Working With Managed IT Service Providers – What To Expect

Managed IT services have become an essential part of businesses, especially for small and medium-sized businesses in Brisbane that cannot afford to have a dedicated IT department.

MSPs, like 9spheres Technologies offer a range of valuable IT services, from video conferencing and infrastructure to cloud computing and cybersecurity. However, working with a managed IT service provider comes with its own set of challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common challenges businesses face when working with MSPs and offer solutions to help you navigate them.

Communication Breakdowns

One of the most significant challenges businesses face when working with managed IT service providers is communication breakdowns. IT jargon can be confusing making it hard for business owners to communicate their needs and expectations effectively. Additionally, IT service providers may not always be transparent about their services, pricing, or timelines.

To overcome this challenge, it’s essential to establish clear lines of communication with your managed IT service provider from the outset and work with an MSP that doesn’t confuse you with technical jargon.

Our managed IT services include setting expectations with our clients for communication channels and frequency, defining the scope of services, and discussing any potential roadblocks upfront. We keep the IT jargon simple and make sure that we understand your needs properly from day one. We offer regular check-ins and reporting to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that any issues are addressed promptly.

IT Vendor Lock-In

Another significant challenge businesses face when working with managed IT service providers is vendor lock-in. Many IT service providers require businesses to sign long-term contracts that make it difficult to switch providers if their needs change or the provider’s services are no longer adequate. This can result in business owners feeling trapped or unable to seek better service elsewhere.

To avoid vendor lock-in, it’s essential to thoroughly research your options before signing a contract with a managed IT service provider. This includes checking their reputation, references, and service level agreements (SLAs). SLAs should outline the provider’s obligations and performance metrics, as well as any penalties for failing to meet them.

Choosing to work with 9spheres Technologies means choosing 100% flexible packages with no lock-in contracts. We don’t tie you down with unreasonable contracts.

Cybersecurity Threats

As cyber attacks become more sophisticated businesses are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches and other online threats. Managed IT service providers play a crucial role in protecting your business from these threats.

However, they can also be a source of serious risk if they fail to implement proper security measures or lack staff that are sufficiently skilled in this area. It’s essential to choose a MSP that’s known for their cybersecurity expertise.

Lack of Customisation

Many providers offer a one-size-fits-all approach to IT services which may not align with a business’s unique operational needs or goals.

At 9spheres Technologies we offer you customised packages. It’s important that we understand your IT infrastructure, budget and long-term goals upfront and offer a tailored solution that meets those needs. Our packages are highly flexible. You can add or remove services as your business scales providing you with a more cost effective solution.

IT Support

Possibly one of the biggest challenges businesses in Brisbane face with their IT company is support. Being left in the dark or trying to decipher technical jargon is frustrating when you just need your IT to work. Pick a provider that is known for their excellent IT support.

Limited Expertise

When you start out your business may just need reliable internet, Microsoft 365, desktops and a few basic IT services. The challenge comes in as you grow and your MSP isn’t able to supply more complex support services and additional infrastructure.

You may find that you need things like video conferencing solutions, VoIP, managed cloud services and complex network configurations. Bringing in a second IT provider or changing companies can be complicated. It’s better to choose a managed IT service provider that you can partner with for many years to come.

Data Management

Data management is not something that most business owners think about until critical data is lost. Managing and protecting data is a crucial part of IT management. It can be challenging to keep track of all that information across multiple systems, ensure data accuracy and prevent security breaches.

Choose an MSP who’s experienced at this and can help you back up data, store your information securely, and provide an effective recovery plan.

IT Infrastructure Management

Again, this is a key area of any modern business that most owners don’t think about until something goes wrong. The challenge is that some IT providers aren’t proactively monitoring infrastructure or fail to communicate clearly about important actions that are required.

Maintaining an organisation’s IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and networks, requires significant resources and expertise. IT infrastructure must be continually monitored and updated to ensure optimal performance.

Make sure your managed service provider is proactively monitoring your infrastructure and is also working together with you to plan for unavoidable future IT costs.

Integration Of New Technologies

For some businesses, their managed IT service provider is someone they only call when things go wrong. But a good managed It service provider is someone who’s at the forefront of new business technologies. They could be offering you advice and new ideas that can streamline your operations.

Choose The Right IT Service Provider

With 9spheres Technologies your business will benefit from clear communication, flexible packages, expert cybersecurity and a customised solution. Chat to us and let us know what IT services your business needs today.