December 17, 2019

Qualities of Top Managed Service Providers in Los Angeles

Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are turning to top managed service providers in Los Angeles to improve their technology — and for a good reason. For less than the cost of a full-time IT specialist, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) let you leverage the experience of top industry professionals and fill in the knowledge gaps of your in-house IT staff.

However, in Los Angeles alone, there are dozens of MSPs to choose from. To make your search easier, here are key items you should look for in selecting your MSP.

#1. MSP with industry recognition and experience 

Find Managed Service Providers that can impress you with their technical expertise. The company and staff should have certifications, accreditations, and awards as proof of their effectiveness and reliability. Check if their certifications are up to date, follow industry news, and attend partner conferences to see if they are abreast with the latest technological advancements.

It’s also best to work with an MSP that is experienced in your business size and industry. The needs of small to mid-size businesses differ from those of large enterprises, and you need a Managed IT Services partner who can cater to your unique demands.

Also, if your industry has strict compliance restrictions, like those imposed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for the healthcare sector, your MSP should ensure that all your IT systems follow industry requirements. Ask for case studies, get customer references in your industry, and review resumes of team members with relevant experience to cross-check.

Finally, don’t forget to check if Managed Service Providers in Los Angeles have expertise in your chosen IT services, but it’s also great if they have experience deploying different services in case you decide to make a transition in the future.

#2. Stability

Even though many top Managed Service Providers in Los Angeles offer monthly plans, it’s best to think of them as long-term partners. They need to have a thorough understanding of your business goals, challenges, current environment, and expectations. This often takes time, so make sure you select a well-established provider with a stable business that will be around for several years. By doing so, your IT infrastructure will be more scalable, resilient, and aligned with your goals.

Evaluate the MSP’s stability by answering these questions:

  • How long have they been in business?
  • Are they recognized as a leader in the MSP industry?
  • Do they have a solid base of satisfied clients? How are their customer retention numbers?
  • Can they provide testimonials and references from existing clients?

#3. Third-party vendor partnerships

A key benefit of partnering with an MSP is they can handle technology vendors for you, saving you time in tracking down multiple vendors. So find an MSP with an ongoing relationship with the technology developers that you already use in your IT environment. For example, if you are using Cisco hardware or solutions, find a provider with a long-standing Cisco Gold Partner certification.

Look into the MSP’s partnership standing with those technology vendors. The higher the partnership level, the more certifications the provider has, which means they can bring a lot of expertise to your business.

#4. Availability, 24/7 IT Support

Your business technology needs aren’t limited to open business hours, so make sure your Los Angeles Managed Service Provider is available  24/7/365. Ask what sort of support you can expect to receive after hours and on holidays. Will it be limited to remote assistance or will they provide on-site maintenance and support? It’s best to choose a local MSP with an office close to yours so they can immediately come to your aid.

How quickly will they respond to your needs and problems? Demand for guaranteed response time in your contract. Try calling your MSP’s hotline at night or during off-peak seasons and see who answers.

Let your Managed Service Provider discuss their escalation process and their contingency plans should they fail to handle your issue right away.

Also, look into their certified engineer-to-customer ratio. It’s best to find an MSP with more certified engineers than customers.

Searching for Top Managed Service Providers in Los Angeles?

Choosing the right MSP for your business is a big decision. It will shape the future of your business since technology is your company’s backbone. This is why companies search for top Managed Service Providers in Los Angeles. When you partner with Frontline, we can handle all or part of your IT operations, cybersecurity, improve your customer experience, and ultimately enhance your bottom line.

Related Posts

5 Most Common Mistakes Managed IT Services Providers Make

5 Most Common Mistakes Managed IT Services Providers Make

Mastering MSP Onboarding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering MSP Onboarding: A Step-by-Step Guide

How Critical Is Managed Cybersecurity For Small Business?

How Critical Is Managed Cybersecurity For Small Business?