When it comes to thinking about switching your business’ Managed Service Provider, the prospect of going through the process can certainly seem daunting. After all, like any modern business, you are largely reliant on the services your MSP provides and making a change can leave you worried about side effects, such as disruption to your operations. However, sometimes the issues your business is experiencing with its MSP can make a move inevitable – after all, receiving poor value and slow response times can become untenable over time. Happily, with the right planning and execution, moving to a new MSP can be a seamless, problem-free transition.
Making Moving Easy
If you hope to make your switch to a new MSP as painless as possible, it’s important to follow a few key steps. Start out by reviewing your contract with your current MSP and see if there are any actions that you need to take before terminating with them. Paying particular attention to details such as how notice needs to be given (in writing or simply over the ‘phone), and how payment set-ups will be terminated can help avoid administrative errors that could prove costly down the line.
You may also need to return some of their hardware, so carry out an inventory of all tech equipment. Doing so will also help you to inform your new MSP of your needs. Inventory your software suite, too, including anti-virus and anti-malware applications, to be ready for the transition. It’s also worth consulting with your current MSP about your move, even if doing so incurs a fee, as this will help to ensure you have all of the necessary bases covered, as well as helping to ensure a smooth transition.
When changing IT providers, it is essential to take inventory of everything you have in order to obtain all your key information from your existing MSP. This includes admin passwords, domain registration details and software logins. Failing to do so could result in serious problems down the line. Therefore, it is advisable to have a dedicated team or individual who is responsible for ensuring that all this information is gathered before making the switch.
Doing a thorough research of the available MSP options is another vital step. You don’t want to settle for a substandard service, after all. Getting comparative quotes is a valuable part of this process, although price should never be the sole deciding factor in making your choice. Look at client testimonials and the range of services on offer.
Key Questions To Ask
When you have a new MSP in mind, ask a few carefully targeted questions to be sure that they will be the right fit for your company. These questions can include queries about different levels of support on offer (including whether remote management and support is available), different payment types (such as subscription, or pay as you need), and the length of any contract you are interested in, plus cancellation notice periods.
Ask about typical response times and whether contacting them will see you put straight through to a qualified engineer, or leave you dealing with a call handler. Find out whether your business will be given a dedicated account manager or engineer, too. These questions can all reveal whether an MSP will be able to deliver the kind of experience your business needs.
Get Help With Moving MSP
Another great way to avoid the stress of moving MSP is to partner with the experts in IT support. At Reflective IT, we understand the importance of this transition and can help support your business at every stage of the process, ensuring you get the smooth switch you need. As an IT security partner, Reflective IT can also make sure that your business and its valuable data stay protected throughout the process.
Why not get in touch today, on 0207 317 4535 or at support@reflectiveit.com, and discover how Reflective IT can make light work of switching MSP
