Pros and Cons of Working with a Managed IT Service Provider –Objective POV
Interested in the idea of partnering with a Managed Service Provider, but do not know where to start? We have you covered! Here is our list of the pros and cons of your business working with a Managed Service Provider. No misleading here: these are the honest advantages and disadvantages of working with an MSP, written by a current MSP.
Pros:
1. Expertise. Replicating the resources and expertise you gain with an MSP would be extremely expensive. Often having a dedicated cybersecurity specialist, multiple network administrators, a professional services team, a provisioning team, and a help desk.
2. The suite of tools they have access to are oftentimes specialized and expensive. Due to the economies of scale of the computers and networks they support, they can manage and monitor your network at a higher level than internal IT (usually) at a lower cost.
3. They have vast knowledge of technology at hundreds of separate locations. They see what works and does not work in different settings. They are not "siloed" and can introduce you to new and better technology to improve your business operation.
4. Robust processes and documentation to ensure tickets are completed in a timely fashion. There is a mutual incentive to fix problems quickly and ensure service tickets are resolved, which requires doing things right the first time!
5. Allows scaling up and down easily. Pricing is often based on per endpoint or user. As you grow, your technology spending is easy to predict, rather than having to hire an additional IT team member who may not be working at full capacity or even close to it.
Cons:
1. You have access to the resources, but the amount of time you get is much less than if you had an internal team.
2. They will not know the ins and outs of your business-specific applications or vendor nuances like an internal IT person could.
3. Massive variation in the quality and responsiveness of MSPs. It can be difficult to determine which MSP to choose. Support and pricing can vary greatly.
4. Employees do not have contracts usually… Even if you are unhappy with a provider. Oftentimes, there is a minimum of a one-year contract in place.
5. Less direct management of your IT systems – Your provider will have a standard set of tools they implement. If you or your internal IT prefer a diverse set of tools, there will often be a mishmash. This is rarely an issue because most organizations hire a Managed Service Provider, so they do not have to consider these things. However, in rare cases, if they do want to stray away from the recommendations, it could be considered a con for both parties.
Have you read our list and decided that working with a Managed Service Provider may be the right fit for your business? Still, need a bit more convincing? Reach out today for a free consultation to identify your technology and goals! Let us help you, at 877-686-6642.
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