An IT managed service provider works in tandem with its team of a business to provide targeted services and operations for smooth functioning of any business or enterprise. If as a business you want to change the MSP you are involved with, there must have been certain signs that led you to that decision.
If your business is not satisfied with the services of the current IT MSP, we are here to help you out. In this article we will be listing some definite signs that are clear indications that it is time to change the IT managed service providers.
1. Bad Project Management
Source: forbes.com
Project management is an important duty of any IT partner, especially with specific details. There are very particular instances in which help and updates are required. If the MSP is doing effective project management, there will be no chances of complaints.
Major responsibilities include looking at different aspects of the project, keeping stakeholders in the loop of all the latest developments, and ensuring complete transparency with everybody involved. If there are issues with transparency one might feel skeptical of doing business with the enterprise. Choose a reliable service providing managed it support in order to boost the business on multiple accounts.
There should be seamless communication at all channels so that the updates are happening right away with proper management and maintenance. Different businesses have different expectations when it comes to communications and regular updates. If the needs are not being met, it is a sign to move on to something better.
2. Improper Communication
Improper communication is not only witnessed during poor project management but also in the entire interaction with the MSP. The communication channels between the IT staff and MSP officials should be very clear. Additionally the communication between the stakeholders and the project management team should be well-established.
Whenever it comes to customer service, all the lines should be open in case of emergencies. A representative should be ready to take up any issues that arise and find a solution as soon as possible. The customer service representative is the direct point of contact between the MSP and the enterprise so having multiple ways of connecting with them are important.
Poor communication basically means that the customer service will not be answering in case of any problem and maintenance will be done late. Ideally the way an MSP works, there should not be any problem the service provider is not aware of. A good account manager will help in regarding issues arising anytime of the day which does not lead to any maintenance issue in the future.
3. Greater Expense than Expected
Source: microsoft.com
If a standard package of operations is costing you more than expected, it is time to move on and find a new IT partner. A poor IT management service provider will lead to frequent repairs and problems that need to be mitigated from time to time. Because overspending and frequent maintenance can reflect in a higher IT spend.
They might be extra charges tagged into the monthly bills due to inflation and other issues. Every business picks an option because it is suiting their budget and offering them a good package. Additional charges are usually valid given the experience the user has had. Many additional charges are non negotiable but others can be removed.
There should be a certain predictability in the monthly spend for any MSP. It is especially difficult for small businesses in startups to manage the spend if the provider is not good enough. The expenses need to be managed very accurately if there is a very strict expenditure strategy. So if the current MSP is making it difficult it is a sure sign that a change is in order.
4. Poor Security Measures
There is a lot to be done about security concerns of the IT managed service provider. The operating systems in servers are meant to be protected through proper vulnerability assessments. A good IT managed service provider is engaged with regular maintenance operations and monetary any prospective data breach.
The previous service provider might be lacking on security issues which can lead to serious possibility of a cyber attack. The cyber security operations need to be 24/7 every day of the year. If it is not targeted with a proper expert in governance the operations will be no good and there will be frequent problems.
A provider should have proper cyber security programs in place which includes security awareness training for all the IT staff and everybody related to the system. Other operations include penetration testing, complete monitoring and risk management services. A good MSP will analyze the thread landscape and build protective services to keep the client data secure at all times without any chance of compromise.
5. You Need More
Source: masterbusinesshealer.com
There might be no problem with the current IT partner except that their operations are no longer viable enough for the business. If the business needs have outgrown the services provided by the IT partner, you will have no choice but to move on to another option. Additional operations will help serve your clients better and will improve productivity as well.
It is extremely important to go with targeted solutions whenever possible with cutting edge technology. Do not hesitate to look at different options available in the market and understand the needs and support you require. The market is undergoing frequent changes so it is only natural that an MSP which worked for you before might not do so now.
The Takeaway
These five signs are clear indicators that a new service provider should be chosen. Look at the company requirements and make a list of everything non negotiable while looking for a service provider. One should be ready to ask questions to display all the doubts about the extent of customer service and security measures in place. Do not hesitate to move on from the current provider if they are not serving you well.
