Qualities to look for in a managed IT services provider: A checklist

April 8th, 2020
Qualities to look for in a managed IT services provider: A checklist

Investing in talented staff and high-performing computer equipment is essential to achieving business goals. To augment your workforce and IT infrastructure, you need technology experts who can maximize the potential of both.

However, for many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB) in Florida, the challenge lies in finding the right IT services provider.

With the inevitable consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses across different industries will have to adjust the way they operate. They’ll have to harness the power of mobile technology, digital marketing, and other IT tools that can sustain profitability, maintain communications, and recover losses from a vastly transformed business and IT landscape.

Through all this, the need for fast and reliable service will remain constant. Partner with a managed IT services provider (MSP) that has all the following qualities.

QUALITIES OF A GREAT MSP CHECKLIST

☐ Superior technical expertise

The IT team you hire should be excellent technology specialists. They should possess the knowledge and skills to design an effective IT infrastructure, attend to your current and recurring technical problems, and introduce innovative solutions that will improve your processes.

For instance, they should be able to deploy a cloud-based work setup that will let you maximize the cloud’s numerous capabilities: real-time collaboration, cost efficiency, and anytime, anywhere access to work programs and files, especially during disasters.

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☐ High availability

Some IT problems that occur can be fixed during regular working hours (e.g., 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM). But a large majority happen off-hours and need to be addressed after everyone has left for the day.

Your chosen MSP must be able to serve you beyond regular office hours and well into the wee hours of the night. And they need to be able to do it fast, so find one that offers 24/7/365 support.

☐ Industry expertise

There are technology trends and there are industry-specific technology trends. AI and machine learning are major technological trends across a range of industries. But note that there are specific ways in which these trends apply to particular industries like healthcare.

AI trends in healthcare are key to identifying innovative ways for healthcare practitioners to diagnose conditions and improve overall efficiency. On the other hand, automation and blockchain are tech trends in the financial services sector that an IT specialist should be knowledgeable in.

The bottom line: a technology provider that’s well-versed on industry-specific solutions would be more likely to develop IT solutions that are right for you.

☐ Cybersecurity know-how

Data breaches do not happen on a fixed schedule. So there should always be someone in your team that can monitor your network for any possible breach. Choose IT professionals who can design and adjust your cybersecurity measures according to your cybersecurity history.

In highly uncertain times, you also need experts to design a solid backup and disaster recovery strategy that can protect you against any eventuality and save your business from succumbing to worst-case scenarios.

☐ Predictable, cost-effective rates

It might seem prudent to call on a technician only in the middle of downtime events or other technical glitches. But this may end up costing you more. The truth is that you save more money if you partner with an MSP that gets your downtime events down to zero.

Make sure you outsource your IT needs to one that offers proactive system maintenance and unlimited support, and issues predictable monthly bills.

HERO Managed Services is one of the leading IT services providers in Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota, and surrounding areas in Florida. Our IT consultants will help you navigate the challenges ahead by giving you the technical support that ticks all the boxes.

Call our offices today and our tech specialists will get in touch — 813-295-2138.


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