How Can You Find the Best MSP for IT?
Business tasks inevitably become bigger, more complex and more common. And the IT tasks of a business are no different.
For example, when a business grows, there is a need for more data storage and security.
From cloud computing to security to help desk assistance, the more tasks there are, the more time it takes to complete them. Luckily, a managed service provider (MSP) can help.
An MSP is able to accomplish all tasks relating to the IT portion of your business. You may be wondering how to find a managed service provider – or, more importantly, you might be wondering how to hire the best MSP.
In this blog post, we’re going to examine the qualities that make up the best MSP. That way, you’ll be able to reference this blog post when determining which MSP to hire.
The best MSP has:
- Real-world experience
- A long history of helping businesses
- Expert-level qualifications
- Great reviews
- The ability to scale service as your business grows
Let’s discuss real-world experience first.
The Best MSP has Real-world Experience
Companies can offer a multitude of services. However, some MSPs have performed more work than others.
When we get into “great” and “best” MSP territory, you should be looking for an MSP that has significant real-world experience. We’re talking about a company that has a proven history of providing end-to-end support.
Let’s say an MSP has been around for a long time. The owner of the MSP wants to branch out and can get more clients. So, they added a new service to their website: cybersecurity managed services.
This MSP may be great at cloud migration because, let’s say, cloud migration is their primary business. What makes them a great cybersecurity managed provider if they don’t have the same level of experience?
It’s important to read between the lines when reviewing potential MSPs. If there’s little in writing about their experience, contact them and ask what makes them experts at any type of IT offering.
The Best MSP Has a History of Service
This element is tied to the last one. An MSP that has had quite a bit of expertise and experience has likely been in business for a long time.
If you have a problem that you need to solve or require a certain level of expertise, going with an MSP that has been in business a long time is a great bet. For instance, Red River has over 25 years of experience as a business – you want your MSP to be able to point to its long, successful history.
The Best MSP Has Expert Qualifications
A dead giveaway that an MSP is great is when they advertise specific certifications, qualifications or partnerships.
For example, if an MSP says they are an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Partner, you know they are qualified to provide you with AWS services.
The best MSP also offers a plethora of resources as well as an education program. When an MSP is able to teach others about the IT verticals, you know they are as experienced as they say they are.
The Best MSP Has Great Reviews
Reviews can make or break a business. Whereas great reviews will attract new clients, bad reviews will repel them.
Experience is a factor when it comes to great reviews. After all, an MSP without much experience isn’t likely to gain many five-star reviews. A near-perfect review score also indicates a focus on customer service. This is especially important when it comes to MSPs offering 24/7 help desk support.
The Best MSP Scales Services with Your Business
Each business is different and requires different types and levels of IT support. The best MSP offers plans that aren’t “one size fits all”. Instead, they offer customized plans just for you.
Additionally, they are scalable with you and grow as you grow. MSP plans that are too restrictive (price or offerings) also have the habit of restricting growth. Case in point: A plan that is too pricey will eat up your budget, and a plan that doesn’t offer everything you need means you’ll have to make up the difference elsewhere or by yourself.
When you are looking to hire a MSP, think to yourself – and ask them – not just about how they can help your business today, but how they can help you as you grow.
Red River Has Each of These Elements
If you’re looking for an MSP who offers all of the above, look no further.
We have been in business for over 25 years. Therefore, we have the type of experience and expertise that can only be gained through real-world situations.
Earlier, we mentioned that the best MSP has a variety of expert-level qualifications. We gave the example of being an Amazon Web Services Partner, because that’s what we are. We are also a Cisco Premier+ Networking Academy Partner and more.
It’s our opinion that great companies give back. That’s why we have a philanthropy program. We match our employees’ contributions when they give to charities (up to $500 per year for each employee). We also encourage our employees to volunteer and provide opportunities for them to do so.
As mentioned prior, we offer customized, scalable solutions for your business. To learn more about our managed IT services, visit our managed services page.
If you’re ready to work with Red River, one of the best MSPs around, head over to our contact page. From there, you’ll be able to get in touch with us and learn more about what we have to offer. We look forward to you starting the conversation with us!
