Across the globe, people produce about 2.5 quintillion bytes of data each day. This high figure is a combination of not only individuals but businesses as well.
Because of this growing amount of data, it’s important that your SMB gets managed IT support services to keep your network running smoothly and efficiently. It’s also important that you make the most of these services upon accessing them. Read on to learn how you can get the best possible ROI from your IT services provider.
1. Work With a Reputable Managed IT Provider
There are hundreds of managed service providers for every industry. It’s important that you consider their qualifications and your needs before making any decisions.
You likely will initially be drawn to providers and packages with low rates. This makes sense since no one wants to pay an arm and a leg for IT services that they could get inexpensively. Unfortunately, if rates seem too good to be true, the MSP probably does not have much experience or the package will not be very inclusive.
Make sure to ask several questions before hiring a provider, including:
- What type of payment model do you use?
- What does the specific package I’m looking at include?
- Do you offer on-premise or remote services? If both, which is better for my needs?
- How much experience does your business/your team have?
- Have you previously worked with businesses in my industry?
- What sets you apart from competitors?
- How much communication do you usually have with clients?
Consider all answers carefully before making your decision.
You also should go online and look at reviews of the MSP that you’re considering. Weigh the pros and cons that previous clients talk about. If you have any post-research questions, ask the MSP themselves for clarification.
2. Identify Your Business’s Specific Needs
No IT plan is one-size-fits-all. Smaller businesses need fewer services so they don’t spend unnecessary funds on things they won’t use. However, as they grow, they’re going to require a higher degree of support.
You’re going to want to look at your business size and determine your needs. This usually means selecting a scalable service that can grow with you.
It’s also a good idea to choose a provider that has previously worked with businesses in your industry. A B2B software provider will have different IT needs than a small B2C bookstore. Larger enterprises like university campuses will need more support than a grade school will.
The bottom line is that you need to identify what your business does with data and how you will best benefit from managed IT support services. Make sure to ask what the provider can do for your specific business. Give them all the information that they’ll need so you can get the most accurate answer possible.
Additionally, you’ll want to work with a service that offers both on-site and remote IT services. This means that the provider is better-rounded and more knowledgeable about holistic IT support. They also can help you choose which option is right for you based on your business size, your physical space, how many remote workers you have, and more.
3. Communicate With Intention
Once you have an MSP, you’re going to need to communicate with them extensively. It’s extremely important that both parties are always up to date on important issues regarding your business’s IT. The provider will have a better understanding of what you need including IT strengths and vulnerabilities.
To make the most of IT support services, you also should immediately notify them of any troubleshooting requirements. For example, if your network goes down, calling your MSP should be #1 on your list of things to do. They can pull up metrics for your system, look for any blips that may exist, and fix the problem to prevent downtime.
You also need to be proactive in your communications. Ask about any available updates or upgrades that you can purchase if you identify areas where you need more assistance. Let MSPs know when you implement a new communication system or create a new server to expand data storage.
Open and honest communication can help you keep your business ahead of the curve. 84% of consumers state that website functionality and design make a business look more reputable. MSPs can ensure that your site runs quickly, loads easily, and is secure enough to keep consumers safe.
Your reputation will increase along with your efficiency!
4. Gather Analytics Data
Top managed IT support services will gather analytical data about your business’s technology. In order to make the most of your managed IT support services, talk to your provider about what information they gather.
Providers will tell you what kind of analytics they offer and give you guidance on how to implement the data into your daily operations. You can use it in tandem with data that you independently gather about your website and network.
Make sure that you routinely inquire about operations analytics with your MSP. Figure out based on these figures what services are no longer necessary so that you can cut back on unneeded expenses.
Data can also help you find and fix issues with your processes and workflows. This is a good way to boost your enterprise’s efficiency effectively.
Optimize Your Network Operations Today
Now that you know how to get the most out of managed IT support services, it’s time to get started. Premier Networx is committed to helping your business achieve its full potential with both on-site and remote services.
We’re proud to offer top-notch customer support, flexible contracts, and constant system monitoring for security and technical purposes. Contact us to inquire about our Augusta IT services today.