July 25, 2024
What is an MSP?
An MSP is a Managed Service Provider. Managed services mean you outsource the responsibility for the security/maintenance of your computer network. When done well, managed services can create operational efficiencies and reduce expenditures—a one-two knockout punch!
So, what makes the perfect managed service provider?
The best MSPs become strategic partners to their customers.
Service providers have quietly kept the business world running for decades. Today, they may be a company’s greatest hope for surviving and thriving in a post-pandemic world.
Managed service providers (MSPs or service providers) operate in the background to maintain another company’s technology. Their services run the gamut from security, network administration, and IT support to data backup, business process streamlining, and anything else that requires a day-to-day administrator to keep a company connected.
In our current state of extraordinary upheaval, not only are MSPs helping companies keep the lights on, but they are providing huge opportunities for organizations pursuing digital transformation.
Put the right provider in place
Leaders are hungry for advice on which projects they should embark on—those that have a rapid ROI, help employees, and set the stage for future success. They want a trusted advisor, consultant, and strategic partner to power innovation and help them accelerate their transformation.
Service providers can rise to this challenge and truly partner with their clients. Those that do will be rewarded with fierce customer loyalty.
As a Director of Technology at Inventiv Technology, I want to share with you my ten hallmarks for picking a managed service provider and why Inventiv Technology can exceed all your business IT needs.
1. Customer Service
Customer Service is always my number one. If you have the chance to speak to other companies that are using the IT provider you are looking at, ask about customer service. We have many customers who join us after hearing positive feedback from word of mouth.
2. Live system monitoring
Does the provider offer the live monitoring of your key equipment? This helps them to be proactive about any issues as they often will know about them before you as the customer.
3. Services
Are the services they are offering current and updated? When you move to a new IT provider, it is important they offer both services that are up to date and ones that are beneficial to your business and not just an extra that is not needed.
4. Initial Client meeting/discovery
With any new customer that we take on, we have an initial client meeting. There is also a discovery of their current network so we can assess what is required to maximize the results from IT in the business.
5. Future proof?
IT is an ever-changing environment. With the constant updating of the technologies and products available, it is vital that any company you are working with are always looking to develop into the new sectors to ensure you do not get left behind.
6. Guaranteed response times
Ensure your contract has guaranteed response times to any issues raised. As part of our priority matrix, we have set priorities depending on the nature of your ticket. This ensures it is dealt with quickly and has users back working as soon as possible.
7. Experience
The IT Industry is a fast-paced environment, and it is also worth ensuring that the company you are looking at can support that. Out of the options available to you, are there experienced options, it will count for a lot. We have got over 25 years of experience here at Inventiv Technology; our engineers are regularly trained to the latest qualifications to ensure we are keeping at the forefront of the newest technology.
8. Reviews
Like when buying any product, reviews and testimonies can be vital to get some real-world feedback. We have examples of projects we have delivered to customers here.
9. Growth
As a business, you want to ensure you have the capacity to grow. It is essential your suppliers can scale with you so that you do not need to worry about the disruption of having to change companies.
10. Cost
Now it may be surprising that I have left this till last, but I honestly believe you pay for what you get with managed service providers. We make sure that customer service comes first, get in touch for more information.
Ultimately, MSPs are measured on the human and economic value they deliver. By closely partnering with technology partners, they can become catalysts for success and scale.
These days, no business can go it alone. Companies can’t—and shouldn’t—undertake digital transformation by themselves. MSPs that deliver on above ten hallmarks of invaluable service providers can ensure their own success and become heroes to their customers.
Why Should You Consider an MSP?
Outsourcing IT to an MSP allows your team to focus on building your business and providing exceptional service, without having to troubleshoot IT issues.
Rather than hiring IT staff, which is costly when you factor in both salary and benefits, Inventiv Technology will become your go-to IT resource. Our certified, top-tier engineers collectively offer you a much deeper knowledge pool. And, unlike the staff, our engineers are available 24/7. No more worrying about the computer network when your “IT guy” is on vacation, home sick, or, worse yet, in the hospital.
As you well know, your business relies heavily on technology. You need it to work. That’s where Inventiv Technology makes a difference. We fix problems before they occur to keep your IT running.
Inventiv Technology proactively monitors the health of your network 24/7, while also applying essential security patches and software updates. And, unlike some MSPs, when you need someone onsite, Inventiv Technology will dispatch an engineer quickly to rectify the problem. Of course, peace of mind comes with a price, but that cost is much less than the expense of unexpected tech issues that aren’t in the budget.
Bottom line—partnering with Inventiv Technology means your business will run more efficiently, which translates into serious cost savings.
