Choosing a Managed Service Provider is crucial for the success of your business. However, it can be stressful during the decision making process. After all, you are hoping to find a provider you can trust and work with for years to come. Making the right decision will save you headaches and give your customers the best online experience, as well as your employees the tools they need to do their job effectively.

As you begin your search for a Managed Service Provider, consider these qualities before signing your next service contract.

A Thorough Discovery Process

Before a Managed Service Provider can give you the services your company needs to succeed, the provider should learn more about your business. Unfortunately, many off-site IT service providers offer a one-size-fits-all plan and don’t take the time to get to know your business goals. Be wary of any discovery process that doesn’t include lots of listening on the provider end.

A Focus on Prevention and Anticipation

Exceptional Managed Service Providers will focus on preventing and anticipating problems, instead of only working on issues when they arise and cause chaos. When interviewing potential providers, ask about their knowledge of your specific industry and if they can anticipate any trends or changes that could cause you problems in the long-run. This ability to identify potential red flags, and develop a plan to fix them before they cause problems, can help you choose the best provider for your business.

Dedication to Helping You Meet Your Goals

Your Managed Service Provider should serve your immediate and anticipated IT needs, as well as function as a consultant, helping to provide you with solutions that will move your business forward and help you to meet your goals. Exceptional Managed Service Providers will ask about your goals and your business often and give you solutions that can help you achieve them.

Diverse Backgrounds and Experience

A quality Managed Service Provider should havea team comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This diversity will encourage further learning and will provide insight into industries like yours, giving the provider the opportunity to give you even better services tailormade for challenges your business may face.

A Solid Reputation

Don’t work with a Managed Service Provider who can’t give you references of happy customers as well as references of long-term customers. Find a Managed Service Provider who is established in their local community and within your industry, and who has been a successful business for at least 10 years.

Consistent Response Times

Your Managed Service Provider should be readily available for you and your team, at all hours of the day, every day of the week. Talk candidly about your expectations and be wary of a provider who cannot guarantee consistent and quick response times during times of IT trouble.

A Service-Based Culture

When you connect with a Managed Service Provider, you gain another member of your business team. Be sure you are choosing a provider who has a culture based on service, success, and the desire to be at the forefront of technology trends.

At RWK IT Services, we are proud to support businesses throughout the local and national area. Our dedication to client success, ongoing education, and preventative measures make us the most exceptional Managed Service Provider in the industry. Call us to talk more about your goals and begin a thorough discovery process so that we can serve you best.