Looking for the right outsourced IT support can get overwhelming quickly. There are dozens upon dozens of managed service providers (MSPs) to choose from, so how do you know which one is right for your business? That’s precisely what we’re here to help you with.
There are many different ways that you can evaluate IT outsourcing companies, but these 10 should provide you with a solid foundation. From cloud migration to technical certifications, here are some of the qualities you can keep an eye out for. We’ve also shared 10 examples of top-tier MSPs that excel in these specific facets of IT support.
If you have any questions as you read, then contact us online to learn more about the top IT outsourcing companies. We’re always happy to help you discover what’s best for your business.
These days, everyone is at risk to be the target of a cyberthreat. That’s why it’s imperative that you protect your business by implementing a robust cybersecurity system. As you’re looking for an MSP, make sure you’re considering their cybersecurity offerings. You don’t want months’ or even years’ worth of work to go down the drain, and cyberprotection can prevent that from happening.
Cyderes, for example, is a Kansas City-based MSP that focuses on robust cybersecurity services. They partner with Google Cloud, Microsoft, SailPoint, and others to deliver managed security services, digital forensics, and identity and access management.
The best IT outsourcing company will know when you need them before you do. Proactive support is better than reactive support, so as you speak with various MSPs, ask them how they would help you stay ahead of the curve and resolve issues before they arise.
What measures do they have in place if something goes wrong? Do they provide concrete examples with proven processes? Pay attention to these details, as they’ll give you some helpful insight when you’re making a decision.
Purpose Technology Group does a great job of this. Their company revolves around the idea that it’s better to be responsive than reactive. They reach out to you with ideas for optimization before you realize your tech is outdated.
We’re well into the digital age, and the cloud is among its most widely used byproducts. As a result, one of the most common IT outsourcing services is cloud migration. You’ll want to find a provider that makes the migration as seamless as possible and stores everything you need.
Cloud backup means that you won’t lose vital documents or information in the event of a technological misfire. If someone’s computer crashes or you forget to hit ‘Save’ on an important proposal, then all will be OK, thanks to your MSP migrating your business to the cloud.
For instance, CyTek handles cloud migration with a hands-on approach, as one of their team members walks you through its implementation step by step. They also tackle a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing and distribution, construction, financial services, and non-profits and foundations.
Disasters can catch people off guard. All will seem fine, that is, until it’s not. No one wants it to happen, but it’s part of leading a business: People make mistakes, and sometimes those translate into your daily operations. When disaster strikes, your MSP should be at the ready, prepared to resolve any issues at a moment’s notice. Ask potential providers how they would support you during a crisis or aid you with a last-minute request.
Results Technology lists disaster recovery among its foremost specialties. Their team analyzes possible vulnerabilities in your company’s technology and, from there, builds a strategy to shield you from potential threats.
Information technology outsourcing is, as you may have guessed, a fairly technical endeavor. To measure an MSP’s credibility, see what certifications they have. This is a qualified way to assess their expertise in the field.
Five of the most reputable certifications are:
Technology Group Solutions (TGS), for instance, delivers Cisco-certified services for companies in the Kansas City metropolitan area and nationwide. They also have more than 100 total industry certifications.
Like the humans using it, technology isn’t perfect. From glitches to crashes, tech can fail from time to time. That’s what makes help desk support crucial for any business. As one of the most important outsourced IT support services, help desk duties include things like:
Having someone to handle these responsibilities can minimize your business’ downtime and maximize productivity. It ensures that the company’s operations are as smooth and efficient as possible.
Zen Group does a particularly great job of handling help desk responsibilities and troubleshooting tech mishaps. They focus on customized, long-term solutions, and they have office locations in both Kansas City and Philadelphia and offer free initial consultations.
A lot of IT vendor management, of course, revolves around technology. But the right MSP will also align with your business strategy. In your company, everyone should be on the same page. Not only does that include your internal staff, but also your MSP. They’ll have a firm understanding of how your business operates and why you use the strategies you do.
Complete Technology excels at this. They focus on working with small- and medium-sized businesses based in Kansas City, St. Louis, Omaha, and Virginia Beach. This niche allows their team to dedicate their attention to understanding their clients’ strategies and effectively contribute to them as a result.
At the beginning of your partnership with an MSP, they should conduct an audit known as an IT infrastructure assessment. This is a comprehensive analysis of the tech your business uses. This includes:
Afterward, they’ll outline the strengths and weaknesses of your IT infrastructure and how to cover any gaps or vulnerabilities. The best MSPs will make sensible recommendations that put your business and employees first.
Ntiva (formerly the Purple Guys), for example, will assess your IT infrastructure to ensure it meets your business objectives and build a relationship with you from there. They provide on-site and remote IT support to glean a holistic view of your company’s technology.
As most things do, the outsourcing of information technology services comes with a price tag. A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a higher quality of service, just as a lower price doesn’t always indicate a job done poorly. Ask various MSPs what their cost structure looks like, and whether there are different tiers depending on your company’s needs.
Some may be subscription-based, whereas others could request a one-time charge for a specific service. Some might offer a discounted rate if you pay annually while others could include that discount for the first three months of payment. Make sure to confirm these details to understand what MSP is best for your business.
Based in Overland Park, NetStandard lists itself as a budget-friendly, affordable option for small businesses. They understand the importance of staying within a budget while protecting yourself against cyberthreats and making your technology the best it can be.
When you’re outsourcing IT services, you want to feel confident in your provider. A lot of that confidence comes from your MSP’s industry expertise. They should be knowledgeable about the tech sector and the various tools they can use to help you, but they should also make an effort to understand your own industry.
Choice Solutions, headquartered in Overland Park with locations in Florida, Iowa, Texas, and more, has developed their expertise in a handful of markets: health care, finance, manufacturing, and law. The MSP you work with should be specialized for your particular field.
Of course, this is only a starting point for finding a high-caliber MSP. Still, these 10 characteristics and 10 MSPs should point you in the right direction. To get more information about finding a provider, fill out our online contact form. It matters who you work with, and that includes your IT partner.