Managed IT services providers (MSPs) can add value to businesses of all sizes. For one, they can help improve the efficiency of IT systems and reduce the overall cost of ownership. Hiring an MSP can also be an affordable way to outsource IT support, especially for businesses that do not have an in-house IT team.
If you’re in the process of choosing an MSP to work with, it is important to select one that offers a wide range of services that can address your various IT needs. Let’s look at the top five services that your MSP partner should offer.
1. On-site and remote IT support
MSPs typically have a team of technicians who are trained and certified in a variety of IT disciplines. This allows them to provide comprehensive IT support to their clients and offer a variety of support services that can be delivered on site or remotely. For instance, on-site support may be necessary for tasks that require physical access to equipment, such as hardware installation or repair. On the other hand, remote support is often provided for tasks that can be performed off site, such as software updates or troubleshooting.
By outsourcing IT support, your business can avoid the high cost of hiring in-house staff to manage your IT systems. In addition, you can also benefit from the expertise of experienced IT professionals who can troubleshoot problems quickly and effectively.
2. Data backup and disaster recovery
Your MSP should be able to help with data backup and recovery by providing a complete solution for on-site and off-site backups. They should work with you in creating a custom backup plan that meets the specific needs of your organization, and they should also assist in monitoring and managing backups.
Additionally, your MSP must spearhead data recovery in the event of a disaster. They should have solutions in place that will enable you to restore data as quickly as possible so systems can get back up and running. This allows your business to avoid costly downtime and potential data loss, and it also enables you to focus on core operations.
3. Cybersecurity
The MSP you choose should have security services that will help your business protect your data and systems from various cyberattacks. Their range of cybersecurity services should include risk assessment, 24/7 monitoring, and incident response support in the event of a breach.
The MSP you choose should have security services that will help your business protect your data and systems from various cyberattacks.
Also, your MSPs should offer employee training services to help you effectively implement cybersecurity policies and procedures. By working with an MSP in designing and rolling out your cybersecurity strategy, you can have peace of mind knowing that your security needs are being handled by experts.
4. Proactive maintenance
MSPs use a variety of tools to carry out proactive maintenance. These tools include monitoring software for identifying potential issues before they cause problems, patch management solutions to keep systems up to date and secure, and automation tools to reduce the manual work required to maintain systems.
Besides being able to implement these technical solutions, your MSP must be able to assist you in planning and implementing proactive systems maintenance strategies in such a way that maintenance activities minimize disruptions and maximize efficiency.
5. Planning for the future
Partnering with an MSP means that there is always someone looking out for your business and its future success. As such, your MSP should be able to assist you in planning for the future by providing professional services. This might include giving advice on what technology to invest in, how to manage staff, or what products or services your business should offer. MSPs can also help your company save money in the long run by helping you avoid costly mistakes. For example, they might help you choose the most efficient technology to invest in, rather than something that will quickly become outdated.
By tapping into your IT partner’s knowledge of technology and experience in your specific industry, you can make sure that you’re always making the best decisions for your company's future. This is especially important if you’re a small business that doesn’t have the internal resources to dedicate to long-term IT planning.
When you work with an MSP that offers these five services, your business can focus on your core competencies and improve your bottom line. If you're looking for a reliable managed services provider in Ontario, partner with XBASE. We offer Exponentially Better™ services to help you manage and protect your IT systems. Contact us today to learn more.