Managing various portfolios on the cloud has become rather tedious. Although companies previously managed their portfolios without external assistance, this is no longer the case, as cloud computing has become quite advanced in the past decade.
Cloud technologies are evolving rapidly, with new features being added almost every fortnight. Although the tech stays relevant with new features, it can become rather arduous for the client to navigate through the massive cloud.
This is where IT managed services providers have chipped in. Why Managed Services? Managed IT services are now a lucrative area as clients have a plethora of needs that need to be optimized on the preferred cloud technologies.
However, today’s fast-paced world demands that you make the right choice when selecting IT managed service providers (MSPs).
Also Read: Why Managed Services? A Glance At Emergence, Present And Future!
5 Things to Consider to Select the Right MSP
So, how do you make the right choice? Isn’t that a vexing question? It’s understandable—after all, the company’s future may hinge on selecting the right MSP. Choosing among various managed IT service providers can be overwhelming. To make things simpler for everyone, we have listed the key criteria that will help you decide on the right partner for your managed IT services:
1) Flexibility
When migrating to the cloud, you enter an ironclad agreement with the MSP on what should be done. However, after the migration, you often want to integrate other features. As this is beyond the MSP’s purview, it results in additional expenses and wasted effort. So, instead, educate yourself on what you can integrate with the cloud. This will be possible only when the MSP has enough diligence to educate you and go the extra mile.
For instance, Veritis took on a client who didn’t know how to leverage Kubernetes and required it to be integrated with their existing infrastructure. Given their unique requirements, which would have been pricey on Windows infrastructure, the in-house experts built a cost-effective but reliable solution on the Linux ecosystem. This is the flexibility that a client must look for in an MSP, as requirements are not always set in stone.
Also Read: How Managed IT Services Help Industries ‘Scale-up’ Performance?
2) Security
Security should not be compromised. When approaching the MSP, make sure they understand that security is a priority. It should be made amply clear that the MSP should not divulge any confidential data or anything that could threaten its stability. An MSP is good in this aspect if it has amassed a formidable track record regarding client security and confidentiality.
Additionally, an MSP is beneficial when equipped with native security and fail-safe protocols to protect the cloud ecosystem from both internal and external threats. The MSP’s pitched security strategies should also align with your compliance policies.
3) Hybrid and Multi-cloud Support
Gone are the days when clients relied on a single public cloud setup. The world’s expanding needs have paved the way for hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Although the idea of having the best of all worlds is enticing, managing multiple clouds isn’t easy—it requires solid expertise across all major platforms. While some organizations choose to work with multiple MSPs, coordinating with them can become cumbersome. Instead, it’s more efficient to opt for a single MSP that has deep experience across all three dominant clouds.
Be it AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, the MSP should be agile enough to tailor its managed services offerings to meet diverse client needs. This helps reduce the coordination and communication challenges often encountered with hybrid or multi-cloud strategies. If hiring multiple MSPs becomes a necessity, it’s crucial to understand each provider’s managed services offerings and support capabilities. That insight will empower you to make a well-informed decision about which MSP best aligns with your goals.
Also Read: 9 Ways Managed IT Services Help Your Business (Infographic)
4) Assess the MSP’s Performance
Talent and knowledge are never wasted. If the MSP indeed has the caliber, then the company must have performed well over the years and should have the potential to continue growing. If the MSP shows promise of improvement, that would only mean the company will add more skills as it grows. You can also arrive at this decision if you know their roadmap. This will allow you to get their bearings regarding how they have chosen to proceed.
5) Exit Strategy
A good MSP will have an exit strategy planned and in place. Given the many variables and unique needs of clients, there is no guarantee that the first MSP will be the best choice. One ought to consider that and realize there should be an exit strategy.
This approach should not be confused with having a foot out the door. One must be pragmatic enough to realize that maintaining a cloud infrastructure is a business transaction, not a relationship. So, when evaluating managed IT providers, look for one with a clear and unified exit strategy. This will ensure a smooth transition if needed, and should only be finalized after thorough due diligence.
Also Read: How Application Managed Services Help?
Capping it off
In today’s world, finding the right person for the job is complex. This is due to various reasons. But your search ends at Veritis, a trusted managed IT infrastructure services provider that has offered managed IT services in Texas for over 20 years. With a strong industry presence, we have developed reliable and flexible solutions for a wide range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to growing businesses, tailored to their unique needs and business goals.
Backed by 100% quality assurance and a track record of 100% client satisfaction, Veritis stands out with a team of AWS, Azure, and GCP Certified consultants. We are also trusted partners of prominent tech leaders, such as HashiCorp and AWS, which equips us with the tools and insights to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
With deep expertise across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, we help organizations of all sizes navigate their infrastructure needs. Collaborate with Veritis and walk away with a future-ready solution tailored to help your business thrive.
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