The Ultimate Managed IT Services Checklist

Managed services offer 45–65% cost savings compared to internal IT groups. Yes, you heard that right. Managed IT service providers (MSPs) offer a whole lot of benefits, but the challenge is to find a managed service provider who will solve your business problems and not add to them.

As Kent Morris, President of Gravity Systems, says, “The right MSP fits your needs, your vision, and your goals.”

This blog will guide you on how to choose an MSP. It will help you ask the right questions and evaluate whether a potential MSP is a good fit for your organization.

What are the Benefits of Working With an MSP?

Managed Service providers offer access to specialized expertise, reduce the risk of downtime, and often result in cost savings. MSPs also provide scalability, allowing businesses to adjust their IT resources as they grow.

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How to Choose a Managed IT Provider: A Checklist

The checklist aids in evaluating potential MSPs, ensuring that their team members, services, and approach align with your business goals. It underscores how the right MSP can positively impact your bottom line, offering services that propel your business toward a competitive advantage.

Assess Your IT Needs:

Identify specific IT challenges and requirements of your business.
Determine the scope of services needed (e.g., network management, cloud services, cybersecurity).

Research Providers:

Compile a list of potential MSPs.
Look for providers with expertise in your industry.

Evaluate Experience and Reputation:

Check the provider's track record and years in business.
Read reviews and testimonials from their clients.

Review Range of Services:

Ensure the MSP offers the services you require.
Look for additional services that may benefit your business in the future.

Examine Security and Compliance Standards:

Verify their compliance with relevant industry regulations.
Assess their cybersecurity measures and data protection policies.

Consider Scalability and Flexibility:

Ensure the provider can scale services to match your business growth.
Check if they offer flexible service plans.

Analyze Support and Responsiveness:

Inquire about their support structure and availability.
Check their guaranteed response times and support channels (phone, email, chat).

Inquire About Disaster Recovery and Backup:

Understand their approach to disaster recovery and data backup.
Ensure they have a solid plan to minimize downtime.

Understand Pricing and Contracts:

Review their pricing structure and what is included.
Understand the terms of the contract and any long-term commitments.

Ask for References and Case Studies:

Request references from businesses similar to yours.
Review case studies to understand how they've helped other clients.

Schedule a Consultation:

Arrange a meeting to discuss your needs and their approach.
Use this as an opportunity to gauge their communication style and customer service.

Check for Additional Benefits:

Look for any value-added services or benefits they offer.
Consider their commitment to staying updated with the latest technologies.

Managed IT Services Questionnaire Bank

The managed IT services questionnaire bank is an essential tool for businesses seeking to partner with a Managed IT Service Provider.

It's packed with a variety of managed services questions to ask, ensuring a thorough and insightful evaluation of potential service providers. The bank includes key managed services qualifying questions, designed to help businesses discern the capabilities, performance standards, and service quality of various IT service providers.

Managed Services Questions to Ask: Basic

What range of services do you offer, and how do they align with our business needs?
How do you handle scaling services as our business grows or changes?
Can you provide case studies or references from current or past clients?
What support and maintenance services are included in your offering?
How transparent are you with billing and service charges?

Managed Services Questions to Ask: Technical

How do you approach cybersecurity and data protection?
How do you ensure data security and compliance with industry regulations?
What is your approach to proactive maintenance and problem-solving?
What is your response time for IT issues, and how is support handled after hours?
What is your strategy for disaster recovery planning and business continuity?
How often do you perform system updates and maintenance?
Can you integrate with our existing IT infrastructure and systems?

Managed Services Questions to Ask: Advanced

What makes your services unique compared to other MSPs?
How do you measure and ensure customer satisfaction?
Are there any additional costs for certain services or support levels?
What is the process for resolving IT issues, and how is communication handled?
Can you provide a detailed service level agreement (SLA) for review?

More resources you might like:

Choose an MSP That Ticks off All the Checklist Items

How to Choose a Managed IT Provider

End the stress of searching for a reliable MSP by choosing Gravity Systems for your IT services. With 24/7/365 access to our skilled IT engineers and support specialists, we are equipped to manage and resolve your IT challenges efficiently.

Experience peace of mind knowing you're partnering with an IT firm that boasts over 25 years of industry experience and a track record of high success in all IT projects.

Take the first step towards seamless IT management. Reach out to us for a free consultation today.