% of small and midsized businesses have already experienced cybersecurity intrusion attempts.”
For Australian businesses, this means making sure you’re following the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and other relevant regulations.
For your reference on the challenges, kindly check “7 Challenges of Managed IT Services: The Good, The Bad, & The Strategy.”
Communication and Reporting
An MSP that gives you all the details on how your system is performing, any security issues and how you’re using the service helps you stay up to speed and make better decisions.
What’s more, as Ripple IT points out, how often they contact you and the quality of their communication can show how much they care about your business.
It’s a good idea to have regular check-ins and strategic planning sessions to make sure the MSP is on the same page as you when it comes to your business objectives.
That’s why we at Interscale always set up a governance framework that lays out who’s who, what everyone’s responsible for, and when we’ll do service reviews.
Cultural Fit and Partnership Approach
At the end of the day, cultural fit is a pretty important factor, but it’s often overlooked.
The Milestone says you should look for an MSP you can work well with, as well as one that can meet your technical needs.
This means having similar values, communication styles and a good understanding of your business goals.
For instance, an Australian company focusing on sustainability might want an MSP that shows they’re committed to green IT practices.
Similarly, businesses with a strong focus on employee well-being might look for an MSP with a reputation for having a supportive and collaborative work environment.
How to Choose an MSP With No Red Flags
There are lots of good reasons to work with an MSP, but there are also a few potential problems.
One thing to look out for is an MSP focusing only on technology and not taking your business goals and needs into account.
As Ripple IT puts it, “it’s not possible to effectively develop an IT strategy without understanding your business or organisation.”
Another thing to look out for is an MSP who tries to get you to sign up to long-term contracts.
This could mean they don’t think they can keep providing value and earn your business on a month-to-month basis.
Also, be careful of MSPs who don’t explain their pricing or try to sneak in hidden fees.
It’s important to be transparent and have a clear understanding of what’s included in their service offerings and what might incur additional charges.
And don’t forget to look at how the MSP communicates and how responsive they are.
Do they listen well? Do they explain technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand?
A good MSP will keep you in the loop with regular updates and be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
In Closing
If you take the time to look at what’s on offer, weigh up the pros and cons, and watch out for any warning signs, you’ll be in a great position to make a choice that works for your business.
So, whether you need top-notch cybersecurity, flexible cloud solutions, or rock-solid disaster recovery, we at Interscale are ready for you. Why choose Interscale?
The key to a successful partnership is knowing how to choose an MSP that fits with your needs and goals. And yes, that’s what we do at Interscale.
