If you've never had to choose a managed services provider before, you may not know a good one from a bad one. Here are five common mistakes organizations make when selecting an MSP.

 1. Not insisting on certified technicians and vendors – Anyone can claim to be an IT expert, and many do. Always make sure your MSP offers certified engineers and other qualified problem solvers. At the same time, make sure the MSP's vendor solutions meet ICSA and other industry certifications.

 2. Settling for limited support options – Some lesser MSPs may offer remote-only or on-site-only support – and if they also offer a low price tag, you might be tempted to shrug and agree. But in this day and age, any serious, well-equipped, professionally-staffed MSP can provide both.

 3. Forgetting about compliance – Every industry has its own rules and regulations, and some (notably healthcare) have extraordinarily stringent requirements regarding data access, sharing and privacy. If you're in such an industry and you don't make certain that the MSP you choose can keep your IT compliant, you could end up behind the 8-ball of massive lawsuits.

4. Choosing a “newbie” – Select an MSP unfamiliar with your industry or field or specialization, and you're likely to end up with a generic IT setup that addresses only your most basic business needs. A MSP with the right depth of experience can help you optimize your IT through specialized software, training, and infrastructure options.

 5. Going with a disinterested provider – If a MSP seems willing to sign you up without first peppering you with intelligent questions, you've got the wrong MSP. The right provider genuinely cares enough to ask you about your company's challenges, successes and goals – because the answers to those questions make customized solutions possible.

Related Post: USING A MSP TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS THRIVE