The global managed services market size reached $238.71 billion in 2021. By 2030, the industry could grow by a CAGR of 13.8%, potentially reaching $680.08 billion. More businesses are relying on managed service providers!
If your business hasn’t requested managed services yet, it’s time to give it serious thought.
Not sure who to trust for outsourced IT support?
Here are seven tips for choosing a managed service provider in Los Angeles that can help.
With these tips, you can make an informed choice based on your company’s needs. Read on to learn more.
1. Establish a Budget
Before you begin researching and interviewing managed service providers, establish your IT support budget. Establishing your budget ahead of time can help you narrow down your list of options.
When you begin comparing managed service providers, ask at least three companies for an itemized list of the services they offer. Determine how they calculate their pricing and what’s included with each quote.
Make sure you get every quote you receive in writing. Having a written quote will ensure you can hold the company accountable for its pricing.
Requesting more than one estimate can also help you comparison shop. If one company’s pricing is astronomically higher than the rest, determine why.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when choosing a managed service provider is selecting the cheapest option available. A company might set higher prices if they offer access to premium tools and services.
Determine if the company is able to scale its pricing too. For example, they might offer different packages. Determine if they can develop a customized plan (and price) based on your IT support needs.
Choosing a company that offers scalability can benefit your business in the long run. You can choose additional services as your company grows. If you realize you’re not using the tools or support you requested, you can scale down instead.
These companies will ensure you never pay for more than you need.
2. Outline Your IT Support Needs
To make an informed decision when choosing a managed service provider, outline your needs and IT goals.
For example, maybe you want your team to start working remotely to reduce overhead fees. Consider cloud computing services. Your team can work from anywhere in the world while collaborating with ease.
You’ll also want to find a local IT support company near you. So a Southern California based company would search for Los Angeles IT services to find a provider in your neck of the woods.
Perhaps you’re concerned about cybercrime and vulnerabilities. Consider prioritizing IT cybersecurity services instead.
As you begin interviewing providers, they should take the time to learn about your business, industry, employees, and customers. Prioritize providers that care about your unique needs. These companies will determine the appropriate strategies to help your business grow and thrive.
If the company doesn’t ask about your business, they’ll likely use a one-size-fits-all approach to your IT support. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your business is unique and therefore has unique needs.
Finding a provider that cares about your needs and goals can help you develop a path toward success.
3. Request Outsourced Tech Support References
Learn more about each managed service provider by talking to business owners who were once in your position. Ask each provider you interview if they can provide at least three references. If they can’t, it’s likely they haven’t been in business long enough to have long-term, loyal clients.
Check online for client reviews as well.
Have a list of questions you want to ask each client you speak with, such as:
- Is the provider experienced and knowledgeable
- What services do you utilize
- Are you satisfied with their work
- Do they have quick response times
- Did you experience problems
Look for a managed IT services provider who already has a solid reputation in the managed services industry. These companies will work hard to preserve their good name by offering the best possible services.
4. Review Each Local IT Support Company’s Services
Outlining your IT needs and goals can help you determine what IT support services you need.
If you need a specific service, look for a managed IT provider that specializes. If you need multiple services, look for a jack-of-all-trades. You can rely on a single team for the multiple IT support services you need.
For example, you might need:
- 24/7 monitoring and support
- Antivirus and intrusion protection
- Collaboration/UCAAS
- Data backup and protection
- Disaster recovery/BCP
- IT consulting/vCIO
- Server virtualization
You can learn more about all-inclusive managed IT services here.
Look for a company that can improve your cybersecurity. About 47% of small businesses have no idea how to protect themselves from an attack. Nearly 70% say their biggest concern is customer data.
Improving your security can help your doors stay open while improving your reputation.
5. Discuss Their Approach
Learn more about each company’s approach to IT support.
For example, how will you submit a support ticket? Determine if you’ll work with a dedicated technician too. Look for a company with an efficient process in place to ensure you’ll receive the help you need promptly.
6. Consider Response Times
Look for a company with a large team. If they only have a few IT specialists on staff, you might have to wait hours (or even days) for support. Slow response times can cause downtime, hurting your team’s productivity.
Instead, find an IT support company that can respond when you need help. Look for companies that offer around-the-clock support, too.
It will also be beneficial if the areas they serve are less than an hour from your business in case an emergency onsite visit is necessary.
The further away, the longer the potential downtime in the case of a cyberattack or server outage.
7. Prioritize Their Experience
As you research each company on your list, it’s important to find an established IT-managed service provider. An established business has years of experience in the industry. They can leverage their experience and expertise to help your business accomplish distinct goals.
Determine if they have experience helping businesses within your industry too. These teams will have a better understanding of your needs, customers, and operations.
They can help you develop a customized plan to ensure you receive the IT support you need most.
Find a Los Angeles Managed Service Provider Today
Don’t rush to hire the first managed service provider in Los Angeles you call. Instead, use these seven tips to make an informed choice. The right managed service provider will help your business grow for years to come.
Choose the best IT support possible today.
Need help right away? We can provide the tools you need to succeed.
Contact us Be Structured Technology Group to learn more.
