Managed Service Providers are becoming increasingly popular for outsourcing the maintenance of IT infrastructures. A Managed Service Provider (MSP) offers a wide range of IT management services that help an organization to scale quickly and handle their daily operations without any issues. However, hiring an MSP partner can seem overwhelming.
When hiring an MSP, you need to ask them a range of questions to gauge their experience and expertise. In this blog, we will mention the 10 essential questions you should ask a managed service provider. Of course, you can ask several other follow-ups or completely different questions, but these questions are the ones that you can’t afford to ask. Choosing an MSP that suits the business’s requirements becomes easier for a business by asking these simple questions.
A] Why Should You Ask Questions Before Hiring An MSP?
Finding out the MSP’s strengths and weaknesses gives you a strong impression of whether they are suited for your business or not. One of the simplest ways to know that is by asking the right questions. You can ask a range of questions to the MSP to understand their expertise, experience, approach, and pricing structure.
Asking important questions related to the business also indicates, you are genuinely interested in their services. Every business is unique and selecting an MSP based only on recommendations may not help you select the right candidate for your business. Hence, asking questions is the right solution if you are looking to make the MSP hiring process simpler.
B] Questions To Ask An MSP Before Hiring Them
1. Do You Have The Expertise, Experience, And Resources To Fulfil Our Business Needs?
Make sure to hire an MSP who has the expertise and experience you are looking for. Generally speaking, how long a company has been in business is a good indicator of its experience. You need to ask follow-up questions like, “What do you specialise in?” and “What methods do you use for staff training?” to gauge their expertise. You need to make sure the MSP is confident that they will be able to fulfil your business needs without any issues.
2. What MSP IT Services Do You Offer?
MSPs can offer a wide range of services such as network management, security, data backup, and software and hardware management. Choose an MSP that offers the services you are looking for. If you are looking for more than one MSP IT service, you need to make sure the MSP offers all the services you need.
Find the right MSP for your needs. Contact us today!
3. Can You Provide References To Your Previous Work?
References and testimonials are some of the best ways to assess an MSP’s reliability and quality of work. You can compare the quality of work and testimonials of various MSPs and choose the best of them. If the MSP refuses to provide references to their previous work or clientele, it is an indication to move on from that MSP.
4. What Innovative Technologies And Trends Do You Incorporate In Your Process?
An MSP should be able to adapt and evolve with changing trends. Being unable to adapt can lead to poor management. It is important to choose an MSP that uses the latest technology in its process to ensure you are getting the best service possible. The MSP should be able to find innovative solutions to fix any problems they are facing within a short period.
5. Do You Have A Disaster Recovery Plan In Place And What Is It?
Data is the most valuable asset in the IT sector. A disaster recovery plan is essential to restore data and resume operations in case of a major disaster or outage. As cyber threats are becoming more and more common, having a disaster recovery plan is extremely crucial for an MSP.
6. Can You Provide A Service Level Agreement (SLA) For Your It Services?
Having a service level agreement is a service guarantee from the MSP. An SLA outlines the services and quality of services that the MSP ensures it will provide. An SLA can include response time guarantees and maintenance frequency. An SLA makes sure that the MSP is accountable for its promises. If an MSP is reluctant to provide an SLA, it means that they are unsure if they can provide the services in question consistently.
7. What Is Your Standard Response Time?
How would you feel if you had a serious issue related to IT and there was no one on the other end of the email? Not great, right? Having a quick standard response time is essential for minimizing downtime in case of emergencies and serious issues. Choose an MSP with a lower response time to ensure a smooth continuation of the business.
8. What Are The Standard Procedures For Termination Or Cancellation Of Services?
There needs to be a standard procedure in place if either parties wish to discontinue the services. Choose an MSP for your business, which has a standard procedure for termination or cancellation of the services. This often indicates that the company is well-organized and experienced.
9. How Do You Handle Employee Training And Support?
Hiring an MSP that does not have trained employees or a training program for their employees is not worth it. Having an employee training and support program in place can ensure better workforce and staff morale.
10. How Much Do Your Services Cost?
Cost is an important factor when it comes to hiring an MSP. Knowing the estimated cost of each MSP’s services will help you make an informed decision according to your business’s needs. You should also ask if there are any additional costs, which you should know about, and whether the cost will increase in the future. You can negotiate the price if you find all other services up to your standards or find a different provider.
Secure the right MSP talent for your business—contact us today.
Conclusion
Choosing the right managed service provider is essential for ensuring reliable support and optimal use of resources. There are several MSPs in the market, each serving different types of businesses. Asking the above 10 questions can help you figure out which MSP is right for you. While these questions are important, they aren’t the only questions you should be asking. If you are an IT MSP, looking for the best IT talent, contact Vertical Talent Solutions today!
FAQs
Q) What to consider before starting a hiring process?
Ans: When starting a hiring process, you need to first define your business’s needs and budget. This will give you a clear idea of what you are looking for in the MSP.
Q) How to create a job post for technical roles?
Ans: Start by creating a compelling headline that attracts the best talents. Next clearly outline responsibilities, expectations, and skill level required. Mention the important soft skills and technical skills required for the role.
Q) How do I find a company looking for an MSP?
Ans: Local networking groups are the best place to find a company looking for an MSP.
Ted White is the President & CEO of Vertical Talent Solutions and has over two decades of IT recruiting experience. Specializing in assisting Managed Service Providers in securing their ideal roles, his expertise navigates career paths precisely. Connect with Ted White for tailored recruitment solutions today.