There’s a good reason: 45% of businesses that haven’t yet partnered with a managed IT service provider (MSP) plan to do so soon. MSPs offer increased security, efficiency, and lower costs. However, IT managed service provider challenges can happen with a poor partner.
| “Many business owners are hesitant about outsourcing any aspect of their business in fear that they will either lose control of a vital part of their operations or believe that third parties will cause bottlenecks. Strategically selecting the right partner for your business and personal needs is your key to avoiding that.” – Atul Bhagat, President/CEO, BASE Solutions |
Like any business partner, it’s important to be strategic when working with MSPs. Avoiding challenges isn’t hard, but you do need to know what to watch out for before you sign any contracts.
This article is here to help you recognize the signs of a challenging IT provider. We’ll review 7 common managed service challenges and what to look for during your MSP search to avoid the providers that cause them.
7 Common IT Managed Service Challenges You Can Avoid
1. Lack of Customization
Some MSPs offer one-size-fits-all solutions that don’t cater to specific business needs. As a result, their recommendations may not truly work to solve your issues. To avoid this, look for MSPs that provide tailored services and conduct thorough needs assessments.
Looking for an MSP who works with your industry can also help. However, it’s more important to look for someone who’s willing to get to know you. Two businesses in the same industry aren’t always alike.
2. Hidden Fees
According to CloudSecureTech, working with MSPs can lower your IT costs by 25%. Yet, many MSPs hide additional fees, leaving you paying more and saving less. Luckily, preventing this situation is fairly simple. During your discovery calls, inquire about how costs are structured. If the MSP dodges the question, that’s a sign they may be hiding surprise costs.
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3. Poor Communication
Inadequate communication can lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations. That’s why you should prioritize MSPs who clearly explain their offer and provide straightforward service-level agreements.
It’s ok if you’re not a “techie” person. Even if you don’t fully understand all the technical details, focus on the MSP’s ability to explain what they do and the long-term benefits clearly. The potential results matter more than how the MSP makes them happen.
4. Insufficient Scalability
Some MSPs struggle to scale their services as your business grows. This problem usually occurs with providers that have limited resources. Ensure your MSP can support your growth plans by checking their scalability options and infrastructure capabilities.
Choosing a provider with cloud-based options is also a good idea. Cloud environments are much easier to scale to changing needs than on-premise hardware. Although, it’s worth noting that different cloud environments will suit different needs.
If you’re not sure which is right for you, here’s a quick overview.
| Description | Ideal Use Case | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Cloud | Shared infrastructure managed by a third-party provider. Cost-effective and scalable. | Businesses who need flexibility and cost savings. |
| Private Cloud | Dedicated infrastructure for a single organization. Offers higher security and control. | Organizations with strict data security and compliance requirements. |
| Hybrid Cloud | Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. | Companies who need both strict security and simple scalability. |
| Multi-Cloud | Utilizes multiple cloud services from different providers. Reduces dependency on one provider and improves redundancy. | Organizations looking for resilience and vendor diversification. |
5. Limited Expertise
Most MSPs employ multiple experts who all specialize in different areas of technology. However, if you use highly specialized technology, you’ll need an MSP to accommodate you. Finding someone who has used tools like yours before is helpful. However, an MSP who hasn’t shouldn’t be written off.
The best MSPs are those who are open to learning about new technologies. This will ensure that they can adapt to your unique needs and help you adapt to emerging technologies.
6. Security Gaps
Cybersecurity is crucial to any IT service agreement. While it should go without saying that you need someone who can help you uphold your organization’s security measures, it’s also important to consider how the MSP protects their own systems.
Roughly 75% of all cyber attacks begin with a compromised third party. Therefore, your potential MSP’s own security standards are also your security standards. Even if you aren’t planning to use them for security services, you need assurance that allowing them into your network won’t risk your sensitive data.
7. Inconsistent Service Levels
Although it’s expected that different services will come with different service level packages, you should also expect consistent quality across all tiers. Additionally, you also need assurance that everyone in your organization will receive consistent service. For example, you shouldn’t work with an MSP who better supports your in-office employees over work-from-home staff.
Ensure that the MSP has consistent and well-documented service-level agreements. No matter what service level you choose, it should be abundantly clear what you’ll get. If the service offerings seem murky, low-quality service may be risky.
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Avoid The Common Challenges With Managed IT & Get What You Need
The managed services market is huge, so it’s not always easy to determine who the perfect provider is for you. Knowing what to avoid is one step, but it’s also important to consider what you need. A provider who doesn’t cause challenges may or may not truly be able to fulfill your IT needs.
If you’re looking for a reliable provider, why not start with BASE Solutions?
Our team prioritizes straightforward solutions and practical recommendations. Everything we suggest will be based on what we know about you. You won’t have to worry about receiving technical advice that doesn’t make sense for your business goals.
Contact us today to see how we do it!
