The Right Managed IT Services Provider Can Make All the Difference

With the growing demand for outsourced IT services, the managed IT services market is projected to surpass $400 billion by 2027. Even today, more than 75% of SMBs outsource at least a portion of their IT to a managed service provider (MSP). Why? It’s often less expensive to contract with an MSP than to hire a full internal IT team. Here are some tips on how to choose the right managed IT services provider.

Competency

Are they competent? Will they help drive your IT success? Do they have experience in your industry?

One of the pluses of working with a managed IT services provider is that they’ve been there and done it. They’ve likely experienced similar issues with other companies in your market space, so they can address technical issues confidently. They transfer their knowledge to your business for faster, foolproof solutions.

Competency demands experience in all IT facets, including VoIP services, ransomware defense, cybersecurity services, cloud solutions, and more. Cybersecurity and cloud computing are especially critical in a business climate where hybrid and remote work have become the norm. Cloud services enable flexible access but also present increased security concerns. Select an IT company near you versed in handling both on-site and off-site environments.

Response

One of the top reasons clients move from one MSP to another is a weak response. Clients are often left wondering when and if an IT support issue will be addressed. A capable managed IT services provider will have metrics to support their performance.

Ask them what their typical response times are when addressing issues. More importantly, find out how long it takes them to resolve issues. The more downtime you experience, the more money your business will lose.

Ask your provider for their Net Promoter Score (NPS) to see how successfully they handle clientele. Ask them about their client retention rate and customer satisfaction ratings.

Fixed Pricing

One of the reasons to use managed IT services is budget control. Look for an MSP that provides fixed pricing, so there’s no question regarding your monthly service fee. A better MSP will include projects as part of that fixed cost.

Otherwise, you leave yourself open to getting nickel-and-dimed for every project that falls outside your agreement.

Flexibility

Look for a managed IT services provider near you that offers flexibility when meeting your budget needs. Many deliver an all-or-nothing package. A client-focused MSP will offer pricing and services tailored to fit your needs and budget.

A fully managed IT services solution should be a core offering. But if you’re looking for something less extensive, your provider should also offer supplemental IT services where you can select only the services you need.

Established Processes

Part of the reason you should consider using managed IT services is for established best practices. The most qualified MSP has everything buttoned down with documented systems. They can transfer their best practices to your IT department.

Part of those processes should include having a solid plan for onboarding clients. Ask them about the steps they take during the migration process to avoid unnecessary downtime. Do they keep your native system running during transition to ensure a fallback in case of issues?

Monitoring

The best MSPs deliver 24/7 IT support and constant monitoring. They’re readily available off-hours to ensure your IT infrastructure keeps running, regardless of whether that support is on or off-site.

They also give you appropriate access to report and follow-up on issue resolution.

Metrics Focus

Work with an MSP that can present metrics to layer transparency into your IT operations. You’ll want access to reporting that provides intel into workstation ages, warranty statuses, drive usage, ticket submissions, and ticket types. Metrics will alert you to potential issues and trends and allow for proactive support.

Customer Experience

You want a managed IT services provider that delivers an excellent customer experience from day one. Do they ask questions to understand your pain points? Do they listen? Do they avoid overwhelming you with jargon? Do you feel like a partner instead of just a client?

Part of that customer experience requires having technicians readily on hand to deliver IT support. Work with an MSP that maintains internal staff rather than outsourcing support. Otherwise, you may not have a technician available when you need it most.

Work with a Managed IT Services Provider That Will Drive Your IT Success

Choosing the right managed IT services provider will make or break your IT success. Cost is always an issue, but don’t let an MSP’s low price fool you into thinking their service will deliver the support you need.

IntermixIT is routinely honored as a world-class MSP. We’ve received recognition from business-related sources like Inc. 500 and CRN. More importantly, our clients give us a 98% customer satisfaction rating. You can count on our customer experience to drive your IT success.

If you’re looking for managed IT services in Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Reading, and surrounding areas, get in touch with IntermixIT today.

FAQs: Choosing a Managed IT Services Provider

What are managed IT services?
Managed IT services provide proactive monitoring, support, and IT management for a fixed monthly cost. They help businesses reduce downtime, improve security, and control expenses.

Why choose managed IT services over hiring internal staff?
Partnering with an MSP is typically more cost-effective than maintaining a full internal IT team. It also gives you access to specialized skills, cybersecurity services, cloud solutions, and 24/7 support.

What should I look for in a managed IT services provider?
Key factors include response time, customer satisfaction, cybersecurity expertise, fixed pricing, and the ability to scale services like supplemental IT services.

Does IntermixIT provide managed IT services locally?
Yes. IntermixIT delivers Managed IT Services across Southeastern PA, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and Reading.