Checklist: Key Traits of Winning Managed IT Partners
In the rapidly expanding IT services field, vetting managed IT partners is a high-stakes challenge.
The IT that powers your business demands constant vigilance, the foresight to predict potential problems, and a proactive response when issues arise. An optimal managed IT partner should provide comprehensive IT services that offer peace of mind and allow you and your team to focus on growing your business.
This article uncovers 10 key traits of a successfully managed IT partner. It also discusses soft skills crucial for managed IT partners and contains questions you can ask prospective IT partners to help find the right provider for your organization’s distinctive needs.
1. Delivers rapid response and service
Continuous IT monitoring and a swift response to problems are vital to your business.
A managed IT partner should resolve issues quickly to minimize downtime, maintain productivity, and save costs. Hourly and on-call IT providers often lack the accessibility and resources to cope with complications rapidly.
It’s not unreasonable to expect a 15-minute or less response time from your managed IT partner. The more prolonged IT problems go unaddressed, the more costly they become to your productivity and bottom line.
2. Guaranteed uptime
A commitment to immediate availability ensures that essential business operations continue with minimal interruptions.
Downtime is more than an inconvenience; it diminishes revenue. Sustained operations are critical to meeting your business obligations, upholding your client’s trust, and sustaining your revenue streams.
An effective managed IT partner should respond to problems with immediacy. More importantly, they should proactively resolve potential issues to reduce the number of IT “fire drills.”
3. Business continuity and data recovery
Knowledgeable IT partners prioritize business continuity through robust backup systems that facilitate prompt data recovery should disaster strike.
Human error, hardware or software failures, malware, and cyberattacks commonly contribute to data loss. Data losses and breaches cost companies thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the extent of data compromised or lost.
Data losses and breaches can also impair your organization’s relationships with customers and business partners. A managed IT partner should provide thorough data protection, reliable backup systems, and timely data recovery in the event of an accidental data loss or intentional data breach.
4. Cybersecurity and network security
Cyberattacks have emerged as the leading financial risk for businesses.
Cyberattacks are deliberate efforts to alter, disable, expose, or steal another party’s assets via unauthorized access to their computer systems. Criminals perpetrate cyber crimes in many ways, and your managed IT partner should likewise offer several protective controls.
Essential cybersecurity measures include firewalls, encryption, and antivirus software. Bundled services from a managed IT provider should include regular security updates and ongoing monitoring to protect sensitive business data from cyber threats.
5. Local or remote tech support
The availability of local and remote IT support furnishes flexible and efficient solutions when your business needs help.
Local tech support facilitates quick, on-site assistance for urgent issues or the handling of sensitive information. Remote support supplies punctual solutions to many problems, focusing on limiting downtime.
A managed IT partner who deploys local and remote support caters to diverse needs and gives organizations the flexibility to choose the best support approach based on the nature and gravity of a particular problem.
6. Scales with your business
Businesses have evolving needs, and managed IT services must be scalable to meet shifting demands.
As your business grows or adjusts its focus, your IT partner should have the capacity and resources to adapt. Scalability streamlines transition without the need to disrupt your business by switching IT providers.
7. Clear and accurate documentation
Clear documentation is essential for efficient organizational operations and IT system management.
Maintaining concise, accurate records fosters effective monitoring, troubleshooting, and timely problem resolution. It also contributes to efficient workflow and orderly onboarding.
8. Industry compliance support
Adhering to industry-specific standards is imperative, especially for businesses that must navigate sensitive rules like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
A managed IT provider must protect the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information and access to that information based on applicable guidelines.
A proficient IT provider ensures adherence to industry-specific standards and legal requirements. They should implement necessary safeguards and conduct regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
9. Offers virtual CIO services
An ideal managed IT partner can serve as a virtual CIO.
A qualified IT provider can play a pivotal role in strategic planning and aligning your IT infrastructure with your business goals. They offer expert guidance and empower informed decisions without the expense of an additional, full-time executive.
10. Annual network risk assessment
Annual network risk assessments help safeguard your organization’s digital infrastructure.
In addition to ongoing IT system monitoring, an IT services partner should provide a detailed yearly evaluation that identifies vulnerabilities and potential threats. This assessment should also supply recommendations for your IT infrastructure’s overall stability and reliability.
Soft skills that are important for managed IT partners
When considering a managed IT partner, look beyond a checklist of IT services. Consider your organization’s mission and values and whether a provider’s soft skills align.
Soft skills that can help foster a successful IT partnership include:
- Listening: Attentive to clients’ questions, concerns, and demands.
- Empathy: Develop an understanding of clients’ distinct technological needs and challenges.
- Problem-solving: The ability to address IT issues independently and efficiently.
- Conflict resolution: The capacity to resolve IT conflicts in adherence to clients’ unique needs.
- Transparency: Openness and honesty about services, processes, billing, and other facets of the business relationship.
A combination of technical expertise and sound soft skills is the foundation for a successful managed IT partnership.
Helpful questions to ask potential managed IT partners
When selecting a managed IT partner, it’s crucial to engage in meaningful dialogue to understand their capabilities and how they align with your needs. The questions below, along with added context, can provide deeper insights:
Can you provide examples of successful client collaborations?
Goal: Understand their track record. Look for examples demonstrating a strong alignment of IT services with the client’s business goals. Case studies and testimonials are proper examples of the proof you’re seeking.
How do you stay current with technology trends and industry best practices?
Goal: Gauge their commitment to continuous learning. It’s important that they are not just aware of but actively incorporating the latest technological advancements and industry standards.
What is your approach to disaster recovery and business continuity planning?
Goal: Assess their preparedness for unforeseen events. A reliable partner should have a robust plan to ensure your business’s resilience in the face of disruptions.
By framing the questions with specific goals in mind, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a potential partner’s strengths, approaches, and alignment with your business objectives.
Conclusion
Selecting the right managed IT partner is crucial for the growth and security of your business.
Key traits like rapid response, comprehensive cybersecurity, and scalable services form the backbone of a robust IT partnership. Soft skills like empathy, problem-solving, and transparency are equally important.
By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure a successful, adaptable, and secure IT collaboration that aligns with your organization’s evolving needs and goals.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward comprehensive IT support, contact Chortek to learn more about managed IT.
