Five Questions

You Must Ask

Before Choosing a
Managed Services
Provider
overview
If you’re reading this ebook, you’re probably considering investing in IT managed
services for your business. That’s great news, because it means that you’re already
on the road to fewer technology headaches and more streamlined business
communication. But if you choose the wrong provider, you may discover that it’s hard
to reach a real person when you call, or that you’re out in the cold when something
goes wrong. So how can you be sure that you’re selecting a managed services
provider you can rely on?

The five essential questions in this ebook will help you in your search for a great
IT managed services company. As you explore managed services companies and
talk with representatives, remember to ask these key questions. They will help you
choose a managed services provider that will be a reliable and committed business
partner for your phone and Internet service.

1 Is the company’s experience backed by

industry-recognized credentials?

2 Do they provide complete solutions

for deployments and procurements?

3 Will your managed services provider

manage your network security?

4 Will they provide strategy consulting

and support, and be invested in the
success of your business?

5 Is the pricing model consistent

and transparent?
question 1

Is the company’s experience backed

by industry-recognized credentials?

It is easy for a managed services provider to tell you that they are
experts, but the best providers do more: They show you.

When choosing a managed services provider, you should

consider the industry endorsements behind their expertise. Are
their technicians industry-certified? Is the company recognized as
a certified partner by vendors?

Also consider history, stability and client satisfaction: How long

has the company been working in IT managed services? Do they
have client testimonials readily available? Take the time to read
up on the company’s track record before you make a decision.
You will also want to consider the depth and breadth of their
experience. Have they worked with a range of technologies and
clients? Do they know how to accommodate any special security
concerns in your industry? (HIPAA, etc.)

Consider the complete picture of certifications, testimonials,

and experience before you make a decision. Understanding a
provider’s reputation within their industry, their vendors, and their
clients is an important baseline to establish before you move
forward with a decision.
question 2

Do they provide complete solutions for

deployments and procurements?

You want to work with a managed services provider that will create a solution
that works for you—not just copy and paste what works for someone else.
Flexibility and a willingness to deploy solutions outside their usual range of
products shows a company’s commitment to building an IT plan that fits you
and your business. If you want to use a particular device or software that
is outside the usual range of your managed services provider, you want
to hear “let’s make it work”, not “we don’t do that.” That’s the difference
between a vendor and a partner.

A managed services company that provides complete solutions should

have a procurement process that includes partner-level discounts with
vendors that they can pass along to your business. If you’re working with
a managed services provider, you should never be put in the position of
shopping around for the best deal on equipment or software—the services
provider should bring the best deal to you.
question 3

Will your managed services provider

manage your network security?

Even in the very best network, things go wrong—that’s a fact. The

true test of an IT managed services provider is how they react
when an issue arises. A good IT managed services provider will
jump in to action and work tirelessly until the problem is resolved.
They’ll take responsibility for your connectivity and your security,
and you can always rely on their service and support.

Security is one of the predominant concerns of any executive.

We know that your security is your reputation, and that when you
trust us with your security you trust us with you reputation. That’s a
responsibility we never take lightly.

When it comes to any type of business services, you want to work

with a company that measures their success by your success, and
that will be as committed to your business as they are to their own.
question 4

Will they provide strategy

consulting and support, and be
invested in the success of your
business?

A quality IT managed services provider will be a true partner

for your business, not just a vendor. Be sure to ask questions
like, will they provide CIO-level consulting and overall strategy
support? Will you have a designated account manager who
you can easily reach if you have questions or concerns?

An experienced IT managed services firm has guided many

businesses through unique challenges. This gives them deep
knowledge that they can pass on to their clients in the form
of strategy consulting. CIO and management consulting can
help your company plan a complete IT strategy that meets
your business goals and helps to expand and strengthen your
business.

Internet & Telephone provides CIO consulting that will assist

you in selecting and implementing the technology solutions
that your business needs now and in the future. We’ll work
with you to develop a needs assessment, network design,
and implementation plan.
question 5

Is the pricing model consistent and transparent?

Your business is growing, and you need a managed services provider that can grow
with you. Scalable solutions that can accommodate your business at any size—five
people in a single office, or five hundred people spread across the country—are the
key to consistency and reliability in your business communications.

Honesty and transparency in pricing is also important. Will your managed services
provider charge you every time you call for support? Will you have unexpected fees
appearing on your bill each month? Internet & Telephone can build a plan that charges
only a flat monthly rate. All of your services appear on one streamlined invoice, and
there are no unpleasant surprises when the bill arrives each month.
Our commitment o our clients runs deeper than just providing complete,
consistent support. We’ve built our company around the philosophy that
we succeed when you do. To learn more about what our IT managed
services can do for your business, contact a representative today.

Call us at 978-683 9100