The first mistake CIOs make is to choose the lowest cost IT managed service provider rather than going with a partner who understands your industry, is willing to take the time learn your business, and who will assist you in the process of achieving your strategic goals. Resist the urge to bargain shop for managed IT services. Beyond focusing on specific areas including email hosting and CRM, having a managed service provider as an IT partner can free up internal IT staff to focus on more important and strategic projects in the pipeline.
According to the IT industry trade association CompTIA’s Fifth Annual Trends in Managed Services study Three-in-10 MSPs surveyed by CompTIA ranked managed services as the leading generator of revenue in the previous 12 months, second to the 44 percent that pointed to IT solutions such as projects incorporating hardware, software and services, ahead of business model such as value-added resellers (VARs), IT support, and help desk and consulting services.
Organizations are continuing to turn to managed services providers to handle elements of their IT needs as part of a collaborative arrangement with the internal IT department. Companies have become more familiar with managed services and are turning to them for certain IT functions, particularly email hosting, customer relationship management (CRM) applications, storage, security, call recording, backup, recovery, and network monitoring.
You want a partner who can talk about business outcomes and how their services are going to help further your goals from a business perspective, not only a technology perspective. Proven track record is key, especially customer testimonials from existing customers. It should be a red flag if a managed service provider offers a cookie-cutter service-level agreement. Choose a service provider who will craft a customised contract based on your business and needs.
If you are looking for a trusted and seasoned telecommunications company and MSP to assist you with your needs then get in touch with Happy Telecom.
Call 0800 285 1533 or email sales@happytelecom.co.uk