7 Deadly Sins of Managed IT Services: Tips to Avoid the wrong MSP

7 Deadly Sins of Managed IT Services: Tips to Avoid the wrong MSP

Tip to avoid choosing the wrong managed IT Services Provider

Anytime you embark on a new relationship in your personal life, your friends and family ask if there are any red flags. The same goes for choosing an IT provider, or any critical business relationship for that matter. But knowing what those red flags are come with dating experience. The IT services industry evolves quickly, and if you’ve been working with the same IT company for several years, you might not be up to speed on what good looks like in the current marketplace, and thus, not equipped to identify those red flags.

The wrong Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) can have significant implications for your business, ranging from increased downtime and security vulnerabilities to financial losses and damaged reputation. A subpar MSP may lack the necessary expertise, responsiveness, or reliability to effectively manage and support your IT infrastructure, leading to frequent disruptions and inefficiencies. Moreover, inadequate cybersecurity measures and compliance oversights could expose your business to data breaches and regulatory penalties.

If you’re wondering if your IT company is up to snuff, here are several indicators it’s time to re-evaluate your MSP:

1. Reactive Support and Unresolved Issues:

   Are you running into the same technical issues repeatedly? Unresolved technical problems can disrupt operations, causing downtime and frustration among your team. Your IT company should be working to identify root cause of your problem rather than troubleshooting symptoms. When your current MSP consistently delivers reactive support and struggles to resolve issues promptly, it can significantly hinder your business’s productivity. A reliable MSP should proactively monitor your systems, identify potential issues before they become a problem for your users, and provide swift resolutions to minimize disruptions.

2. Lagging in Technology:

   This might seem Using outdated technologies because your current MSP fails to stay abreast of the latest advancements can put your business at a competitive disadvantage. Technology evolves rapidly, leveraging cutting-edge solutions can enhance efficiency, security, and innovation within your organization. A proactive MSP should continuously evaluate emerging technologies and recommend relevant upgrades to help your business stay ahead of the curve. If your MSP is not talking to you about the cloud and how

3. Cybersecurity Neglect:

   In today’s digital age, cybersecurity threats pose a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. If your current MSP does not prioritize cybersecurity measures or fails to implement robust defenses against cyber threats, your business is left vulnerable to potentially devastating security breaches. A reputable MSP will prioritize cybersecurity as one of their service pillars and take the steps to assess your cybersecurity posture, implement comprehensive security protocols, and provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard your sensitive data and protect your business from cyberattacks.

4. Lack of Strategic Guidance:

   If your current MSP focuses solely on technical support without engaging in strategic discussions about your business goals and challenges, it’s a clear indicator of a mismatch. A valuable MSP should act as a trusted advisor, understanding your unique business objectives and offering tailored IT solutions to support them. Strategic alignment between your technology infrastructure and business objectives is essential for driving long-term success.

5. High Turnover Rates:

   A high turnover rate for a managed IT services provider can be a red flag because it indicates instability within the company, leading to potential disruptions in service delivery and inconsistent support for clients. Additionally, it may suggest underlying issues such as poor management, lack of employee satisfaction, or inadequate training, which could negatively impact the quality and reliability of the IT services provided. This instability could ultimately result in decreased efficiency, increased downtime, and compromised cybersecurity for clients, undermining their trust and confidence in the provider’s ability to meet their needs effectively.

6. Billing Confusion and Transparency concerns:

   If deciphering your MSP’s billing statements feels like solving a puzzle, it’s a red flag. Transparent and straightforward billing practices are essential for maintaining trust and accountability in your business relationship. Your MSP should provide detailed invoices that clearly outline the services rendered, associated costs, and any additional fees, ensuring transparency and facilitating budget planning.

7. Project Backlogs:

   If your business consistently struggles to get on your MSP’s schedule due to project backlogs or a perceived lack of priority, it’s a sign of inadequate resource management. Your MSP should prioritize your business’ needs and allocate resources efficiently to ensure timely delivery of services and projects. A responsive MSP understands the importance of addressing your concerns promptly and making your business a priority.

As a business leader, recognizing these red flags can help you assess whether your current MSP is effectively supporting your needs or if it’s time to explore alternative options. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

At Proper Sky, we’re focused setting you up for success from the beginning and delivering exceptional IT support at every stage of your business. If you’re unhappy with the level of service you’re getting from your current MSP or would like to discuss what a partnership would look like with our Philadelphia-based MSP,  let’s set up a quick call to get the conversation going today.