8 Questions to Ask a Managed Services Provider Before You Commit

When you’re considering outsourcing your IT to a managed services provider, it’s important to ask the right questions to make sure you’re choosing the best fit for your business. Understanding their credibility, security practices, response times, and approach to customization can help you assess how well they can support your specific needs. Below are key questions to ask during your consultation, along with why they matter and what to expect from a reputable, experienced provider.

How Long Have You Been Providing IT Managed Services?

Experience matters when choosing a managed services provider (MSP). A company with a proven track record will have encountered a wide range of challenges across different industries, and they’ll know how to tailor their services to your unique needs. Ask how long the provider has been in business and how much experience they have in your industry.

For instance, if you’re in healthcare, the MSP should be familiar with HIPAA compliance. If you’re in manufacturing, they should understand the importance of reliable systems for productivity. An experienced MSP already knows how to apply solutions that work best for businesses like yours.

See how an experienced MSP drives business success for small to medium-sized businesses in this informative guide.

Learn How

How Do You Approach Security, and What Measures Do You Use to Protect Client Data?

With the rise of cyberthreats and the costs of a successful breach, security is crucial when choosing a managed services provider. Ask about the MSP’s security strategy, including protecting against ransomware, phishing attacks, and other common threats. Do they offer endpoint security, email security, and incident response as part of a managed security package?

A good provider should have a detailed cyber incident response plan, regularly test security measures, and provide 24/7 monitoring to detect potential threats. If a phishing attack hits your business, your MSP should be able to isolate the threat, protect your data, and quickly respond to minimize the impact.

Your business faces a tremendous amount of cybersecurity risks. Learn about some of the most common threats and how penetration testing can help identify them before they become problematic.

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How Do You Ensure the Security of Your Internal Systems?

It’s not enough for a managed services provider to protect your business—they also need to protect their own. Ask how the MSP handles its cybersecurity to gauge whether its practices are trustworthy. A reputable provider implements robust internal security policies, encryption for sensitive data, regular security audits, and a disaster recovery plan in place.

Knowing their internal systems are secure gives you peace of mind that their security strategy for your business will be effective and thorough. After all, how can they protect your company if they can’t protect themselves?

Can You Customize Your Services to Fit My Specific Business Needs?

Every business has unique needs, so you’ll want to ask how customizable their services are. A quality managed services provider should be willing to tailor their technology solutions to align with your business goals and IT environment. Whether you need specific cloud services, advanced cybersecurity measures, or custom backup solutions, they should be able to accommodate you.

For example, if your company is growing and needs scalable solutions for future expansion, your MSP should offer flexible services that evolve with your business. The right provider takes the time to understand your objectives and create a strategy that fits your operations.

How Fast Can You Respond to Critical IT Issues?

Response times can make or break your business. When an IT issue arises, how quickly can the provider respond to minimize downtime? Ask about their response times for both typical and critical issues.

A managed services provider should have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that outlines their commitment to fast response times. Quick action is vital in industries like professional services or non-profits, where disruptions could affect client relations or service delivery. If a critical server goes down during peak hours, a provider with a fast response can have you back online before your customers even notice.

How Do You Prioritize Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance?

A proactive approach is a crucial difference between a good and a great managed services provider. Ask if the MSP focuses on proactive monitoring to prevent issues before they happen rather than simply fixing them afterward. Proactive providers continuously monitor your network for potential risks and perform routine maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.

For instance, in a proactive environment, issues like server overloads or security breaches are caught before they escalate, ensuring your business avoids costly disruptions. The goal is fewer IT problems overall, saving you time and stress.

What Is Your Process for Data Backup and Recovery?

Data loss can be devastating for businesses, which is why it is essential to ask about the provider’s data backup and recovery strategy. A reliable managed services provider should offer regular backups, both on-site and in the cloud, ensuring that critical information can be restored quickly in case of an outage or cyberattack.

A charitable organization may rely heavily on donor databases, and any loss of that information could severely impact operations. With a robust backup plan, data can be recovered quickly, minimizing the impact on your business.

What Are Your Pricing Models?

Cost is always a factor when choosing a managed services provider, but it’s important to look beyond just the price. Ask about their pricing models and what’s included in the service. Do they offer flat-rate pricing for easy budgeting or charge based on the services used?

A flat-rate model can be beneficial because it lets you predict your monthly IT expenses without worrying about unexpected costs. Make sure to clarify if there are any extra fees for emergency support or additional services outside the scope of the agreement.

Don’t Partner With a Managed Services Provider Until You Talk With CHTS

Before committing to a managed services provider, ensure you work with a team that understands your business’s unique IT needs. At Colorado Hi-Tech Solutions (CHTS), we offer over 27 years of experience delivering proactive, customized IT solutions for businesses across Colorado Springs. Our security-first approach, rapid response times, and industry expertise set us apart as the premier choice for managed IT services. Let us assess your IT infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and help you plan for the future with our proven, reliable support.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation with CHTS and experience the difference a trusted IT partner can make.