How to Get the Most Value Out of Your MSP Services

Managed service providers (MSPs) offer a lot of value to enterprises that are otherwise unable to carry out IT-related activities on their own. Many MSPs provide multiple types of solutions, so it is important that you and your provider are both aware of the scope of the services you will receive. A service level agreement (SLA) is designed to just that, as it is essentially a contract that outlines the details of the ongoing services that an MSP will perform for your company. That said, just because an SLA exists does not mean that you are taking full advantage of everything your MSP services have to offer. Read on as we discuss a couple ways to get the most value from your contract.

Cut Out the IT Middleman.

Businesses that are accustomed to a break-fix model prior to leveraging MSP services are often used to an arrangement where they have an internal employee screening each IT issue before it is handed over to the provider. This is because using the break-fix model means that every single time the provider is contacted, it costs the organization money. This mindset can act as a hindrance when businesses switch over to managed services if the appropriate changes are not made. In fact, routing tech problems through someone internally first as opposed to directly engaging an MSP can delay the MSP’s response, thereby preventing the company from maximizing the value of their contract. 

Part of your MSP’s job is to identify IT-related subjects that your team might need more training on and problematic pieces of equipment. Having an IT “middleman” perform these tasks undermines the need for a third-party provider at all. Therefore, firms should eliminate any in-house intermediaries that might exist and simply let their MSPs do what they do best.

Don’t Exclude Your MSP From Important Planning Stages. 

When a company is considering implementing a new technology (such as software, hardware, an online application, and so on), they often fail to consult their MSP prior to purchasing it. Failing to contact your IT provider beforehand can lead to a lot of headaches in terms of integrating the new tech into your business’s existing IT infrastructure. 

Instead, it is always better to involve your MSP in the early planning stages, as they can usually help firms choose the software that is best suited for their needs. Your MSP’s software selection and product evaluation processes can provide your enterprise with additional value because it helps you gain a better understanding of what is required for certain technologies to work in your current IT environment. This input can speed up the decision process, as it helps businesses narrow down their options. Moreover, your MSP can give you more insight on additional costs or risks that are involved with the adoption of new tech. For example, MSPs should be able to tell you whether the implementation will require additional security, another server, additional networking, or another adjustment in order to run smoothly. Including your IT provider in the planning process can help you ensure that your organization is fully aware of the total cost of ownership of the software/equipment before investing in it. 

Are you in the market for MSP services? If so, contact us at TXSG today to learn more about the value we can offer your business through our BrightStar Managed IT Services. 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Outsourced IT Services for Startups

Many startup businesses take the approach of doing everything in-house, as their budgets are usually tighter than more established enterprises’. However, as your company grows, you will need to begin expanding your reach and competing with larger organizations in your industry. When thinking about expansion, it is a good idea to consider outsourcing your IT services for your new company. While outsourcing IT services for startups can be a great idea, it might not be a good fit for every business. Below are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of hiring a trusted third-party IT company to manage all things technology for your new firm.

The Pros

IT services for startups and small businesses are surprisingly affordable.

When you enlist the help of a third-party IT company that provides flexible options in terms of pricing and services, you will save money in the long run. This is because IT companies that offer a wide array of packages to cover various clients’ needs are able to better hone in on what features best suit your company’s IT requirements. For example, TXSG’s BrightStar Remote Managed IT Service package offers services that are tailored to a remote workforce so that you are not paying for a service that would be a better fit for an in-office team.

Experts are available to handle complicated IT issues.

There is nothing that is more comforting than knowing that any of your startup’s IT hiccups can be quickly and effectively handled by a team of experienced IT experts. These experts are problem-solvers that can provide support when a minor – or major – IT issue arises. IT emergencies can impede on the progress of large corporations, but for startups, the results can be significantly more devastating. When IT problems cause a big client to go a different direction, or if your network experiences security issues, it can take your new business weeks or even months to recover.

The Cons

You will not need an in-house team.

If your goal is to have an in-house IT team in the future but you do not currently have the time or resources to do so, then it might just be the perfect time for you to outsource your IT services. While in-house IT support is great for some organizations, not all companies run the same way, especially newer startups. In the long run, the overhead, training, and employee contracts can actually add up to a more costly solution than simply turning over the technology duties to an outsourced team.

If you find that you are spending too many hours focused on IT woes instead of your company’s own core offerings, it might be time to call in the experts. Here at TXSG, we offer services tailored to unique high-tech startups. We know that brand new businesses have a tendency to expand quickly, so our scalable IT solutions are perfect for your growing list of needs. To learn more, contact us today.