When every service provider claims to be the best in the business, how can you actually tell them apart? Read this guide to find out how to select the best MSP for your company and feel confident in your decision.
Key Points
- An IT managed service provider (MSP) is a necessity for any company looking to scale their technology with their growth.
- You should switch MSPs if your current provider has poor service, inconsistent pricing, and poor transparency.
- Choosing the right MSP can make or break your business—do your research before you commit to a provider.
What Is a Managed Service Provider?
A managed service provider (MSP) is any outsourced company that provides specialized services to other firms. There are many MSP options in IT, with providers covering everything from cybersecurity services to cloud solutions.
Most companies end up partnering with an MSP—in fact, 90% of Fortune 1000 companies use MSPs today. Even if you’re a small or medium-sized business, your technology needs can quickly outgrow your internal IT team’s capabilities. An MSP is a cost-effective solution that scales with your business’s growth.
Green Flags for St. Louis Managed Service Providers
Here are the elements you should look for when choosing managed IT services in St. Louis:
Availability
Outsourced doesn’t mean unavailable—the right provider is always ready to help. IT issues can cost millions, which means yours require urgency.
A top managed service provider is equally available to small businesses and large businesses. The size of your company shouldn’t affect the level of service you receive, but some MSPs prioritize the IT needs of larger clients first. Partner with a managed service provider in St. Louis that has a history of providing quality service to businesses of all sizes.
Experience
The best managed service providers have a wealth of experience across industries. An experienced MSP is better equipped to handle your issues, has a greater depth of knowledge, and implements more efficient processes. This combination of factors makes an experienced MSP the best and most cost-effective choice.
Flexibility
The right partner is flexible with your business’s needs. The IT services you receive should vary depending on your business processes. If an MSP is trying to force you into a one-size-fits-all model, they aren’t worth partnering with. Your business is unique—you deserve a partner that meets you where you’re at.
A good MSP will meet with you for a strategy consultation not just once, but on an ongoing basis. These sessions are crucial to defining your relationship and deciding on the business services best suited to your needs. Most MSPs offer:
- Cybersecurity Services
- Cloud Services
- Disaster Recovery
- Hardware
- Help Desk Support
- Consulting Services
The best managed service providers are upfront about what’s right for your business. IT can be difficult to understand, but the right MSP will make complicated topics seem simple. Stay away from a provider who uses technical language you can’t understand. If anything isn’t clear, the best MSPs will educate you and your team.
Interested in Managed IT Services?
Learn more about managed IT services and what they can do for your business.
Red Flags for Managed Service Providers
Now that you know what the best managed service providers offer, what are some signs that your St. Louis managed service provider isn’t a good fit?
Mediocre Service
How long does it take to hear back from your provider? The right provider realizes that your time is valuable and is always ready to help. Ask yourself these questions the next time you’re in contact with your MSP:
- How familiar are they with my business processes and needs?
- How quickly are they addressing my concerns and finding solutions?
- How knowledgeable are they about my industry?
- Are they friendly, or am I treated like an inconvenience?
- Are they applying short-term fixes or long-term solutions?
If your MSP is dismissive, focuses on the short-term objectives, and offers generic advice, it’s time to switch providers.
Inconsistent Pricing
A predictable pricing model is a critical benefit of MSPs, especially for larger companies that face unpredictable internal IT costs. You should never be surprised by your MSP’s costs. Reach out to your provider if you ever get surprising charges—increased costs shouldn’t come without an explanation or warning. A partner that increases costs unexpectedly may continue that behavior.
Low Transparency
While poor transparency can lead to inconsistent pricing, it can also result in fundamental misunderstandings between you and your provider. The best managed service providers will be upfront about:
- The scope of their services
- Their total monthly charges
- What customer service options are available
- The limitations of your agreement
- Which industries they work with
If your MSP isn’t transparent, you should reconsider partnering with them.
The Bottom Line: The right MSP can make or break your business’s future. Choose a provider that’s always available and flexible with a track record of excellent service.
Choose Americom as Your Next St. Louis Managed Service Provider
Americom has been providing high-quality managed IT services to St. Louis for over 20 years. We’ve helped businesses of all sizes across every industry. Contact us today for modern solutions and traditional customer service.
