7 Key Questions to ask a Managed Service Provider
*Updated 31 January 2025*
The Evolving Role of IT and Managed Services
CIOs and IT departments today face an increasing number of pressures driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving business needs. The list of emerging technologies continues to grow, bringing new complexities and opportunities:
- Cloud Computing & Hybrid IT
- Cybersecurity & Zero Trust Frameworks
- Artificial Intelligence & Automation
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Edge Computing
- Remote & Hybrid Work Enablement
- Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Collaboration Tools
To stay competitive, organisations must not only adopt these technologies but also ensure they are effectively managed, optimised, and secure. However, the pace of innovation often outstrips internal IT capabilities, leading many businesses to seek support from Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
Why Partner with a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
Partnering with an MSP can alleviate many of the challenges associated with maintaining a complex IT environment. By outsourcing IT operations, organisations can:
- Enhance efficiency and scalability
- Improve security and compliance postures
- Gain access to advanced expertise and emerging technologies
- Reduce operational costs
- Free up internal teams for strategic initiatives
However, choosing the right MSP is critical. Not all providers are created equal, and failing to vet them properly can lead to poor service, security vulnerabilities, and misalignment with business goals. To help you make an informed decision, here are seven fundamental questions to ask when evaluating an MSP.
7 Key Questions to Ask a Managed Service Provider
- Will the MSP Support Our Strategy Now and in the Future? Your IT strategy should align with your overall business objectives. An MSP should have a clear understanding of your strategic vision and demonstrate the ability to support your growth, whether it involves cloud migration, digital transformation, or cybersecurity enhancement.
- Does the MSP Have the Necessary Expertise and Resources? The right MSP should have the technical expertise, industry experience, and bandwidth to support your IT environment effectively. Ask about their certifications, partnerships with key technology vendors, and experience in your industry.
- Will the MSP Act as a Trusted Advisor? An MSP should be more than just a service provider; they should function as an extension of your IT team, proactively identifying challenges, recommending solutions, and keeping you informed about industry trends and emerging threats.
- Does Their Service Portfolio Cover All Our Needs? Technology needs can change rapidly, and it’s crucial that your MSP offers a broad and flexible portfolio of services. From cloud solutions to cybersecurity, network management, and compliance, ensure they can provide comprehensive coverage tailored to your requirements.
- What Tools and Analytics Do They Offer for Proactive Management? An effective MSP should utilise advanced monitoring, diagnostic, and analytics tools to anticipate problems before they impact operations. Understanding how they track and resolve issues can help you assess their proactive capabilities.
- Do They Offer a Single Point of Contact for Issue Resolution? When IT issues arise, quick resolution is key. A strong MSP should provide a dedicated account manager or a single point of contact who can quickly escalate and coordinate issue resolution with specialised teams.
- Do They Understand Our Business and Compliance Needs? Every organisation has unique challenges, regulatory requirements, and operational priorities. A good MSP should take the time to understand your industry-specific needs, compliance obligations, and security concerns to offer tailored solutions.
Making an Informed Decision
Selecting an MSP is a significant decision that impacts the efficiency, security, and success of your IT operations. By asking these seven critical questions, you can ensure that your chosen provider aligns with your strategic goals, enhances your IT capabilities, and delivers long-term value.
Why Choose Us as Your Trusted MSP Partner?
We are a consultative integrator specialising in business communications and managed services. Our expertise spans cloud solutions, cybersecurity, network management, and unified communications, ensuring that our clients receive end-to-end IT support tailored to their unique needs. As a strategic partner, we don’t just manage your IT—we enhance it, optimising performance, security, and cost-effectiveness while aligning with your long-term business goals.
