How to Maximize the Benefits from Your Managed Network Service Provider
Contents
The benefits of managed IT services are so many and so advantageous that they’ve quickly become one of the most popular investments for modern companies. Given how much businesses depend on their networks, it only makes sense that they’d seek expert help.
4 Ways to Find the Right Managed Network Services for Your Company
Of course, before your business can take advantage of network management services, you have to go through the process of finding a provider. For best results, keep these four tips in mind.
1. Don’t Go Looking for a Bargain
Given the many benefits of managed it services, it might come as a bit of a surprise that many CIOs prioritize price as the most important feature when they begin their search. However, the reason for this is probably that, over the years, more and more CIOs have become familiar with what these companies have to offer and which parts of their network they need to outsource.
These would both be a fantastic development, but one consequence has been commoditization that occurs because of oversupply. As a result, well-meaning CIOs are finding it tempting to bargain shop, especially for those who need help with the lower ends of their stacks.
Unfortunately, “you get what you pay for.” This is an extremely costly mistake for CIOs who choose managed network services based on cost instead of finding a provider who understands the unique requirements that businesses in their industry face.
When considering providers, place a premium on those who focus on your company’s specific business outcomes and how their team can help you reach them. Speaking from a technology perspective isn’t necessarily a red flag, but if they don’t show familiarity with your field, keep looking.
2. Find a Partnership
The benefits of managed IT services generally don’t include replacing a company’s entire eternal team. Instead, these companies tend to play more of a support role. Outsourcing the management of your network is a great way to ensure your IT team is free to focus on other pressing concerns or long-term goals. By taking them away from work that can so easily be outsourced, they can go to work on projects that demand their company-specific knowledge and strategic expertise.
That’s not the only reason to look at network management services as a complement to your current operation. Another is that it means you can also look for other benefits from prospective partners. This might include help increase revenues, optimizing your company’s efficiency, or improving security.
3. Prioritize Partners Who Take a Custom Approach
Managed network services should never be a one-size-fits-all solution. Again, that kind of thinking makes it easy to fall into the trap of simply finding which company offers the cheapest package.
Ideally, you want to find a partner that can offer popular services like:
- Cloud-Based Servers
- Cyber Security, Malware and Virus Protection
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
- Email Security and Archiving
- Hosted Exchanges
- Hybrid Cloud Solutions
- Virtual Cloud Servers and Desktop Solutions
- Virtualization
Better still, they should work with popular vendors, so your company’s network is never at the mercy of second-best software. Examples of such vendors would be:
- Cisco
- Citrix
- Datto
- Dell
- Fortinet
- HP
- IBM
- Lenovo
- Meraki
- Microsoft
Now, that’s a good start but remember to concentrate on your business.
Think long and hard about your current network. How could it be better? Are there current challenges that you think keep it from meeting its full potential? Whatever you come up with, be sure to ask a prospective service provider, as well. If they can only give a vague or generic answer, you should continue your search with other companies.
Ask them about how they’d go about offering you network management services, too. Another telltale sign that their “help” will limit your business is if they don’t begin with a comprehensive analysis of your company’s current network.
4. Outstanding Customer Support
Finally, even with the best possible managed network services, you’re still going to have questions from time to time. Be sure you choose a provider who has a reputation for answering customer calls promptly.
Customer support should also include a dependable help desk. Most CIOs and IT professionals don’t have experience with many vital tasks. For example, if your company wants to expand its network, that’s something you’ll most likely need to speak to your provider about.
Among other things, they can help with:
- Asset Management and utilization
- Business Application Deployment
- Patches and Updates
- Software License Management
Local onsite support is vital, too. You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that, in the worst-case scenario, an expert is nearby to help.
We’d Love to Help with Your Search for Managed Network Services
If you’re anxious to begin enjoying the benefits of managed IT services, we’d love to help you keep your search a shot one. Our team of network experts will take the time to learn about what your company needs now and regarding any long-term plans you might have.
Contact us today and let’s discuss how our managed network services can help your business reach its full potential.