What do MSPs do?
MSPs are third-party partners with whom executives engage to manage aspects of their organizations, such as their cloud or IT requirements. MSPs bring scalable knowledge, technology, and solutions to the table. MSPs can assure optimal performance, security, and technology operations while saving on overhead IT expenditures by using their extensive expertise in current technologies. MSPs also provide innovative solutions to firms who are trying to navigate the ever-changing world of technology and big data.
An IT managed services provider (MSP)/managed security services provider (MSSP) can give your company access to a highly competent and committed IT team without having to hire them in-house. They can successfully manage your cloud demands while also ensuring the seamless operation of your other critical IT infrastructure.
How to Choose The Right MSPs?
You should bear in mind, however, that not all IT-managed service companies are made equal. Choosing the proper MSP or MSSP can help you develop your organization while utilizing the technology tools at your disposal. In contrast, if you hire the incorrect managed services provider, you may suffer reputational harm, disgruntled clients, and inexplicable downtime.
When you choose a dependable MSP, you are investing in the stability of your organization. Here are some considerations to ponder when selecting an IT MSP/MSSP for your company.
Skill Set Of Their Experts
When looking for a managed IT services provider, seek one with expertise and a team of specialists with varied skill sets. Any credible MSP will have a team of experts with expertise that extends beyond simple software installation, maintenance, and upgrades. They should be knowledgeable in cloud computing, cybersecurity, database management, and cross-platform integrations.
Flexibility
When migrating to the cloud, you sign into a binding agreement with the MSP outlining what has to be done. However, once the transfer is complete, you may wish to implement some more functionality. Because this is outside the scope of the MSP, it leads to additional costs and a lot of wasted work. Instead, educate yourself on everything you can combine with the cloud. This will only be feasible if the MSP is diligent enough to educate you and go the extra mile.
Veritas, for example, took on a client who was unfamiliar with Kubernetes. The customer also specified that it should be developed on their existing infrastructure. Given their specific needs, which would have been prohibitively expensive on Windows infrastructure, the in-house specialists created a cost-effective yet dependable solution on the Linux platform. Because criteria are not always set in stone, a customer should seek flexibility in an MSP.
Market Niche
Every business has diverse goals for its use of technology, so using a one-size-fits-all strategy for management makes little sense. When you consider the sort of work that a small retailer may have to perform, the focus will be on things like ringing up transactions, as opposed to a legal firm, which may have a focus on being able to store and retrieve enormous quantities of sensitive case data on demand.
As one might imagine, service delivery mechanisms, product emphasis, and long-term technology planning philosophies can all contribute to misalignments between a company and its MSP. When looking for a reliable supplier, inquire about their experience working with other firms in your field or bring up your unique technological challenges and see how they answer.
Vendor Relationships
During the screening phase, you'll want to learn which suppliers the MSP works with and whether they fit with your current and/or future infrastructure. For example, if your firm relies heavily on Microsoft products daily, ensure that the vendor is a Microsoft-certified partner (preferably gold status). Often, the greater the relationship level, the more vendor certifications the MSP has, allowing them to advise your company on those specific items.
Security
Security is something that should not be compromised in any manner. When approaching the MSP, make it clear that security is a top concern. It should be made quite clear that the MSP should not reveal any secret information or anything that might jeopardize its stability. An MSP is beneficial in this regard if they have a strong track record of customer security and confidentiality.
An MSP is also useful when it is equipped with native security and fail-safe procedures to safeguard the cloud environment from internal and external threats. The security solutions proposed by the MSP should also adhere to your compliance requirements.
Relevant Accrediations
If you are implementing cybersecurity measures for your company, you must check that the MSSP you select has the necessary accreditations. To validate the MSSP standards, there are two major gold standard certifications. Third-party certifications such as ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus are important indicators of a service provider's maturity.
Working with an MSSP that has a valid ISO 27001 accreditation reduces the risk of a data security breach dramatically. Furthermore, this accreditation indicates that the service provider is committed to offering high-quality service and network security compliance.
Exit Strategy
A competent MSP will have an exit strategy established and written down. Given the numerous factors and individual client requirements, there is no guarantee that the first MSP will be the best pick. That should be taken into consideration, as should the realization that an exit strategy is required.
This approach should not be mistaken for having one foot out the door. Maintaining a cloud infrastructure is a commercial transaction, not a relationship, and one must be realistic enough to see this. So, after conducting due diligence, search for an MSP that already has a cohesive exit plan.
To summarise, there is no "one-size-fits-all" MSP/MSSP available, and selecting the proper one for your organization isn't always straightforward. Hopefully, the principles listed above provide you with the necessary factors to study and consider as you continue forward in your endeavor.
Choosing the correct supplier is a critical choice that will affect the performance and profitability of your organization. Contact us today to learn more about how MSPs may help your business.