It’s no secret that managed IT service providers are becoming increasingly popular daily. With the rise of cybercrime and the ever-growing need for businesses to have a secure and reliable IT infrastructure, it’s easy to see why. However, choosing the wrong provider can be disastrous for your business.
Read on to discuss six common mistakes people make when choosing managed IT services in Orange County and how to avoid them.
1) Choosing the Wrong Provider
Managed IT services include a lot of essential facets like data backup and disaster recovery, cloud services, cybersecurity, etc. Not every managed services provider will offer all these services. So you must first identify your specific needs and look for a provider who can cater to them. You’ll waste time and money if you choose a provider that doesn’t offer the services you need.
2) Lack of Training and Feedback
When choosing an IT-managed service plan, you should ensure that the provider offers comprehensive training and feedback regularly. Otherwise, you may struggle to keep up with the latest technological changes. Furthermore, it can be challenging to assess whether your IT team is meeting your expectations without feedback.
Training will include:
How to use new features
How to troubleshoot errors
How to maintain your system
3) Not Getting a Service Level Agreement
A service-level agreement (SLA) is a written contract between an IT services provider and any new customer that outlines the responsibilities and expectations of both parties. The SLA should detail the services to be provided, the SLA metrics that will be used to measure service quality, and the remedies that will be provided if the IT services provider does not meet its obligations.
4) Underestimating Costs
The cost of installing and maintaining an in-house IT infrastructure can be eye-watering. If you have a limited budget, trying to keep up with the big boys in terms of technology is a non-starter. You need to be realistic about what you can afford and ensure that your MSP reflects this.
Check for charges like minimum monthly spend, surcharges for going over your bandwidth allowance, or hidden costs like installation fees. Make sure you fully understand the pricing structure before signing on the dotted line.
5) Limited Scalability
The best-managed IT services providers can offer you a scalability plan that can grow alongside your business. They should have the infrastructure to accommodate your future needs without any service disruptions.
For example, if you’re planning to expand your operations overseas, you managed IT services provider should be able to support you in setting up a robust and secure IT infrastructure in the new location.
Conclusion
IT-managed solutions are a crucial part of any business, yet choosing the right provider can be daunting. With so many options on the market, it’s essential to research and avoid common mistakes that could cost you time and money. It is crucial to find a provider that offers comprehensive services, has a good reputation, and can meet the specific needs of your business.