5 questions to ask when choosing an IT Managed Service Provider

How to pick the right IT Managed Service Provider  

How are organisations slashing IT costs by up to 45% and boosting operational efficiency by as much as 65%?  

By investing in high-impact information technology security services from managed service providers (MSPs). 

Leveraging managed IT services gives you the power to transform your business, delivering significant cost savings in the process. For example, working with Surrey County Council, we achieved a 20% cost saving through effective software licence management alone. 

Choosing the right IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a strategic investment in your business’ future. This is not a simple housekeeping exercise- investing in the right IT MSP is about driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. 

It is imperative to screen your potential managed IT service providers so you can make an informed decision. Here are five critical questions you should always ask any potential MSP: 

1. "What do you do beyond your services- how will you help us grow strategically?” 

Instead of simply asking "what services do you offer?", you should challenge them to explain how they’ll evolve with your business. 

• Prioritise vision over volume; search for an MSP that doesn’t just monitor your network or back up your data; they should architect solutions that anticipate what’s next- whether this is your next milestone as a company or the newest evolving security threats. 

• As you expand into new markets or grow your headcount, your MSP should show they can be agile, scaling their service and technologies to grow in tandem. 

Of course, it’s crucial to align services with your needs- from data security services to cloud optimisation- but look beyond those services to really discern the value your MSP will deliver. 

2. “Do you understand my industry?” 

 
Generic ‘out of the box’ solutions won’t cut it when your industry has unique challenges and specific regulations you need to abide by. 

Look for providers who have deep experience in your sector. Whether it’s healthcare, finance, or the public sector, an MSP’s nuanced understanding and demonstrable experience will help you navigate regulatory landscapes and sector-specific hurdles. For example, if a managed service provider has extensive experience of working with national infrastructure and financial services organisations, they should know Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018 and PCI-DSS regulatory requirements inside and out. 

This is critical to maintaining compliance, safeguarding your business and customer data, and avoiding financial penalties. 

“Do you take a proactive approach to cyber threats and compliance?” 
 

With cyber threats evolving at a rapid pace, your security posture must evolve faster. Here’s what you need to consider when weighing up your MSP’s proactivity when it comes to compliance and threats: 

•  Enquire about their technologies- are they cutting-edge? For example, do they leverage AI-driven threat detection to anticipate risks before they have the chance to act. 

• Ensure they not only comply with standards like GDPR and PCI-DSS (where applicable) but are also proactive thought leaders in regulatory compliance. A key indicator of this is that they continuously update their protocols to safeguard your data and reputation. 

• Choose a provider that offers 24/7 system surveillance and monitoring, ensuring potential issues are addressed before they disrupt your operations. 

• Confirm they back up their proactive support with robust Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that set expectations for their response times. 
  

4."How does your pricing work- and will there be any additional costs?” 

 
A green flag for an IT managed service provider is that they are totally transparent on their pricing- it signals your MSP considers this a genuine long-term partnership and is invested in your success. Ensure you request upfront, detailed breakdowns of pricing models, so you know exactly what you’re investing in and how to budget. Examples of potential additional costs could include setup and onboarding fees, software licence costs, or higher rates for out-of-hours support.  

5. "What do your clients say about you?” 

 
A provider’s reputation is best measured by the successes of their clients. Make sure you request detailed case studies with measurable outcomes, ideally in your sector. That way, they can clearly demonstrate how they’ve driven results for businesses like yours. 

In addition to requesting genuine testimonials, explore review platforms, like Google Reviews, to access real, unfiltered feedback from their clients. 

Break away from the one-size-fits-all approach of general, packaged managed IT services. Choose an MSP that understands your unique business journey and possesses the tools and knowledge to innovate alongside you. 

For a managed IT partnership that doesn’t just maintain your operations but drives you into tomorrow’s success- get in touch with the Celerity team today.