If you’re searching for managed IT services in Dublin, you need to know how to pick the right provider. The decision to opt for managed IT services can result in IT expertise, cost savings, and flexibility for small-to-medium businesses.
However, if you make the wrong decision, you could end up locked into a contract with an MSP that doesn’t meet the needs of your business. The last thing you need is downtime in key business applications or increased susceptibility to cyber-attacks.
This article helps you find the right managed IT services in Dublin or (anywhere else) by focusing on the key questions to ask when evaluating service providers.
Should You Look Locally for Managed IT Services in Dublin?
A key consideration is whether you should focus on finding a local company providing managed IT services in Dublin or if you should broaden your search.
It’s typically more beneficial to work with local companies than fully remote ones. The main reason to go local is that for IT issues that need to be resolved on your premises, someone from the managed service provider can quickly commute to your office.
Another compelling reason to look for local managed IT services in Dublin is that local MSPs operate within the same business climate and environment as you. Local service providers better understand your company’s specific needs and pain points.
Opting to outsource IT needs to a local company also brings a level of in-person interaction that isn’t possible using remote-only or distant services.
What Services Are Offered?
It’s important when evaluating any managed service provider to find out the range and scope of services they provide. Some managed IT services focus on a standard offering for all clients that might include IT functions and support that your business doesn’t really need.
On the contrary, the standardised offering could include exactly what your company needs; you need to ask, though.
Other providers may take a more a-la-carte approach in which you can pick and choose different IT services in line with business needs. Maybe you only want Internet security and server installations. Make sure you find out every service included in the price you’re quoted.
When looking for managed IT services, it’s useful to know what to expect. Most companies should have at least the following services available:
1) On-site Installation and Support
One of the main services to look out for is on-site installation and technical support. Depending on the kind of IT implementation recommended for your business, there might be a need to install various software or hardware on-site.
After installation, it’s a fact of life that technical issues may arise for which your business will need support. The need for on-site assistance is one reason why choosing a Dublin-based MSP is advisable if your business is based in Dublin.
2) Remote monitoring and troubleshooting
Outsourcing some or all of your IT needs to a dedicated team often means they can remotely monitor your network and troubleshoot problems that arise without you even knowing. For many businesses this is the prime reason for outsourcing IT — you benefit from the right solutions while removing the friction of having to monitor and troubleshoot your network.
3) Information security measures
Information security is one of the key IT concerns for any modern business. Securing your valuable data and customer information is a complex task. A good MSP should have at least a basic cybersecurity service that provides some or all of the following:
Installing the latest security patches to keep software and hardware updated
Ensuring your network connections are properly secured
Suggesting the best cybersecurity solutions for your business
An advanced cybersecurity solution typically falls under the scope of a managed security service provider (MSSP). However, advanced solutions may not be necessary for small to medium businesses.
4) Support for cloud-based solutions
The proportion of SMBs using cloud IT services such as backup, storage, or software hosting has catapulted over the last decade. If your business plans to use the cloud, you’ll need help with implementing your desired solutions. In this instance, it’s useful to find an MSP that has knowledge of cloud-based business solutions.
Does The Provider Have Industry Expertise?
Depending on your industry, it might not be enough that your MSP has IT expertise. Often, certain industries have stricter requirements than others around data protection, data processing, and compliance.
Breaking these regulations unintentionally can result in hefty fines for your business. It’s advisable, therefore, that you strongly consider the level of industry-specific experience a provider has before doing business with them.
Even if your industry is not heavily regulated, it’s prudent to partner with a managed services company that understands your industry. Familiarity with your industry means that the MSP has a broad idea of the customer expectations and the technology needed to meet those expectations.
What is the Communication Process?
When it comes to outsourcing a business area as complex and important as IT, it’s critical to ensure transparent and clear communication. The ability of an MSP to provide a high-quality service depends almost as much on its communication abilities as its IT knowledge.
Ask potential managed services about their communication process. You should get clear answers about how you can communicate with them and at what times. You should feel that you can get help with questions or concerns. The MSP should also schedule regular reviews to measure progress against an agreed plan for implementing the IT services and solutions your business needs.
How Will The MSP Reduce Your Costs?
A huge part of the value that an MSP adds to your business comes down to reducing the costs of setting up and maintaining the IT solutions you need. Whether it comes down to advising you on the most cost-efficient technologies, choosing the right servers, or resolving IT issues before they result in costly downtime, the MSP should be able to spell out exactly how they can reduce your costs.
How Is the Company Structured?
It’s helpful to find out how the company is structured before partnering with them. You can ask how many employees the MSP has to gauge whether they can scale with your business.
It’s also worth finding out whether the company’s sole function is in managed IT services. Ideally, you want to work with a true MSP that has expertise in IT rather than a company that tacks managed services on as part of a broader suite of services, such as a digital agency.
Does the Company Stay on Top of IT Trends?
IT is a very dynamic and fast-changing industry. It’s always better to partner with an MSP that stays on top of the latest IT trends. Using outdated systems, processes, or solutions that competitors have moved on from puts your business at a disadvantage. Look for the type of MSP that stays on top of the latest IT trends.
Does the MSP Have Customer References, Case Studies, and Accreditations?
A reliable way to find out whether an MSP is likely to add value to your business is to find out how reputable the company is. Ask the service provider for customer references or case studies that demonstrate how they have added value to businesses like yours in the past.
If the MSP uses particular solutions in their service offerings, check to see that they have the relevant accreditations or certifications. For example, an MSP offering Sonicwall firewalls to secure a company's network. In this example, it would be a good sign if the MSP had Sonicwall certifications as it demonstrates a certain level of expertise.
That wraps up this list of eight questions to ask when choosing the right managed IT services in Dublin. If you want to partner with iPing, contact us today to get in touch about your IT need