There are a variety of managed service providers (MSP) and IT providers out there, attempting to attract businesses who don’t have an in-house IT department. For many SMBs, the amount of providers can be overwhelming, and it can lead to these SMBs choosing the easiest provider, instead of the best.
But the fact is, cutting corners and just choosing the most convenient option can have devastating consequences on your business if you are not set up with an IT provider who can guarantee you a safe a secure network for your business and your employees.
Considerations for an Albany, NY MSP
In order to make it easier for you to determine if your MSP is the right fit for your business, there are several things you need to consider:
Track Record
Your MSP should be able to provide you with case studies and proven successful incidents in order to demonstrate that they are qualified to maintain and protect your business. Think of it as buying a car from an independent seller online versus buying a certified used car from a dealership. You’re not necessarily purchasing a broken down heap if you buy a car from an independent seller. But with a certified used car, you know that you are buying a car that is protected by a warranty and that has been inspected by top mechanics so you can drive off the lot feeling secure in your new ride.
Cloud migration and other advanced services
IT is a field that is evolving on a daily basis, and if you work with an MSP that isn’t keeping up with the local trends and technology, you are running a strong risk of letting your business fall behind the competition. One of the biggest developments and growing areas of IT is the cloud. Companies are storing their data on the cloud; they are collaborating on the cloud; and they are relying on the cloud over traditional physical backup methods, such as servers, to ensure that they can maintain business continuity in the event of a cybersecurity attack or a loss of data. If your IT provider isn’t on the cutting edge of technology, then neither is your business.
Response times
Let’s imagine a worst case scenario: your network is down for any number of reasons, and your employees aren’t able to work and your customers aren’t able to reach you. Obviously this is a situation that can irreparably damage a company’s reputation, revenue, and customer base. In some situation, this can lead to the permanent closure of your business. If you have selected the right MSP for your business, this situation won’t happen. An IT provider who is there for your business will be able to recognize threats to your network and stop them before they can infect your business. Additionally, if a cybersecurity incident does occur, your MSP should be able to respond immediately and mitigate these threats so your business doesn’t crumble due to a cyberattack.
When it comes to selecting the right MSP or IT provider, there are significant things to consider. Often times companies will simply choose the cheapest option but cost vs. value is vastly different. You don’t want to put the safety and security of your network and your sensitive data in the hands of the lowest bidder.
You need to focus on the key points we’ve mentioned above because that is what will create the difference between a strong and secure network versus a network that you simply hope will work with minimal confidence. At TAG Solutions, we take pride in our ability to provide you with the highest level of service, support, and expertise to keep your business up and running no matter what. So contact us today and learn why TAG Solutions is the top MSP and IT provider in the Albany capital area.