Remote vs. Physical Access

Most MSPs offer remote tech support, storage, hosting, and management. Many smaller companies today now host their email and important documents on a remote cloud-based data center.  It’s not only more cost effective but allows for easy access on and off site, as well as enhanced project coordinating capabilities.

MSPs can also send people on-site when the need arises, where national cloud-based providers can’t.  So it’s important to select an MSP near your office location. When a machine doesn’t run properly, you need the assistance of the company that can pay an on-site visit.   However, in many instances MSPs can solve the problem using remote services. A good MSP will also build redundancies into your IT system to avoid work downtimes, and to prevent lost data.

What Should a Small Business Look for in a MSP?

If a proposal is full of jargon and acronyms, this is a red flag. MSPs should be able to explain, in plain business terms, exactly what they’re providing and you’re receiving. Ask questions to ensure you’re clear about ongoing expenses.  It’s the MSPs responsibility to make these clear and predictable. Ask what you’ll be paying during the first year? After three years? Five years?

What IT Services Should Small Businesses Plan For?

Consider everything from the keyboard to business data. — Most importantly, email, data, and protection. Then there’s connectivity, from employee’s homes to the office and accessibility using mobile devices. Also be sure to plan what applications you’ll need such as Word and Excel. And absolutely ensure you have a business continuity plan and disaster recovery plan for security protection and accessibility of data no matter the circumstance.

How Much Money Can Be Saved Using an MSP?

There are huge savings available in staffing as mentioned previously. An in-house IT technician will cost you more than $70K a year, and you’ll only get the expertise of one person rather than the full team of IT experts at your MSP. Plus, most companies can save $30,000 to $60,000 in hardware if they start using hosted services.  

After considering all the data, there’s no question that for your small business outsourcing IT to an MSP is your best choice. With an MSP overseeing your system, you can focus on your business concerns rather than IT.