Introduction
If you are considering a managed service provider, there’s no time like the present to find out what they can do for your company. We’ve put together some questions that can help you get an idea of what to expect from a potential partner.
What’s your process for engaging a new client?
This is the first thing you should ask. You want to know if there are any special steps you need to take, like having them fill out an application or schedule a call with you.
Who is involved in the process?
You should also ask who will be responsible for managing everything from initial engagement through future interactions with your company. If they don't have anyone on staff who can help support this process, then it could lead to issues down the road (and possibly even litigation).
How long does it take?
While we're on the topic of "how long," another important question is “how much time does it take?" This one can vary depending on how many services are being provided and where those services come from—for example: local versus offshore labor costs may vary greatly depending on where they're located; regional vs national coverage options may also lead to differences in pricing structures between managed service providers as well as different availability windows throughout each region/country where they operate."
How do you prioritize and manage projects?
Do you have a standard process for project management?
What are the steps in your process, and how often do they occur?
How do you handle communication with clients?
Communication is key to keeping your clients happy. Make sure you understand the communication process, so you know what information will be provided to you and when it will be delivered. This can include how often reports are delivered, how often updates are reported back to the client, and whether there are any other ways of communicating with them (such as phone calls).
What happens if there's an issue or change in my project? Do I get notified about this in advance?
What happens if something changes on my side that affects my project? Do I need to communicate this back to them later on down the road so they're aware of any issues we might have encountered during testing/development phases before launching into production.*
Do you regularly report on the status of our IT environment and the progress of projects?
If you're looking for a managed service provider (MSP) to help with your IT infrastructure, it's important that you ask about their reporting practices. MSPs will have access to information about your network, servers and applications that can be used for reporting purposes. This includes data about how well the system is performing as well as any problems or issues that might arise during operation.
The best way to find out whether a company reports on its progress regularly is by asking them directly:
How often do they report? Are there specific milestones they need completed before they can submit an update?
What information do they report? Do they provide written summaries or detailed reports with graphs and charts detailing how many users visit each page per day; how many times an issue was reported; etc.?
Is it verbal or written? Verbal communication is often easier for both parties involved but if there are sensitive matters being discussed verbally then it's important not only what happens in meetings but also what happens afterward when everyone leaves so nothing gets lost due to miscommunication due mistakes made during meetings which could lead into problems later down line causing costly delays
What security controls do you have in place to protect our data?
The answer to this question depends on what you're looking for. If your company has sensitive data and you want to know that it will be protected from outside threats, then encryption, firewalls and access control are all important security measures to consider.
The next thing is intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS). These systems monitor network activity for suspicious activity or attempts at unauthorized access. They can also detect malware in the system before it can infect your network or your computers.
Vulnerability management is another key aspect of any managed service provider's security program—this includes frequent testing of software applications as well as updating them when vulnerabilities are discovered so they don't become a problem later on down the road."
What are your service-level agreements (SLAs)?
Service-level agreements are the rules that govern how much downtime is acceptable.
How often SLAs are reviewed and updated? What happens if you exceed your SLA? How does the provider respond if they exceed their SLA, and what happens when they fail to meet their stated level of service?
What industry certifications does your firm have?
When you're hiring a managed service provider, cisco meraki toledo ohio it's important to know what they've done and are doing. You should ask about industry certifications for security, privacy and compliance; specific technologies and platforms; and specific processes. These certifications are not guarantees of quality but they can help you gain insight into how your project will be managed by the team you'll be working with.
How long has your firm been in business?
When you are interviewing a potential managed service provider, it is important to get a sense of their longevity. How long has the company been in business? What kind of clients have they worked with? What other services do they offer? The answers to these questions will help you determine whether or not this is the right fit for your organization.
You should not take a managed service provider at face value. Ask questions first.
When you are considering a managed service provider, it is important to do your research. You should ask questions and gather as much information as possible before making any decisions. Don't be afraid of asking for references or trial periods; these things can help you determine if the company is right for you and your business needs.
Conclusion
A managed service provider can be a great solution for many businesses. But, if you don’t ask questions and understand the terms, it is easy to fall into a bad relationship with your managed service provider. By asking these questions before signing on with them, you will make sure that they are providing the services that you need at an affordable price while protecting your data and infrastructure from cyber threats.