IT downtime isn’t just frustrating—it’s expensive, with costs rising significantly in recent years.
The average cost of downtime across all industries has historically been high, but recent studies have shown this cost has grown to about $9,000 per minute, making even short disruptions a serious financial risk. Without a reliable MSP, prolonged outages, security breaches, and inefficiencies can drain resources and disrupt operations.
| As James Palmisano, President and CTO of Iserv, says, “A strategic MSP partnership isn’t just about IT support—it’s about long-term business growth and security.” |
Choosing the right Managed Services Provider ensures your IT infrastructure supports your business goals while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.
This guide walks you through key selection criteria to help you make an informed decision.
Managed Services Selection Criteria: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right MSP
Choosing the right Managed Services Provider is a critical decision
that impacts your business’s efficiency, security, and long-term growth. A well-qualified MSP provides proactive IT management, cybersecurity protection, and strategic guidance. Below, we outline the key criteria to help you evaluate and select the best MSP for your needs.
1. Identify Your IT Needs and Business Goals
Before evaluating MSPs, define what you need from a provider. Assess your current IT challenges, long-term objectives, and compliance requirements. A strong MSP should align with your business strategy, offering scalable solutions that support your growth.
How to approach it:
- Audit your existing IT infrastructure and identify gaps.
- Consider whether you need 24/7 support, cybersecurity, cloud services, or compliance assistance.
- Look for an MSP that offers proactive IT planning rather than just troubleshooting issues.
2. Assess Technical Expertise and Industry Experience
Not all MSPs have the same level of expertise. Some specialize in specific industries, while others offer broad IT services. Experience with your industry’s compliance standards and regulatory requirements is essential.
How to approach it:
- Ask about certifications (Microsoft, Cisco, SOC 2, etc.).
- Review case studies or testimonials from businesses similar to yours.
- Ensure they have experience supporting the applications and infrastructure you use.
Upgrade Your IT Strategy for Long-Term SuccessGet tailored IT solutions that align with your business goals and future growth. |
3. Evaluate Cybersecurity and Compliance Capabilities
A single attack can have devastating consequences—60% of small companies that get hit by a cyberattack go out of business within six months. To mitigate this risk, an MSP should provide strong cybersecurity measures, including data encryption, endpoint protection, and proactive threat monitoring.
How to approach it:
- Ask about their security framework and incident response plans.
- Verify their approach to compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
- Ensure they provide regular security assessments and employee awareness training.
4. Understand Service Offerings and Support Availability
A good MSP provides more than just IT support—they proactively manage your infrastructure, optimize performance, and help with long-term IT planning. Look for an MSP that offers a comprehensive range of services.
How to approach it:
- Confirm if they provide 24/7 monitoring and support.
- Check whether they offer helpdesk support, on-site assistance, and remote management.
- Understand their approach to IT strategy, cloud migration, and ongoing maintenance.
5. Review Response Times and SLAs
Response time is critical when IT issues arise. A well-defined Service Level Agreement (SLA) should outline expected response and resolution times.
How to approach it:
- Ask for guaranteed response times and escalation procedures.
- Look for SLAs that cover uptime guarantees, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Verify how quickly they resolve critical IT issues and minimize downtime.
6. Questions to Ask an MSP
A structured MSP discovery process helps you determine if the provider is the right fit. Prepare key questions to ask during MSP discovery to assess their capabilities.
How to approach it:
- What is your approach to proactive IT management?
- How do you ensure business continuity and disaster recovery?
- What cybersecurity measures do you implement?
- Do you offer a dedicated account manager or IT strategist?
7. Compare Pricing Models and Cost Transparency
MSP pricing varies, and it’s important to understand what’s included in their pricing structure. Some charge flat fees, while others have tiered or usage-based pricing.
How to approach it:
- Look for transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
- Compare flat-rate vs. pay-as-you-go models.
- Ensure you get the right balance between cost and service quality.
MSP Evaluation Checklist
| Criteria | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
| IT Needs Alignment | Ensures MSP supports your goals | Customizable, scalable solutions |
| Technical Expertise | Ensures they can handle your environment | Certifications, industry experience |
| Cybersecurity Capabilities | Protects against growing threats | Firewalls, endpoint protection, response plans |
| Compliance Knowledge | Avoids legal and financial penalties | HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS familiarity |
| 24/7 Support Availability | Ensures uptime and fast issue resolution | Helpdesk, on-site, remote support |
8. Check Client Reviews and References
A strong MSP should have a track record of satisfied clients. Checking references and online reviews can provide insight into their reliability and service quality.
How to approach it:
- Request case studies or references from current clients.
- Read online reviews and testimonials.
- Look for long-term client relationships, indicating reliability and trustworthiness.
| More articles you might like: |
Unlock Long-Term Success with the Right IT Partner
Choosing the right Managed Services Provider is an investment in your company’s growth, security, and efficiency. A strong MSP goes beyond IT support—they act as a strategic partner, aligning technology with your business goals, proactively managing your infrastructure, and providing transparent pricing with no surprises.
Iserv delivers industry-leading managed IT solutions designed to help your business scale, stay secure, and thrive in a competitive landscape. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can optimize your IT environment for long-term success.
| Discover Trusted Managed IT Services Near You |
