How Do I Choose the Best Managed IT Service Provider

An IT managed service provider (MSP) offers a range of services, from network monitoring and cyber security to cloud computing and data backup, to help companies streamline their business operations and reduce downtime. This can benefit small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) without the budget or resources for an in-house IT team.

Choosing the right managed IT service provider is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business’s success. MPSs offer an affordable way to meet your technology needs while enabling your staff to focus on day-to-day operations that boost your bottom line. Before choosing a managed IT services provider, take the time to weigh some key considerations.

Industry Experience and Skills

The provider you choose should thoroughly understand your business’s unique IT needs and offer customized solutions that align with your goals and objectives.

One way to ensure the MSP has experience in your industry is to look at its track record of success. Ask for case studies or client testimonials that demonstrate their ability to deliver results for businesses similar to yours. A provider with a proven track record in your industry will understand your specific challenges and provide tailored solutions.

In addition to industry experience, consider the skills and expertise of the provider’s staff. Look for a provider with a team of experienced and certified IT professionals who specialize in the specific areas of your business that need support. This could include cyber security, cloud computing, network infrastructure, database management, or compliance.

Don’t forget to consider the provider’s approach to continuous learning and development. The IT landscape is constantly evolving. Providers that invest in ongoing training and education for their staff will be better equipped to provide cutting-edge solutions and stay ahead of industry trends.

Proactive, Technology-Based Approach

A proactive, technology-based approach is a strategy used in various industries to anticipate and address problems before they occur. This approach involves leveraging advanced technology and analytics to monitor systems and identify potential issues in real-time, providing businesses with the insights they need to take action before problems become critical.

By analyzing data and trends, IT professionals can identify and resolve issues before they become serious. This approach is crucial for businesses that rely heavily on technology and cannot afford to experience downtime or data breaches.

Scaling DevOps for Cloud-Enabled IT Transformation

Scaling DevOps for cloud-enabled IT transformation is a crucial strategy for businesses that want to maximize the benefits of cloud computing while achieving operational agility and efficiency.

DevOps is a methodology that combines software development and IT operations to enable faster, more reliable software delivery. By adopting cloud technology, businesses can further optimize their DevOps processes and achieve better business outcomes.

Support for Multivendor, Multi-cloud Environments

Support for multivendor, multi-cloud environments is integral to modern IT operations. Over 90% of organizations currently use cloud computing, with an increasing number adopting multiple cloud platforms. Many organizations now operate in complex, hybrid environments that include a mix of on-premises infrastructure, public and private clouds, and multiple vendors.

To succeed in these environments, businesses need support to manage and optimize their entire IT landscape, regardless of the vendor or cloud platform. National Technology Management’s SafeSecure® offers a suite of cloud solutions and software designed to increase your company’s flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, tailored to your business needs.

With NTM’s cloud solutions, all cloud-based tools and software are accessible with just an internet connection and your accounts, such as Microsoft 365 and Azure, which we manage on your behalf.

We also offer complete cloud migration services for companies currently relying on older on-premises solutions. We will help you transition to remote business data hosting and email archiving, shift to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products, and integrate your data and assets into the cloud.

Broad Portfolio of Managed Services Aligned to Your Business Model

A broad portfolio of managed services aligned to your business model is critical to successful IT operations. Managed services provide businesses with the necessary support and expertise to manage their IT infrastructure effectively, enabling them to focus on their business goals.

NTM’s portfolio of managed services can provide comprehensive solutions to your IT needs, saving you time and resources. Instead of working with multiple vendors to manage your IT infrastructure, NTM can offer a one-stop shop for all your technology needs.

We provide services like network management, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, data backup, and recovery, and help desk support. This comprehensive approach streamlines your IT operations and ensures that all your technology needs are met by a single vendor, simplifying vendor management and reducing costs.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans

Ensure you select an MSP with a comprehensive Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) plan to help your business prepare for unexpected events, ensuring that your operations remain uninterrupted and your data is secure. A comprehensive BCDR plan includes regular backups, system redundancy, and quick recovery times to ensure your business can quickly recover from disruption.

With a strong focus on BCDR, an MSP can help you reduce downtime, minimize data loss, and improve the resiliency of your IT infrastructure. An MSP with BCDR plans can help your business comply with regulatory requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

When searching for an MSP, reviewing their Service Level Agreement (SLA) to understand the level of support you can expect is crucial. An MSP with a robust SLA can provide clear expectations of their services and how they will respond to issues, ensuring that your technology infrastructure remains operational. A clear and well-defined SLA can help avoid misunderstandings, disagreements, and unexpected costs.

An MSP with an SLA can offer guaranteed response times and resolution targets, giving you peace of mind that your IT issues will be resolved promptly. With an SLA in place, you can ensure that your business’s critical systems and applications receive timely attention, minimizing disruptions to your business operations.

Choose an Experienced Provider

At National Technology Management, we have the experience and understanding to make your IT infrastructure secure and manageable while offering exceptional customer service. We can help you discover the right plan for your business now and in the future.

If you want a free consultation to learn how we can help you and your business, contact NTM today.