If you’re working with an MSP but are having problems with your IT, it might be time to consider changing to a new IT service provider. Now, there are a whole host of reasons you might want to change. But before you do, consider the questions below and how they apply to you. It might be that your current relationship needs a tune-up rather than an overhaul. And if you do need to make a change, the pointers below will give you an idea of what to look for in your next MSP.
Is your MSP delivering on what they promised?
When you hired your current provider you will have (or should have) set Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and the metrics by which they are monitored. These apply to things like response time, the number of hours the MSP works for you, the types of problem solved and the priority they give to fixing your problems.
If your MSP isn’t meeting its targets it could be down to a number of things. It can be common for both service provider and client to over or underestimate the level of service required – in which case you need to review and redefine your SLAs. Equally, it can be common for service providers to overestimate the amount of time and resources they can give you. And while we’d like to think that MSPs don’t over-promise just to get your business, that does happen too. In both cases, it’s time you reviewed your relationship and sought a new provider.
Are you paying the right amount for your MSP?
How much you pay your MSP should be reflective of the level of service you receive and the value it brings to your business. It’s an important distinction to make because often cost is associated with paying too much and not with paying too little. If you are paying too little, the level and quality of service could impact your business. Support packages at the lower end of the price range tend to cover the bare essentials – in the long run, that won’t support your growth. Equally, if you are paying too much, you are wasting resources that could be used elsewhere – especially if the level of service you receive in return doesn’t’ reflect the price you are paying.
Does your MSP Benchmark your infrastructure around risk and efficiency?
Arguably the most important work an MSPs does is to mitigate your IT risk and improve your IT efficiency. This prevents disruptions and keeps your IT services and your business running smoothly. To ensure your standards are both met and incrementally improved, they should be benchmarked against an independent and recognised standard. Doing so not only ensures that you are working to current best practice but also gives you continuity should you decide to change providers. In the long run, it means your IT infrastructure is healthy and able to support your growth.
Does your MSP have a Roadmap in place to keep you moving forward?
In keeping with the previous point, an MSP should be working to incrementally improve your IT infrastructure over the course of their contract with you. After an initial audit of your IT environment, they should produce a roadmap that will show how and when they plan to make improvements. This will tally with benchmarked standards and ensure that your improvements build and maintain momentum. This has a number of benefits. While keeping costs upfront and transparent, also reduces the likelihood of security breaches and disruptions. It also has the added benefit of building an IT infrastructure that can scale with the company – and do so ahead of time. In turn, the roadmap supports a far more strategic approach to IT that is needed in the modern business environment.
Thinking of changing your MSP provider? If you’re looking for IT Service in London see how we can help by visiting nutbourne.com