The Top 10 Challenges of Using Managed IT Services
In today’s hyper-connected world, technological advances make many everyday tasks easier, but any business owner knows that poorly-managed technology can cause problems just as quickly. To avoid these sticky situations, businesses often choose to work with managed IT service providers who have expertise resolving IT issues.
With an industry reportedly worth over $200 billion in the U.S. alone, there is no shortage of managed service providers to choose from. In fact, the industry is projected to reach $283 billion by 2023. However, despite the vast selection, not all managed service providers are able to provide the effective IT solutions that your business needs. Whether it is due to a lack of experience, a disregard for the customer’s best interests or other reasons, some managed service providers may not be able to make your company’s IT dreams come true.
Here are 10 of the largest issues that businesses face when working with managed IT service providers — take a look so that your business can avoid significant pitfalls!
Are Managed IT Services Worth It?
With more than 20 years’ experience providing IT solutions that help businesses run smoothly, our knowledgeable IT experts at tca SynerTech have seen it all and then some. Our team has identified some of the key difficulties that businesses face when dealing with managed IT services.
Choosing A Trustworthy Managed IT Service Provider
Many of the following challenges can be avoided by being highly selective when choosing your company’s managed service provider. Ideally, your MSP will communicate their IT services clearly and work to meet your specific needs. It’s crucial to find an MSP that will respect your expectations. If not, you run the risk of receiving subpar managed IT services with a high price tag.
Misleading Contracts
When it comes to your Service Level Agreement, you must understand the terms of service, fees and various contract conditions offered by your MSP. For example, find out what will happen if you end your contract early. It’s always best to clear up uncertainties before signing with a company than to suffer the consequences later.
Too Many Industry Terms
Sometimes, it’s easy to be intimidated by IT “industry jargon.” Some MSPs even overuse vague, confusing terms as an intimidation strategy. Don’t let this stop you from finding out exactly which services an MSP offers — as a paying customer, you deserve to understand the terms of your contract.
Unexplained Costs
Some MSPs favor utility-style billing, which can fail to reflect up-front costs such as network assessment charges and infrastructure purchases. These fees can be considered capital expenditure costs. Have a conversation with your MSP about your bill in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Incompatible Equipment and Software
In order to stay on top of your IT game, save yourself time and frustration by keeping your equipment up-to-date. For example, cloud-based services may not be compatible with older hardware — help your company progress by recording how often your systems and equipment are upgraded.
Broadband Dependency
Managing your company’s IT services remotely requires a strong, reliable Internet connection with excellent uptime and connectivity. For your business to thrive, keep an eye on bandwidth and redundancy so that your day-to-day operations aren’t delayed by a faulty Internet connection.
Protecting Your Company From Cybersecurity Threats
Beyond the struggle of choosing an honest MSP to handle your company’s IT services, businesses should be concerned about the rising threat of cybersecurity issues. With data breaches and cyber attacks becoming more and more sophisticated, make sure that your company is protected.
Trust the Experts to Keep Your Data Safe
Unfortunately, no business is immune to the cyber attacks and threats that lurk in today’s cybersphere. However, you can take steps to shield your company from these cybersecurity threats and potential data breaches by entrusting your managed services to experienced IT experts. Make sure that your MSP has ample experience dealing with cybersecurity issues so that your confidential information is never compromised.
Making Sense of Your IT Options
Surrounded by seemingly infinite technological advances and IT service options, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed as a business owner or manager. If you are having trouble discerning the next right step for your business’ IT services and overall growth, our trusty tca SynerTech professionals are here to help.
Clearly State Expectations
Your company’s managed IT services provider has the power to drastically improve your business’ performance on numerous fronts. Maintain an open dialogue with your MSP to set achievable goals and steadily grow your business. Your Service Level Agreement should explicitly state the services, prices and conditions of your MSP’s offering.
Spell It Out
A solid Service Level Agreement is the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship with your MSP. Don’t be nervous to state your expectations — be clear about response time, data security services, privacy agreements and performance targets. If it’s important to you, put it in writing.
Navigating Compliance Regulations
With increasingly strict compliance regulations in numerous industries, it’s not hard to get lost in a sea of rules, standards and guidelines. Your MSP is your designated resource for compliance questions and uncertainties. Ask different MSPs about compliance to understand how they might be able to help you.
Invest In Managed IT Services That Improve Your Business
Choosing the right managed IT services provider can be a daunting task, especially considering the various challenges that business owners face when working with an MSP. Despite these difficulties, reliable, knowledgeable managed IT service providers like tca SynerTech are eager to provide outstanding IT services that will pave your company’s way to success.
For over two decades, we have created IT solutions for companies just like yours — prepare to watch your business flourish with the help of our tailor-made IT services that are unmatched in today’s market. Serving businesses from Grand Rapids, Michigan to South Bend, Indiana, our team of experts is ready to revolutionize your approach to IT. For more information, give us a call at (269) 428-7000 or book a meeting with a tca SynerTech professional. We can’t wait to hear from you!
