Making the switch to a new managed service provider
The North American Managed IT market is the largest worldwide in terms of revenue generated per year. What’s more, it’s still growing exponentially. That means there are thousands of MSPs out there, all offering the same managed services, but each with its own unique approach.
Suppose your managed contract is about to end, sample what other MSPs have to offer before signing another term. Besides, there are many reasons why you’d want to switch to a new managed partner. Perhaps you’re unhappy with the customer service or prices, or maybe your business has outgrown what the MSP can provide. Whatever the reason, here’s what you need to do before partnering with a new managed IT provider:
Have a candid discussion about services and pricing
Determine the exact managed services your business needs by analyzing your existing IT infrastructure, available IT support and unmet digital requirements. You may not find an exact-match MSP, but you can make a few compromises provided most of your needs are met.
From there, ask the new MSP about the scope of their services and how they plan to meet your every IT demand. Lay everything on the table to be sure the MSP can deliver on the promised benefits.
Next, discuss the price. Negotiate a fixed price point and watch out for hidden costs or any loopholes allowing the MSP to change the price without consulting you first. Take a lesson from how COVID-19’s impact on the managed IT industry led to some MSPs hiking their prices during the pandemic to capitalize on the sudden spike in demand for IT services and products. Draft the SLA document based on this mutual understanding.
Avoid unnecessary solutions and services
Pay only for what you need to make the most of managed services. Some MSPs will try to squeeze a bit more money from your pocket by selling you solutions and services you don’t really need, all in the name of value addition.
There is no problem at all with buying multiple services from the same MSP. In fact, if a single MSP can cater to all your IT support needs, the better. But understand what you’re paying for exactly, and don’t sign up for services that bring little or no value to your business. Remember, one of the main reasons for hiring a managed service provider in the first place is to lower IT costs.
Formulate fair success metrics
Working with a managed IT provider is not all about cutting costs. You also want an IT partner that can help your business grow, and there’s a lot more to growth than minimizing expenses. Depending on your business model, progress can mean many different things. But what’s important is that the managed services support your business goals in terms of digital security, a path to success, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction.
A relevant MSP should bring efficient services and solutions tailored to your business that help realizes its objectives. The best way to ensure the MSP adds value to your business is to develop discrete metrics for gauging performance and success. For instance, you could set time-specific IT or business milestones and tick a box whenever one is reached. However, this can only work if the MSP is genuinely committed to helping your organization unlock its potential.
A managed partner can be a lot more to your business than an IT support or consultancy service. Switch to a managed services partner that really cares about your business’s welfare, growth, and success – choose GB Tech.
We understand what proper IT performance means in today’s e-commerce landscape. That’s why we devote our collective expertise and resources to forge lasting relationships with entrepreneurs looking for a growth partner. Contact us today.
