In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, having the right IT support can be the cornerstone of a successful business. This guide will walk you through the intricacies of choosing between in-house IT employees and a Managed Service Provider (MSP), including co-managed IT options, how to find the right MSP, and understanding Managed Service Contracts.

In-house IT Employees

Managing an in-house IT team has its benefits, providing you direct control over your IT environment. But it may not be the most cost-effective solution for businesses with fewer than 100 PCs/Servers. You bear the responsibility for training, insurance, and the varied expertise required.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

An MSP offers a depth of support and benefits from collective knowledge. They handle their staff's training and insurance, often at a more affordable rate, especially if you're a small to mid-sized business. MSPs also provide comprehensive services such as cybersecurity training, remote problem-solving, and more.

Co-Managed IT

If you have in-house IT staff, MSPs can work in conjunction with them, a concept known as Co-Managed IT. This approach can bring the best of both worlds, with shared responsibilities, expertise, and freeing up your staff for more targeted tasks.

Finding the Right MSP

Choosing an MSP is not a decision to be taken lightly. You must consider:

• The size of your organization
• The MSP's business size
• Ownership structure
• Tools and technology used
• Experience in your industry
• Special features
• Compliance understanding

Managed Service Contracts

As Tim Taylor, our founder and co-author of "Tech Up or Lose Out," advises, "When it comes to their Managed Service Contract, make sure you understand the fine print. How long is the contract, does it go up annually? What is the process for asking for something outside the contract?" It’s essential to know if you'll be billed extra for after-hours or weekend support.

Is it Time for a NEW MSP?

Use the checklist below to analyze your current provider and determine if you're getting what you pay for. As Tim Taylor emphasizes, "Always ask for a quote for any special project and any MSP that knows what they are doing can give you a flat rate to do a special project, like installing a new server."

• General response time?
• Issue resolution on the first try?
• Consistent staff or different people every time?
• Regular health reports on your network?
• Downtime experiences?
• Backup system reliability?
• Regular meetings and state-of-systems updates?
• Timely equipment delivery and installation?
• Accurate billing most or all of the time?
• Remote issue resolution?
• Feeling nickel and dimed?
• Cybersecurity training for your staff?

Tim further adds, "Ask your employees how happy they are and get their feedback about these questions. You may already know the answers, but getting them to voice their opinion will help you learn more about their experience. If you decide to hire a new company, you are less likely to get resistance from them."

Whether you choose an in-house IT team or a Managed Service Provider, the decision must align with your business size, needs, and growth goals. Considering hiring an MSP to help with your IT? Reach out! We’re happy to help.