Businesses are often strapped for time, resources, and money, so keeping up with all of the growing IT needs can be especially challenging in these days of cyberattacks, ransomware, and hybrid work.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that offer IT support in the form of Managed IT Solutions, Managed Print Services, and Document Management Systems can be a huge help for growing companies. The question is how do you find the right Managed Service Provider with so many MSPs to choose from? You’ll need to find a way to hone down your choice.
Top Things to Look for in a Managed Service Provider (MSP)
Of course, we here at CDS Office Technologies may be slightly biased, as we are one of the top Managed Service Providers in the country, but here are some things we recommend you look for when searching for your own MSP:
What Types of Managed Services Are Provided?
The first thing you want to ask when searching for your Managed Service Provider is exactly what types of managed services they provide. This might seem elementary, but it’s not. There are different levels of managed services and different areas of focus. Many providers will offer multiple types of managed services that you can mix and match for your business needs.
As we mentioned above, three main types of managed services are Managed IT Solutions, Managed Print Services, and Document Management Systems.
Managed IT Solutions are the broadest category here. These services can include network management, onsite and remote support of your computers and software as well as their setup and maintenance. Cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and ransomware remediation are other services often provided with Managed IT Solutions. You will want to ask your prospective Managed Services Provider what exactly they offer.
Managed Print Services is a term that refers to remote management of printers, along with some onsite maintenance and repair typically. With Managed Print Services, you won’t need to buy your own printers, because they are usually included in the cost of your service.
The Managed Print Services provider will install and maintain your entire printer fleet for you and manage the supplies using remote software that handles toner refills and checks the devices to make sure they’re working properly. A good Managed Print Services provider should also deliver cybersecurity protection and access control of your printers, which is very important because printers are often a main source of intrusion for hackers.
Document Management Systems are enterprise-level document Solutions that manage your electronic files in such a way that your team can easily collaborate and access the files they need when they need them. This also includes secure access controls and typically cloud storage so that documents can be accessed from anywhere.
What Are the Credentials of the Managed IT Team?
Your Managed Service Provider team should be experienced and also have strong solid credentials in the areas they are supporting. You want a team that keeps up to date on the latest hardware and software trends as well as cybersecurity issues.
What Is the Availability of the Managed Service Provider?
How available is your Managed Service Provider team? Do they only offer remote support? Or will they come onsite to help fix and repair computers and networks? What is the scope of their practice? Can you call on them after hours or on weekends? Is there a limit to the amount of support you can receive? These are questions you should ask of your potential Managed Service Provider.
What Sort of Cloud Support Does the MSP Offer?
With a multitude of cloud environments, including public, private, hybrid, and multi clouds, your MSP should have quite a bit of expertise managing disparate cloud systems. They should also have experience working with major cloud platforms such as Amazon AWS, Oracle Cloud, Azure, and other major brands.
How Proactive Is the MSP?
Your Managed Services Provider should be proactive as well as forward thinking in how they handle technology. They should be keeping up with tech trends and advising you as expert consultants on the best ways to leverage the latest in IT to improve your productivity and boost your bottom line.
What About Cybersecurity and Disaster Recovery?
Finally, a good managed IT provider will be extremely diligent about cybersecurity, cyber risk management, ransomware mitigation, and disaster recovery. With so many businesses now being targeted by hackers, you have to include cybersecurity as part of your short- and long-term IT plans. Your MSP should be a major part of this implementation and security strategy.
Looking for a Reliable, Managed Service Provider (MSP)
CDS Office Technologies is a trusted Managed Service Provider offering Managed IT Solutions, Managed Print Services, and Document Management Systems for businesses and organizations of all sizes. We have many years of successful experience working with some of the most prestigious businesses, organizations, and government agencies to ensure that their IT systems work smoothly. With our friendly, knowledgeable staff and commitment to service, you can rest assured that you have the best Managed Services Provider with CDS Office Technologies.
CDS Office Technologies is a leading Managed Services Provider for small businesses, large businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. If you would like to benefit from our Managed IT Solutions, Managed Print Services, and Document Management Systems, please contact us for a consultation.
