Central New York Businesses: What is a Managed Service Provider?

Technology is the backbone of every modern business, no matter its size or industry and a managed service provider is the chiropractor. A well-managed IT infrastructure can be the difference between success and struggle. The right technology enables companies to operate more efficiently, while outdated technology can lead to downtime and frustration.

However, managing an IT infrastructure can be difficult and time-consuming. While some companies may have employees skilled in the technical aspects of IT – many small businesses lack the resources needed to manage their technology.

That’s where a managed services provider comes into play. A managed services provider is a third-party company that connects businesses to a diverse team of IT specialists who will remotely handle their IT needs.

Many small businesses in Central New York benefit from hiring a local managed services provider. Central New York’s growing population of nearly 790,000 residents and proximity to Steuben County has made it a rich environment for small businesses to thrive. As a result, companies in this area need reliable Central New York IT support service to keep pace.

Do you need help managing the technology at your Central New York business?

Here’s everything you need to know about managed services providers.

What Does a Managed Services Provider Do?

Before finding the right provider for your business, you’ll need to know exactly what a managed service provider does for their client.

As briefly mentioned, a managed services provider gives your businesses a team of remote IT technicians who serve your technology needs. These technicians dedicate their time to supporting your IT infrastructure and all your users.

Essentially, an MSP (managed services provider) acts as a remote IT department for your business. Tasks like setting up networks, troubleshooting issues, and supporting your devices can all be handled by one team. Meanwhile, you can continue focusing on growing your business without worrying about your IT health. Ultimately, Micro Solution’s goal is to bring you peace of mind.

“More Uptime, More Revenue!”

How Can an Central New York Managed Services Provider Benefit Your Business?

Now, let’s look at some of the things your business can gain by working with a quality Central New York managed service provider. These benefits include (but are not limited to) the following:

Better Cybersecurity

Every business today needs a secure IT infrastructure – even the small ones. In fact, roughly 43% of all cyberattacks are targeted at small businesses.

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, cybersecurity concerns are growing. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. Businesses of all sizes need to be proactive in protecting their data and systems. One way to do this is to partner with a managed services provider that specializes in cybersecurity, like Micro Solutions. These providers can help businesses identify risks, implement security measures, and monitor activity 24/7.

A Southern Tier MSP can minimize the IT risk of your business.

By working with a local MSP, you have access to IT security solutions that small businesses typically cannot afford on their own. In addition, many providers will proactively monitor your IT infrastructure looking for potential threats. This allows them to address any problems before they can become significant issues.

One of our core values is “think proactive, not reactive”.

Enhanced Productivity

Small businesses rely on their employees to drive revenue and serve customers. However, many employees today need more than just a computer to do their job effectively. Employees now use mobile phones, tablets, and other devices for work-related needs.

A managed services provider can give your employees the tools they need to remain productive, from cloud computing services to software solutions. This will help you increase your company’s bottom line.

Peace of Mind

Finally, partnering with the right Central New York managed services provider can give you and your employees peace of mind.

Technical issues are among the most common sources of workplace frustrations. However, with a quality managed services provider, you and your team will have a sense of relief and confidence that all is right with IT operations.

Things to Avoid When Hiring a Managed Services Provider

Not all managed services providers are created equally in terms of the quality of their services and overall capabilities. When looking for an Central New York managed services provider to partner with, it’s important to carefully research and know what to avoid.

Here’s what you should watch out for:

1) A Rushed Hiring Process

Many business owners do not take the time to find a quality provider. Instead, they choose the first one that catches their eye.

In most cases, this is a mistake. When you rush into selecting an MSP, you may end up with inadequate service from an inexperienced team. This leads to headaches, security issues, and an overall negative experience for your team.

2) Quick, Surface-Level Interviews

When looking for managed services providers, have a thorough conversation with each candidate. After all, you’ll be working closely with this team for months or years to come.

You need to ensure that they understand your business and its unique needs. You can test their knowledge by asking them detailed questions about what they offer and how they plan on helping you reach your goals.

Here are a few key questions to ask:

• How will this managed services agreement benefit me as a business owner?
• Can you provide specific examples of how you helped past clients succeed?
• What is your experience with working with businesses similar to mine?
• How do you and your team handle high-pressure situations?

3) Lack of Preparation

Another big mistake business owners make when selecting a managed services provider is not having clear expectations before interviewing potential providers.

Before you even begin the interview process, you should always have a blueprint of what services you are looking for. This blueprint should include the specific details of your business needs and wants. (We suggest using a weighted decision matrix.

When it comes to hiring managed services provider near you, it’s important to know exactly what you need before diving in. Without this, your partnership will suffer from misunderstandings and a lack of communication.

In Conclusion

So, what is a Manage Service provider? It’s a diverse technology team who will equip your business with the tools needed to achieve long-term growth and success.

How can a trusted managed services provider like Micro Solutions benefit your business? Let’s find out together.