January 17, 2023
In today’s business world, companies live and die by the strength of their information technology. In the technology world, information technology employees are not the jack of all trades but rather specialized individuals with unique specialties. One might specialize in network administration, while another has superior skills in application development. It can be quite costly for companies to hire and train a team of information technology specialists. Because of this, companies prefer to outsource various aspects of their information technology needs. One of those needs is managed cloud hosting services.
What is an MSP?
A managed service provider, or MSP, is a company who manages various technology products and services. Whether they provide unmanaged cloud storage or tech support, they can help the bottom line of just about any company. It is important to choose the right company. When a bad service provider is chosen, it can cause the following:
- Poor Communication
- Network Downtime
- Unfinished Projects
- General Mistrust
Choosing the Right MSP
Is there some magic method to hire the right company to help with managed cloud hosting services? Unfortunately, no, there isn’t. However, there are various questions you can bring up during the vetting process to bring light to certain deficiencies with any service provider.
- Up-Time Guarantee
- How Is IT Support Provided?
- Help With Future IT Needs
- What Kind of Network Security Do You Have?
- How Can You Help Us Cut Costs?
Up-Time Guarantee
Keeping systems online is critical in today’s business world. Every minute of downtime costs an average of $5,600.00. Every MSP will offer some guarantee of up-time. In today’s market, 99.9% is the standard. In certain industries, such as medical care, it may need to be 100%.
How is IT Support Provided?
It is important to determine if support is offered only during business hours or on a 24/7 basis. Can you call at 3 am and get IT support? Is the support outsourced? Do they provide disaster recovery services?
Help With Future IT Needs
Technology changes in the blink of an eye. Will the MSP be able to take on additional projects with newer technology as your IT needs change and grow?
What Kind of Network Security Do You Have?
Does the MSP have ways to deal with managed and unmanaged storage in cloud computing protecting against:
- Social Engineering
- Malware and Ransomware Protection
- Computer Virus Protection
- Protection Against Hackers
How Can You Help Us Cut Costs?
Can they provide lowered costs for both managed and unmanaged cloud storage? Can they show obvious savings?
For the best managed service providers and ERP hosting, contact Pathway Communications to find out how we can meet all your IT needs. Reach out to us today.