Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Current IT MSP (And When to Call in the Big Guns)

Your IT infrastructure is the backbone of your business.  That’s why having a reliable Managed Service Provider (MSP) is crucial. But how do you know if your current MSP is truly delivering? Here are the top 5 questions to ask them, and if the answers raise red flags, it might be time to consider a partner like PivIT Strategy.

1.  Security: How do you protect my data?

Data breaches are a constant threat. Your MSP should have a robust security plan that includes:

• Regular Security Assessments: Do they proactively identify vulnerabilities?
• Multi-Layered Security: Do they use a combination of firewalls, antivirus, and data encryption?
• Incident Response Plan: Do they have a clear plan for how they’ll respond to a cyberattack?

If their answer is vague or they don’t mention these elements, your data might be at risk.

2. Support: How quickly can you resolve issues?

Downtime costs money.  Find out:

• Support Availability: Do they offer 24/7 support? What are the response times for different severities of issues?
• Communication Channels: How can you reach them (phone, email, chat)?
• Resolution Process: Do they have a documented process for escalating complex problems?

If getting help is a hassle or takes forever, your productivity suffers.

3. Proactivity:  Are you just reacting to problems, or preventing them?

The best MSPs are proactive, not reactive.  Ask about:

• Remote Monitoring: Do they continuously monitor your systems for potential issues?
• Patch Management: Do they keep your software up-to-date with the latest security patches?
• Strategic Planning: Do they discuss your long-term IT goals and offer solutions to achieve them?

An MSP that just fixes what breaks isn’t maximizing your IT investment.

4. Reporting:  Do I have clear visibility into my IT health?

Transparency is key.  Your MSP should provide:

• Regular Reports: Do they offer reports on system performance, security incidents, and service level agreements (SLAs)?
• Metrics and Dashboards: Can you easily access real-time data on your IT health?
• Open Communication: Are they willing to discuss these reports with you and answer your questions?

Without clear insights, you can’t make informed decisions about your IT.

5. Cost Optimization:  Are you helping me get the most out of my IT budget?

Cost efficiency matters.  Ask if your MSP:

• Offers Flexible Pricing: Can you customize the services you receive based on your needs?
• Regularly Reviews Your Needs: Do they proactively suggest ways to optimize your IT spending?
• Provides Cost-Benefit Analysis: When proposing new solutions, do they explain the return on investment (ROI)?

If your MSP seems more interested in selling you everything than finding cost-effective solutions, it’s time for a second opinion.

When PivIT Strategy Steps In

If your current MSP struggles to answer these questions satisfactorily, PivIT Strategy can help.  We’re a different kind of MSP, focused on building partnerships and delivering strategic IT solutions. We’ll take the time to understand your business needs and develop a customized plan to achieve your goals.

Contact PivIT Strategy today for a free consultation and see how we can take your IT to the next level.