If you know how to choose an MSP, that can significantly impact your business’s efficiency, security, and overall success. With so many options available, how do you determine which MSP is the best fit for your business needs?
This guide will help you choose a managed service provider with confidence, ensuring you find an MSP that aligns with your business goals and offers the services you require.
What are managed IT services and how do they work?
Managed IT services are ongoing, proactive support and management of your business’s IT systems by a third-party provider for a fixed monthly fee. An MSP monitors, maintains, and secures your technology to prevent issues and keep your operations running smoothly.
- Proactive Monitoring: 24/7 watch over your systems to detect issues early.
- Helpdesk Support: On-demand assistance for your team.
- Cybersecurity: Protection against threats like malware and phishing.
- Data Backup & Disaster Recovery: Ensuring your business can recover from any incident.
- IT Strategy: Guidance on technology planning and budgeting.
Key benefits of managed IT services for NZ businesses
Managed IT services help New Zealand businesses stay secure, productive, and focused on growth. By outsourcing your IT, you gain expert support and can concentrate on your core business. Notably, the IT services sector growth in New Zealand is projected to continue, with revenues expected to reach NZ$8.52 billion by 2029.
Key benefits include:
- Predictable IT Costs: A fixed monthly fee makes budgeting simple and avoids unexpected expenses from IT emergencies.
- Enhanced Security: Gain access to enterprise-grade security tools and expertise to protect your data and meet compliance requirements. With 2365 cyberattacks in 2023 affecting hundreds of millions globally, robust security is more important than ever.
- Increased Uptime: Proactive maintenance and monitoring reduce downtime, keeping your team productive.
- Access to Expertise: Benefit from a team of specialists with broad experience across different technologies and industries.
- Scalability: Easily scale your IT support up or down as your business grows or your needs change. The managed services market growth reflects this scalability, with the sector projected to more than double globally by 2033.
Understanding what a managed service provider (MSP) is
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a company that remotely manages your IT infrastructure and end-user systems on a proactive basis. By outsourcing to an MSP, you can focus on your business while experts handle IT support, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and more.
10 tips on how to choose an MSP
When choosing a managed service provider, consider the following tips to ensure you select the right partner for your business:
1. Assess your business needs
Before you start looking for a managed service provider in Christchurch, it’s crucial to understand your own business requirements. Identify the specific IT services you need, such as cybersecurity, disaster recovery, or cloud management. This will help you find an MSP that offers the right solutions for your business.
Assessing your business needs also involves evaluating your current IT infrastructure to determine any gaps or areas that need improvement. This understanding ensures that the MSP can align its services with your business objectives and support your growth.
Additionally, consider how your business needs might evolve so you choose an MSP that can adapt to these changes.
2. Evaluate service offerings
Look for a provider that offers a comprehensive range of services that align with your business objectives. An MSP that provides a wide array of services, including managed IT service, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery, will be better equipped to meet your evolving needs.
Evaluating service offerings helps ensure that the MSP can handle all aspects of your IT operations, from routine maintenance to complex cybersecurity measures. A diverse range of services also means you can consolidate your IT needs with a single provider, simplifying management and reducing costs.
Furthermore, an MSP with comprehensive offerings is more likely to provide customised solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
3. Check for proactive support
Choose an MSP that offers proactive support and maintenance. This means they actively monitor your systems, identify potential issues before they become problems, and provide regular updates and patches to keep your IT infrastructure secure and efficient.
Proactive support minimises downtime and ensures that your systems run smoothly, which directly impacts your productivity. It also demonstrates that the MSP is committed to preventive care rather than just reactive solutions, showcasing its dedication to long-term IT health.
Additionally, proactive maintenance includes performance optimisations that can enhance the overall efficiency of your IT systems, contributing to better business operations.
4. Consider security and compliance
Security is a top concern for businesses of all sizes. Ensure the MSP has robust security measures in place and can help you maintain compliance with industry regulations. This includes protecting your data from cyber threats and ensuring your systems are compliant with standards like GDPR, ISO27001, or PCI-DSS.
A managed IT service provider that prioritises security will implement advanced technologies such as firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. They should also offer regular security audits and employee training programs to bolster your defences. Recent data breach statistics underscore the importance of these measures, as breaches increased by 72% in 2023 with significant financial impact.
Choosing an MSP with strong security and compliance helps protect your business from data breaches and legal risks.
5. Review response times and service level agreements (SLAs)
Response times are critical when it comes to IT support. Review the MSP’s SLAs to ensure they offer timely support and resolve issues. A good MSP should have clear SLAs that outline their response times, ensuring they can quickly address any problems that arise. Fast response times are essential to minimising downtime and maintaining business continuity.
Evaluate how the MSP measures its response and resolution times to ensure transparency and accountability. Additionally, consider if the MSP offers different tiers of support based on your specific needs, allowing you to select an SLA that best fits your business requirements.
6. Examine the MSP’s track record
How to choose an MSP with a proven track record of success? Ask for references and case studies to see how they have helped other businesses. A reputable MSP will have a history of satisfied clients and successful project completions.
Reviewing their track record provides insights into their reliability, expertise, and ability to deliver results.
You can also ask the MSP about their client retention rate, which is a strong indicator of customer satisfaction. Additionally, check for any industry awards or certifications that highlight their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
7. Ensure scalability
Your business needs may change over time, so it’s important to know how to choose an MSP that can scale its services to match your growth. An MSP that offers flexible and scalable solutions will be able to adapt to your changing requirements.
Scalability ensures that your IT infrastructure can support your business expansion without disruptions. An MSP with scalable services can provide additional resources or advanced technologies as your business grows.
Moreover, scalability allows you to efficiently manage costs by paying only for the services you need at any given time, making it a cost-effective approach.
8. Check for industry experience
Experience in your industry can be a significant advantage. An MSP that understands the specific challenges and needs of your industry will be better equipped to provide tailored solutions.
Look for an MSP with experience in your sector, whether it’s healthcare, finance, retail, or another industry. Industry-specific expertise ensures that the MSP is familiar with relevant regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices. This knowledge helps them offer more effective and relevant IT solutions.
An experienced MSP can offer insights that improve your business efficiency and support innovation.
9. Evaluate communication and support
Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. Choose an MSP that offers clear, consistent communication and provides regular updates on your IT systems. Additionally, ensure they offer 24/7 support to address any urgent issues that may arise.
Good communication helps build trust and ensures that both parties are aligned on goals and expectations. Regular updates from the MSP keep you informed about the status of your IT systems and any potential issues.
Furthermore, 24/7 support ensures that you have access to assistance whenever you need it, minimising the impact of any IT disruptions on your business.
10. Assess the MSP’s technology and tools
The right technology and tools can make a significant difference in the quality of service provided. Ensure the MSP uses up-to-date technology and has access to advanced tools for monitoring, managing, and securing your IT infrastructure.
Cutting-edge technology enables the MSP to offer more efficient and effective solutions, enhancing your IT performance. Advanced tools for monitoring and management help detect and resolve issues quickly, reducing downtime.
Modern security tools help protect your business from new cyber threats. Partnering with an MSP using the latest technology keeps your business secure and ready for change.
6 MSP best practices that top managed service providers do
Top MSPs follow these best practices to deliver high-quality service and support: For example, 80% of MSPs perform monthly security hardening for their clients’ Microsoft environments.
1. Proactive monitoring and maintenance
Top MSPs proactively monitor and maintain their clients’ IT systems to prevent issues before they occur. This includes regular system updates, security patches, and performance optimisations. By catching potential problems early, MSPs minimise downtime and enhance overall system performance.
Additionally, proactive maintenance helps to extend the lifespan of IT equipment, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving costs in the long run.
2. Comprehensive security measures
Leading MSPs implement robust security measures to protect their clients’ data and systems from cyber threats. This includes advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. They also provide employee training on cybersecurity best practices to ensure everyone in the organisation contributes to a secure environment.
Regularly updating and patching software to fix vulnerabilities further strengthens the overall security posture. This multi-layered strategy is essential in mitigating the risk of data breaches and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, illustrating how to choose an MSP committed to comprehensive cybersecurity practices.
3. Disaster recovery planning
A good MSP will have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster. This includes regular backups, offsite storage, and a detailed recovery process.
They conduct regular tests of the disaster recovery plan to ensure its effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary. By having a well-prepared recovery plan, businesses can quickly restore operations and minimise losses during unexpected disruptions.
This preparation is crucial for maintaining trust with clients and stakeholders.
4. Customised solutions
Top MSPs understand that every business is unique and requires customised solutions. They work closely with their clients to develop tailored IT strategies that align with their business goals and objectives.
This personalised approach ensures that the IT infrastructure supports the specific needs and growth plans of the business. Customised solutions also allow for greater flexibility and scalability, enabling businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
By providing bespoke IT services, MSPs help clients achieve a competitive advantage.
5. Regular reporting and analytics
As part of how to choose an MSP, effective providers deliver regular reports and analytics to keep their clients informed about their IT systems’ performance and health. This transparency empowers businesses to make informed decisions and plan for future IT needs.
These detailed reports offer insights into system uptime, security incidents, resource utilisation, and more, enabling businesses to pinpoint areas for improvement and optimise their IT strategies.
Regular communication through these reports builds trust and fosters a collaborative relationship between the MSP and the client.
6. Continuous improvement
Leading MSPs are committed to continuous improvement and staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends. They regularly update their skills and knowledge to provide the best possible service to their clients.
This commitment includes ongoing training, attending industry conferences, and adopting new technologies as they emerge. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, MSPs can offer innovative solutions that drive business success.
Continuous improvement ensures that clients receive cutting-edge services and remain competitive in their respective industries. For instance, AI deployment trends in New Zealand show that nearly all organisations are ramping up their investment in advanced technology.
How to choose an MSP in Christchurch with confidence
Choosing the right MSP in Christchurch is a critical decision for your business. By following the tips outlined above and understanding the best practices of top MSPs in Christchurch , you can choose a managed service provider with confidence.
Assess your needs, review MSP offerings, and choose a provider with the right expertise to support your business.
Choosing the right managed IT services provider: next steps for your business
Selecting the right managed IT services provider is a strategic decision that supports your business’s security, efficiency, and growth. By following these guidelines, you can find a partner that truly understands your needs and delivers reliable, proactive support.
If you’re ready to discuss how tailored IT solutions can help your business, contact Oxygen IT today. Our team is here to provide expert advice and support for your operations in Wellington, Christchurch, and across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about managed IT services and MSPs
Fully managed IT means your provider handles all aspects of your IT environment, from daily support to long-term planning. They act as your outsourced IT department so you can focus on your business
Traditional IT services are reactive, helping only when something breaks. Managed services are proactive, with ongoing support to prevent issues and keep your systems running for a fixed monthly fee.
Yes, this is called co-managed IT. An MSP can support your internal team by handling tasks like cybersecurity, helpdesk, or projects, letting your staff focus on business priorities
Most MSPs charge a flat monthly fee per user or device, making costs predictable. This model encourages proactive support to keep your systems running smoothly