How to find the right managed IT services first time

Are they experts in the field?

You should not only consider if they are experts in IT managed services, but if they are experts in your industry. Each industry will have different requirements and regulations around their IT systems, software, and cyber security- so it’s essential to work with an IT provider who understands your unique needs and challenges.

Consider if:  

• They have a proven track record in your industry 
• They have relevant accreditations, such as ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, and FSQS 
• They have the knowledge to address the challenges you face 
• They have a reputation for being tech consulting experts by checking their LinkedIn and website for insightful content

What IT services do they offer?

Your provider must align with your needs as a business. So, it’s vital to understand what services are priority for your business- whether you have a skills gap in cyber security or need to free up your teams’ time with an outsourced provider for software management. Perhaps you require a full service! Whatever your needs are, it’s important to understand them entirely, to choose the right provider to meet them. 

Can you scale your managed IT services?

As your business grows, so will your IT managed services requirements. Choosing a managed service provider that offers flexible  services packages allows you to increase or decrease your service provision in line with your requirements. This helps you stay agile and in control of your IT and security budget.  

What tools and techniques do they use?

For threat protection, the tools used are crucial. No threat should have the potential to be left undetected, so consider the following carefully when selecting your IT managed services provider:  

• Are their tools up to date with industry standards? 
• Do they leverage AI and automation to remove human error? 
• Do they have the capabilities for 24/7 monitoring? 
• Are their tools up to date with industry standards?
• Are their tools compliant with regulations such as GDPR and ISO 27001? 
• How often is data backed up? 
• Do they provide real-time alerts? 
• What is the recovery time objective when using these tools? 

Do you have access to 24/7 support? 

Downtime can have serious financial and reputational consequences. 

Look for an MSP that promises to be available and contactable, especially in the event of a data breach or similar emergency. Their support team should be accessible 24/7 and your systems should be monitored around the clock.  

Ensure you ask about the frequency of contact, reporting options, and if they offer keep in touch calls to inform your teams of the progress of any IT initiatives, to ensure your teams are always kept in the loop and your service provider is accountable.  

What do their clients have to say?

Before you sign an IT managed services retainer, ask to see examples of client case studies and testimonials. This gives crucial insight into reliability, performance, and customer service. Many providers will happily set up reference calls with current clients to allow you to ask questions directly. 

Choosing the wrong provider can have disastrous consequences for an organisation. Such as: 

• Increased downtime and poor system performance- leading to higher costs and a damaged reputation 
• Higher risk of cyber-attacks- if your IT system is not managed correctly, this leaves your system vulnerable to cyber-attacks; the average cost of a cyber-attack in 2024 was $4.8 million 
• Vulnerability to data breaches- without the correct processes in place, your systems are vulnerable to internal and external threats 
• Fines incurred due to non-compliance- this could be due to poorly managing data or mismanagement of software licensing 
• Frustrated teams- if processes do not align, your teams could struggle to work with their IT service provider or face disruptions to their workflows and deadlines 
• Delays to projects- if your provider is slow to respond, delays to business-critical initiatives could ensue 

Using in-house resources for your IT needs can be a suitable option if you have a great deal of resources, time, and several industry experts.  

However, hiring and maintaining a team with this expertise can be expensive and resource intensive.  

To help decide if hiring in-house teams or outsourcing to a third-party provider is the right choice for your organisation, read our blog that takes a deep dive into this decision-making process.

Selecting an IT service provider is one of the most important decisions a business will make, in terms of their longevity, productivity, and security. It ensures that you receive the expert digital consulting and managed IT services your business needs to thrive.  

To explore managed IT services that are trusted by local authorities, government bodies, and well-known enterprise brands, get in touch with our expert team.