With a new decade in the books, technology and IT leaders are becoming cornerstones of their companies’ business strategies. As the technology industry is cresting a wave of hype — intelligent robots, digital transformation — tools and software once perceived as things of the future have crystallized into disciplines and processes many organizations now use.
But no matter what kind of business you run, IT issues crop up from time to time. Facing technology challenges isn’t just about replacing machines or upgrading software, though. Increased complexity without proper management can give your IT team major headaches. It also introduces new opportunities for security threats.
With a managed IT services provider (MSP), you can handle all these issues and implement the latest technology smoothly with little to no downtime. If you already have one but are still dealing with recurrent problems, it may be time to change your MSP.
Here are some telltale signs that it’s time to find a new provider:
Your MSP does not have 24/7/365 monitoring
Most of your employees probably work on a regular 9-to-5 shift, but your network and data never sleep. This is why your MSP must be working round the clock, too. They should have the proper combination of remote and on-site personnel available at all times of the year to ensure proactive monitoring services.
Your MSP does not provide data backup
Any business is good as dead without its data. If your data is lost, damaged, or compromised, how long can your business survive? With strict regulations like the GDPR, HIPAA, or DFARS, your MSP should have ironclad data protection and data backup plans for you. Failure to protect your data can lead to lawsuits from your clients as well as massive fines from government agencies.
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Your MSP has slow response times
Organizations can be faced with internet outages and server crashes. When such an untoward event occurs, your MSP should get on it immediately. If they take too long to respond, you lose money and suffer from productivity dips, And when these issues are left unaddressed, you face possible reputational damage.
Weak project management skills
The right MSP will efficiently and seamlessly manage projects, which entails keeping stakeholders abreast of significant updates and being transparent with your team. If their communication is inconsistent and not meeting expectations, it is obvious that your current MSP’s project management skills are subpar. With the rapid changes in technologies and processes, you’ll need one that you can rely on when it comes to communications.
Your MSP’s strategic guidance sounds more like a sales pitch
Today, your MSP should be able to double up as a virtual CIO. Many companies have essential knowledge of enterprise IT systems, and as such, outsource their IT to an MSP. However, due to bad business practices, many MSPs take advantage and milk their clients. If you think you’re stuck with unnecessary expensive upgrades to software that you hardly use, your MSP might have tricked you.
You’ve outgrown your MSP
Your current MSP might struggle to provide you the best support, despite their best efforts. This doesn’t immediately mean that it’s their fault. Sometimes, it could be that your company has outgrown your MSP. Perhaps, they don’t have the manpower or access to the latest technology that your business requires to sustain your growth.
Your MSP must be able to provide you with cutting-edge, innovative solutions. Additionally, leading MSPs enable business growth for clients and ultimately reduce IT complexities. If you think your current MSP no longer delivers on their promises, it’s best to move forward to one that will keep up with your needs and the ever-changing IT landscape. We take IT personally and go beyond results. Call us today to get a free quote.
