Did you know that nearly 60% of businesses outsource at least some of their IT needs? For many companies, managing an in-house IT department can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s where managed service providers (MSPs) come in. MSPs are third-party organizations that provide remote IT services and support to businesses.
There are many benefits to working with an MSP, including increased efficiency and flexibility, but it’s important to find a provider that you can trust. Here are eight tips for increasing collaboration between your in-house IT department and an MSP:
1. Define the scope of the project.
Before you start working with an MSP, it’s important to define the scope of the project. What exactly do you need help with? What are your goals? Taking the time to answer these questions will help you find an MSP that’s a good fit for your needs.
2. Communicate your expectations.
Once you’ve found an managed service providers, it’s important to communicate your expectations. What level of service do you expect? How often do you need updates? Making sure that both sides are on the same page from the start will help avoid misunderstandings and frustration down the road.
3. Set up regular check-ins.
Setting up regular check-ins is a great way to stay on top of the project and ensure that everyone is on track. At these check-ins, you can review the project’s progress, discuss any challenges, and make sure that everyone is still on the same page.
4. Be available for questions.
During the project, your MSP will likely have questions. It’s important to be available to answer these questions in a timely manner. If you’re not available, it can delay the project and cause frustration on both sides.
5. Give feedback.
Giving feedback is essential for ensuring that the project turns out the way you want it to. If you’re happy with the work, be sure to let your MSP know. If you’re not happy with something, speak up. The sooner you give feedback, the easier it will be to make changes.
6. Be open to input.
Remember, your managed service provider is the expert. They’ve likely worked on similar projects in the past and have valuable insights to share. Be open to their input and you may be surprised at the ideas they bring to the table.
7. Be flexible.
Things change, and that’s okay. During the course of the project, you may need to make changes to the scope or timeline. Try to be flexible and understand that these changes are sometimes necessary in order to get the best results.
8. Keep an open mind.
It’s important to keep an open mind when working with an managed service providers. They may do things differently than you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing it wrong. If you approach the project with a positive attitude and an open mind, you’ll be more likely to have a successful experience.
By following these eight tips, you can increase collaboration between your in-house IT department and an MSP, leading to better results for your business.