5 Things to Look for in a Michigan Managed IT Services Provider

You don’t need us to remind you that running a business in Michigan is hard work. When there are too many things to keep track of, it’s easy for important things to fall through the cracks. One way to take some of the weight off your shoulders is by enlisting the help of a managed services provider (MSP) — also known as an IT company. But with so many Michigan MSPs out there, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one?

With over 20 years of experience in the MSP industry, we know a thing or two about what to look for when choosing an MSP. Here are the five most important factors.

1. How Much Technical Expertise Do They Have?

The first thing you’ll want to look at is the level of technical expertise of the MSP. They should have a team of qualified technicians who are up-to-date on the latest technology trends.

You should also inquire about their help desk support. Find out how many technicians are on staff and what their average response time is. The last thing you want is to be left in the dark when you need assistance. Finally, ask about their monitoring and management capabilities. They should have a robust system in place to keep track of your network and identify any potential problems.

You want to partner with an MSP that has a proven track record of success and has been in the industry for several years. Additionally, you should choose a Michigan managed services provider with experience providing for businesses in your specific field. That way, they’re familiar with your community, local clients, and competition.

2. Their Reputation—Time to Put Your FBI Hat On and Do Some Research

The next thing you’ll want to do is a little digging to see what their reputation is like. The best way to do this is by asking around—see if any of your friends or colleagues have used their services before. You can also check out online reviews on sites like Google and Yelp.

It’s important to get an idea of what their current and past clients think of them. If you see a lot of negative reviews, that’s a red flag. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau website to see if there are any complaints against them.

It’s also a good idea to ask for references from the MSP. They should be able to provide you with a list of happy clients that you can contact. Once you have the references, give them a call and ask about their experience working with the MSP.

If everything checks out, then you can move on to the next step. If not, it’s time to keep looking.

3. Do They Have Industry-Specific Knowledge?

You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) hire a plumber to fix an electrical problem in your house. The same principle applies when choosing an MSP. You want to make sure they have experience working in your industry and understand the specific challenges that come with it.

For example, if you’re a healthcare organization, you’ll want to partner with an MSP that has experience working with HIPAA compliance. If you’re a retail business, you’ll want to make sure they’re familiar with point-of-sale systems.

The bottom line is that you want an MSP that has the knowledge and experience to understand your unique needs. Otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask the MSP if they have any case studies or testimonials from clients in your industry. This will give you a good idea of their level of expertise.

Additionally, you can ask them what types of services they offer that are specific to your industry. If they’re not able to answer your questions or provide examples, then it’s time to move on.

4. Do They Offer Businesses Custom Plans?

Your company isn’t one-size-fits-all, so your IT shouldn’t be either. You want to make sure the MSP you choose offers custom plans that are tailored specifically for your business.

For example, if you have a small team of five people, you’re not going to need the same level of support as a company with 500 employees because that would be *overkill*. The MSP should be able to scale their services to meet your needs.

Additionally, they should be able to customize their plans to include the specific services that you’re looking for. If they’re not willing to do this, then it’s time to find an MSP that’s a better fit.

The best way to find out if an MSP offers custom plans is by giving them a call and asking about it. If they’re not able to give you a straight answer, then that’s another red flag.

Keep in mind that you may need to pay a little extra for a custom plan, but it’s worth it if it means getting the services that you need.

5. Are They Professionally Certified?

Like we mentioned before, you should partner with an MSP that has the knowledge and experience to understand your organization’s needs. One way to ensure they have the necessary expertise is by looking for an MSP that’s professionally certified.

A quick side note here: We’re not saying that you should just find the company that’s been around the longest or has IT professionals that have been working since the dark ages of computer technology (AKA, the 80s). Shop around and look for someone that has the technical know-how and great customer service, and you’ll be set.

Find Your Perfect IT Balance with Common Angle

We hope this blog post was helpful in your search for an MSP! It’s a big decision, but we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit for your business.

If you’re on the lookout for an IT company in Northern Michigan, we invite you to check out our Managed IT Services page to learn more about what we have to offer. Common Angle might just be the perfect fit for you.

Still have more questions or want to chat with someone on our team? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help!