Tired of losing valuable time at the office trying (and failing) to fix those ever-present IT issues?
Do you wish there was a way to stop tech problems before they spiral out of control?
Are you frustrated by having to wait for hours for help to arrive or to just get a simple answer to an IT question?
If you've answered "yes" to any of the above questions, then you've likely already started to search for "managed IT services near me" online. In a nutshell, managed IT companies will help you to diagnose and fix tech issues, manage digital infrastructure and applications, assist with storage, file transfers, and much more.
So, how can you be certain that you're working with only the top managed services companies?
Keep on reading this post to learn more about what to look for when you're ready to commit to a managed IT service provider.
1. 24/7 Availability
When you first start searching for "managed IT services near me," you're likely drawn to companies with flashy websites, a long list of problems they can fix, and lots of experience.
Of course, these things are important -- but what matters most is how quickly a managed services company can actually get your problems solved. The costs of website and system downtime are incredibly high, and if your website isn't working, chances are low that the customer will return in the future.
You shouldn't have to wait until it's "convenient" for your IT company to address an issue.
You should insist on working with one that is available 24/7. Your business's reputation -- and your profits -- depend on it.
2. A Wide Variety of Service Options
You should also make sure that the managed IT companies you're considering working with are able to give you all the services you need.
Remember, this company is essentially serving your entire IT department. Just because they're remote doesn't mean it's OK to have gaps in your plan.
You should look for companies that offer:
> Anti-virus/spam protection
> Website monitoring
> System/website updates
> Daily data/website backups
> A service dashboard
> Website patching
> SLO escalation
> Data analysis
> Email security
This is just a partial list of the things that most companies need in an MSP. Make sure you consider the specific needs of your business -- and if the company doesn't make an effort to get to know your business, move on.
3. A Strong Ticketing System
In the world of all things IT, some problems will naturally take preference over others.
For example, automating certain tasks is key, but should take a backseat to sending out an alert when there are suspicious login attempts on your website.
Still, you need to be certain that both tasks will be completed as quickly as possible. Remember that, when it comes to IT, problems and standard operating procedures seldom happen in perfect order, and never happen one at a time.
This is why it's so important that your MSP has a strong and highly organized ticketing system in place. These systems won't just keep track of the potential issues on your site and things you've asked for assistance with. They'll also help the company to create a schedule and prioritize certain IT tasks over others.
You should be able to easily submit tasks through this system and check on the progress of past requests.
4. A Reasonable Pricing Model
Since most IT companies operate on a subscription-based level, you need to ensure that you know exactly what you're expected to pay every month.
You also need to be clear on which services (if any) require additional fees, and if you have the chance to scale your services as your company grows.
Understand which, if any, services the managed services provider is outsourcing to other companies. While it's certainly convenient to get all your IT needs taken care of under one roof, you don't want to have to pay more because your services provider has to cover the costs of paying 3-4 different companies.
Ask about how the company uses automated tools to keep things cost-effective.
Finally, be sure to look out for any hidden fees or charges before you sign a contract.
5. Excellent Customer Reviews
Finally, the managed service provider you want to work with should be able to provide you with excellent customer reviews and references.
If the company barely has any reviews, or if they seem overwhelmingly negative, it's best to look elsewhere. Remember to check third-party review sites in addition to the customer testimonial page on their website.
When you speak with references, ask how long it usually takes the company to fix an IT error. Ensure that they can clearly explain the issue to people that aren't exactly tech-savvy, as well. Of course, you should also ask about hidden costs -- or how easy it was to cancel a contract if needed.
If the company seems cagey about giving you references, walk away.
Finding "Managed IT Services Near Me" Just Got Easier
We know that spending hours typing "managed IT services near me" into a search engine can get frustrating quickly.
We hope that this post has helped you to understand the things you shouldn't compromise on when it comes to managed IT companies.
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