More than just help desk support, managed IT service providers (MSPs) can be the difference between constant growth and stagnant development for your business. With a full range of IT services from data security to cloud hosting, MSPs can deliver the kind of reliable support critical for success in a tech-driven world.
Choosing the right managed IT service provider for your company is an important decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, with countless MSPs out there, how can you choose the best?
We’ll dive into the nuances of MSPs and why companies like SysArc stand out, especially in the realm of high-end cybersecurity.
What Is a Managed IT Service Provider?
A managed IT service provider, or MSP, is an external organization that remotely manages a customer’s IT infrastructure and/or end-user systems on a proactive basis, typically under a subscription model. These providers are entrusted with the task of ensuring that an organization’s IT functions run smoothly, efficiently, and securely.
How an MSP Helps Organizations Operate
Here’s how a workday might look differently after partnering with the right IT provider. Before partnering with a managed IT service provider, you might experience frequent challenges like
- Slow internet speeds,
- Server issues delaying critical communications,
- Video conferencing glitches, and
- Unexpected software downtimes.
Cybersecurity threats like malware from seemingly harmless emails could jeopardize company data. Evenings might be spent troubleshooting IT issues or dealing with after-hours IT emergencies.
After bringing an MSP on board, these challenges are proactively addressed. Emails are sent seamlessly, video conferences run without hitches, software tools are always up-to-date and available, and potential cybersecurity threats are flagged and isolated before they can pose any danger.
Instead of reacting to problems, the focus shifts to growth and core business tasks. Businesses can offload their IT infrastructure to expert hands.
What Services Do They Offer?
What can you expect from managed IT service providers? MSPs deliver a wide array of IT solutions designed to give your business the technology solutions it needs. These services are scalable, which means businesses can select offerings that best suit their current needs and scale up or down based on future requirements.
Although this list isn’t comprehensive, it should give you a good idea of the many services you can access from managed IT service providers:
- Cloud Computing: Cloud storage, data migration to the cloud, and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
- Digital and Network Security: Firewalls, malware protection, antivirus software, DDoS protection
- Data Backup Solutions: Online backup services for files and databases
- Network Monitoring Tools: Proactive monitoring of network performance
- Proactive Maintenance: Proactive system and application maintenance, patch management, software updates
- 24/7 Service Desk Support: Helpdesk support with expert technicians available round the clock
- Disaster Recovery Planning: Design and implementation of a strategy to help your business recover from any unforeseen IT disasters such as system failures, data breaches, or natural disasters
- IT Consulting Services: Strategic advice on implementing new technologies, improving IT infrastructure, and optimizing IT operations for better efficiency and productivity.
- Remote Work Solutions: Provide tools and services to enable your remote employees to work effectively and securely. Includes VPNs, remote desktop services, and secure collaboration tools
- Compliance Solutions: Compliance with standards like CMMC, DFARS, NIST frameworks, and more
Does Your Business Need an MSP?
If you’re on the fence about whether your organization actually needs an MSP, consider the following questions:
- Are your employees frustrated with their technology?
- Are you spending time troubleshooting technology issues?
- Are you tired of constantly fighting fires with reactive IT solutions?
- Do you want data that is secure and complies with all relevant standards?
- Are you looking for cost savings and efficiency gains without sacrificing performance?
If your answer is “yes” to any of these questions, then an MSP can provide the help you need. Managed IT service providers are designed to use their expertise to make your job easier. Just like business owners outsource their marketing or accounting, managed IT can offer essential technical capabilities that internal IT teams may lack.
How Can You Find the Right Managed IT Service Provider for Your Business?
Choosing the right MSP goes beyond just finding a vendor; it’s about building a partnership. Here are qualities the right provider should have:
1. Prioritize Quick Response Time and Constant Communication
Technology issues can arise at any moment, and timely response is essential. The best MSPs prioritize communication, are transparent, and take swift action.
2. Understand Your Industry’s Compliance Requirements
Particularly for industries that have stringent regulatory requirements, ensuring IT compliance is vital. SysArc, for instance, is a leading provider of DFAR and CMMC compliance solutions and caters specifically to the DoD supply chain.
3. Prioritize the Best Innovative Solutions for Your Industry
Go for MSPs who stay on top of technological advancements and can offer cutting-edge solutions tailored for your industry, such as automation, productivity tools, security solutions, and more.
4. Customer-Centric Approach
While focusing on your technology is the primary role of managed IT service providers, it’s equally essential to emphasize a customer-centric approach. A customer-centric approach means putting your business’s unique needs and goals at the forefront of every decision and solution.
5. Customizable, Flexible Solutions
As your business evolves, so will your IT requirements. MSPs should offer solutions that can adapt to these changes.
6. Professionals Who Are the Top Talent
The MSP should have clear standards for their employees that are expressed through company values. You’ll know quickly whether the company has an established culture or is just stringing things along as they go.
7. Provide the Latest, Most Comprehensive Solutions
Beyond just keeping the lights on, a top-notch MSP will actively search for ways to improve and fortify your IT infrastructure.
SysArc as Your Trusted Managed Service Provider
Since 2004, our clients have trusted us to provide comprehensive managed IT services. We are a leading provider of enterprise-level managed IT solutions, and we work with businesses across multiple industries to ensure top-notch performance.
As a leader in regulated industries like Aerospace & Defense, Financial Services and Critical Infrastructure, we understand the complexities of safeguarding data and keeping systems updated. Our team of certified professionals specializes in planning, designing, building, and managing systems that empower business owners to maximize their productivity.
With us as your partner, you can rest assured that your IT systems are secure and reliable. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how SysArc can revolutionize the way you manage your IT services!