What to Look for in a Managed Service Provider for Your Small Business

As a small business, you do not always have the resources for a dedicated IT staff. However, it is near impossible to function in today's market without a strong computer network. The solution for many small businesses is to bring in a managed service provider to handle many of the tasks an IT department does. Even if you have a few dedicated IT staff members on site, working with a company such as Garden State Computing offers the opportunity to expand the services while staying within your budget. Before you select the right company for your needs, there are a few key features to look for.

Reliability and Availability

One of the most important features of any managed service provider is that they are a company you can trust to handle an issue. When your computers stop working or your network breaks down, you need someone to handle the situation right away to minimize your down time. Therefore, you want to make sure that you have a company who is ready to handle emergencies even when they happen during the middle of the night. Additionally, they should be ready to respond directly when it arises, rather than relying on some type of call center or voicemail system.

Features and Services

Another important factor to consider is the type of service and support offered. You ideally want a service that complements your own need to take over from where your current staff members cannot handle. This might include services such as on-site installation, cloud management, network monitoring, troubleshooting services and more. When you assess a company, such as Garden State Computing, review the features of their services. Some companies might offer different packages based upon your need. Find the one that best complements the type of IT services you need.

Security and Backups

When you work with any type of technology, you must consider the worst-case scenarios and protect yourself as much as possible. Therefore, you want to work with a managed service provider who best protects your network from threats. Ask about what type of security system and monitoring are in place to protect the network from any hackers. Additionally, it is always a good idea to have some type of regular backup of your network information. Many providers offer automatic backups on a remote server that provides additional protection to your data.

There are many considerations to make when determining which managed service provider to use. Although cost is an issue, it is always best to focus on the level of service and security you receive before deciding to go with someone, such as Garden State Computing.