WORKING WITH AN MSP
What is an MSP?
Working with an MSP, Managed Service Provider, means proactive IT support. You are probably very familiar with the older model known as break-fix. This is where if you have a problem with one of your PCs, your network, or your printer, you call your IT tech to come fix it. This is a reactionary system where the tech works to correct issues that have already happened. While this is going on, you may be down and unable to work. If an important device, such as your server, were to go down, your whole office may not be able to function. Imagine the costs in lost productivity and revenue you may experience. But working with an MSP is very different. It’s like having an IT person there in your office, but at a fraction of the cost.
Managed services works from in proactive way. Behind the scenes, each of your PCs are being monitored for signs of impending issues so that they can be addressed before they can cause downtime. Here are some examples:
- UPS batteries are checked to make sure they will work when needed
- PC logs are scanned looking for errors and warnings of hardware issues
- Backups are monitored to ensure they are working as expected
- HIPAA compliance for medical practices and Business Associates
In addition, your PCs are being kept current with all software updates released by vendors to ensure all security patches and bug fixes are resolved.
Cybersecurity is at the forefront of what a good MSP should be monitoring for you. Attacks on your firewall, blocking phishing emails, looking for signs of attacks on your network’s PCs, and stopping malware are all critical for keeping your network and data safe.
So what is a glimpse of what an MSP is doing in the background but what does that mean for you?
Working with an MSP
It all starts with your onboarding. A good MSP should take inventory of your IT assets so that they have a good understanding of everything and how it all works together. This is especially true of more complex environments. From there, we will talk to you about what your goals and needs are for your IT. Are things running well or do you want to see improvements? Do you want to level up and begin using new technologies to improve your offices productivity and efficiency? Regardless of your goals, we can help. Once we have a good understanding of your goals and your IT assets, we will present a plan that helps to address any areas that we feel are critical and also to implement your goals.
Once you accept that plan with any revisions you think are needed, we will execute the plan to get your network protected, current, and running at peek efficiency.
After the initial on-boarding work has been completed, you will be in maintenance mode. We will work to keep your network humming along and working well. But if you do have any problems, we are just a phone call away. Working with an MSP includes unlimited phone support during normal business hours. We can remote in and and resolve about 80% of the issues our clients have right over the phone. No charge and no waiting for a tech to come out.
When you’re working with an MSP, you will find that most of your IT issues are addressed before they even become an issue for you. It also allows you to have a budgeted rate for your IT expenses. You won’t have to worry about a tech running up a bill for loads of time fixing issues that should have been addressed ahead of time.
Iron Comet offers fully managed services for our customers. However, we are a bit different than the average MSP you be using. For example, we provide our Rapid Restore service. This allows us to get you back up and running within two hours from the time arrives onsite, with allowances for the amount of time data takes to transfer. That is our guarantee. Our goal is to minimize your downtime so you can focus on your business. Stop worrying about IT issues and let us handle them.