While\u00a0Managed IT<\/a>\u00a0has become an industry standard term, the way it is applied is not standard. It becomes difficult for a prospective client to evaluate the services offered by various \u201cMSP\u2019s\u201d or Managed Service Providers. Gets even more complex with the latest term, \u201cManaged Security Service Providers\u201d (or MSSP).\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s the difference?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with the basics. Managed Services imply an on-going service model. I\u2019ve seen some IT companies call it Managed IT Services as soon as a monthly fee is involved. True, price model is often a component but that is not what defines a true Managed Service Provider.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cA managed service provider (MSP) delivers services, such as network, application, infrastructure and security, via ongoing and regular support and active administration on customers\u2019 premises, in their MSP\u2019s data center (hosting), or in a third-party data center. MSPs may deliver their own native services in conjunction with other providers\u2019 services (for example, a security MSP providing sys admin on top of a third-party cloud IaaS). Pure-play MSPs focus on one vendor or technology, usually their own core offerings. Many MSPs include services from other types of providers. The term MSP traditionally was applied to infrastructure or device-centric types of services but has expanded to include any continuous, regular management, maintenance and support.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n They aren\u2019t just loading software and then waiting for the client to call when there are problems. They are taking a proactive approach and working on their clients\u2019 behalf to minimize risk and the occurrence of problems.<\/p>\n Managed Service Providers must be focused on service. Managing their clients\u2019 networks and computer systems as they would their own \u2013 doing what it takes to\u00a0protect the infrastructure<\/a>\u00a0and educate their clients to be sure data is safe.<\/p>\n They provide the support their clients need to keep employees productive and\u00a0data secure<\/a>.<\/p>\n So, if a company says they are a managed service provider \u2013 ask them how. They should have a list of software and tools they use to protect their clients\u2019 systems \u2013 but it better go further than that\u2026<\/p>\n In other words, do they\u00a0consult<\/a>\u00a0with you and help you build an IT strategy that matches the needs of your unique business?<\/p>\n Are they your partner \u2013 do they keep abreast of the latest changes in the industry \u2013 and do they understand your business enough to help you make good decisions?<\/p>\n With over 5600 IT providers in New York, it can be a daunting task to identify the right partner.\u00a0 And,\u00a0 most will say they are IT Managed Service Providers. This does not mean they are providing the same services in the same ways.\u00a0 Have conversations with those that might be a good fit and narrow the field.\u00a0 Ask questions \u2013 and listen to the questions they ask you.\u00a0 Do they understand your business and can they guide you through the cybersecurity framework to help you make the right decisions?<\/p>\n Understanding the full picture will help you find the right partner for your business.<\/p>\n Above were some questions to consider as you evaluate your managed service provider \u2013 this should be a long term partnership \u2013 so spend the time you need to\u00a0get to know the partner<\/a>\u00a0and understand how they will support your business.<\/p>\n Hiring the right IT managed services partner can help you stay focused on growing your business while you rest assured a trusted partner is managing your IT.<\/p>\n But wait \u2013 we never talked about Managed Security Service Providers \u2013 that\u2019s for the next blog\u2026<\/p>\nDefining Managed IT Service Providers<\/h2>\n
According to Gartner<\/a>,<\/h3>\n
Simply put, a Managed Service Provider is managing services that are provided to their clients.<\/h3>\n
Their goals align with their clients\u2019 goals.<\/h3>\n
Ask How<\/h2>\n
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Choosing a New York Managed IT Services Provider<\/h2>\n
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<\/em><\/p>\nWhat keeps you up at night?<\/h3>\n
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In the Rochester area,\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/CherylNelanCMITSolutions-400px-300x300-1-300x300.jpeg\")
Cheryl Nelan has over 25 years experience supporting small to mid sized businesses and helping them grow. In 2011, she started CMIT Solutions of Monroe to support businesses in the Rochester, NY area. She wanted to take her experience and leverage the strength of a national franchise to help local businesses leverage technology. Focusing on customer service and developing a culture where great people want to work has always been central to her mission. Today, CMIT Solutions of Monroe is one of the top CMIT franchises and the recipient of a number of local awards as well. She is proud of the team and loves working with our clients<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"