In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses rely heavily on technology—but not every company can afford an in-house IT department. That’s where Managed IT Services Providers (MSPs) come in. These firms take on the responsibility of managing and securing your IT infrastructure, allowing you to focus on what you do best.
But how do you choose the right one?
This guide walks you through what to look for in a managed IT services partner, red flags to avoid, and questions to ask before signing a contract.
Why Choosing the Right IT Partner Matters
Partnering with the wrong IT provider can lead to:
- Frequent downtime
- Security vulnerabilities
- Poor customer support
- Lack of strategic guidance
On the flip side, the right MSP acts as a proactive partner that supports your growth, improves operational efficiency, and protects your digital assets.
For more foundational insights, see our article on what managed IT services are and how they work.
What Is a Managed IT Services Provider?
A Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a third-party company that remotely manages a business’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems. Services often include:
- 24/7 monitoring and support
- Network and server management
- Cybersecurity
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Cloud services
- Strategic IT consulting
Rather than just fixing things when they break, MSPs focus on preventative maintenance and long-term planning. According to CompTIA, 64% of companies that use MSPs do so to improve IT reliability and uptime.
Choosing the Right MSP Starts with a Conversation
Don’t settle for generic support or unpredictable service. At Combined Technology, we tailor every solution to your business goals—whether it’s cybersecurity, scaling, or day-to-day support.
Book your free consultation today and discover what true partnership looks like.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an MSP
1. Industry Experience and Client Fit
Look for an MSP that understands your specific business needs and industry challenges. A provider with healthcare or legal clients, for example, should know how to navigate HIPAA or compliance requirements.
Ask: “Do you work with other businesses in my industry?”
2. Security-First Approach
Cybersecurity is no longer optional. Your MSP should offer:
- Endpoint protection
- Firewall and antivirus management
- Email filtering
- Employee cybersecurity training
- Regular vulnerability assessments
Ask: “How do you stay ahead of cybersecurity threats?”
You can also reference the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for what a security-first IT structure should include.
3. Proactive Support & Monitoring
Round-the-clock monitoring helps prevent issues before they impact your operations. Look for:
- 24/7 helpdesk support
- Real-time alerts
- On-site and remote support capabilities
Ask: “What’s your average response and resolution time?”
Explore what proactive IT support looks like and how it differs from reactive service models.
4. Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, your IT needs will evolve. Choose a provider that offers scalable services and is prepared to adapt.
Ask: “How do you support growing teams or multi-location businesses?”
5. Strategic IT Planning
A good MSP isn’t just a tech fixer—they’re a strategic advisor. You should receive regular reports, technology roadmaps, and budget forecasts.
Ask: “Will I have a dedicated account manager or vCIO (virtual CIO)?”
6. Clear, Transparent Pricing
Avoid unexpected charges or vague contracts. Your MSP should offer predictable pricing models and clearly outline what’s included.
Ask: “Are there hidden fees for after-hours or emergency support?”
For deeper insight, check out our guide to managed IT service pricing in Tulsa.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if an IT provider:
- Lacks documented processes or SLAs
- Offers no references or case studies
- Pushes generic solutions without assessing your business
- Doesn’t have cybersecurity certifications or insurance
As Datto notes in their MSP checklist, trust, clarity, and service-level agreements (SLAs) are non-negotiable.
10 Questions to Ask Before Signing an MSP Agreement
- What’s included (and not included) in your service packages?
- Can you provide references or case studies?
- How do you handle data backups and disaster recovery?
- What cybersecurity standards do you follow?
- How do you support remote or hybrid teams?
- Do you offer a trial period or short-term contract option?
- What’s your onboarding process like?
- How often do you provide system reports?
- Who owns the data and systems if we part ways?
- How do you ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR)?
Real-World Example: Avoiding IT Nightmares
A Tulsa-based law firm once outsourced to a low-cost IT provider who failed to implement basic endpoint protection. After a ransomware attack halted operations for two days, they switched to a managed IT partner that provided regular risk assessments, encryption policies, and staff training—avoiding future incidents and regaining client trust.
For more stories like this, visit our client case studies and success stories.
6 Signs You’ve Found the Right MSP
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between break/fix IT and managed services?
A: Break/fix IT responds only when something fails. Managed services provide proactive monitoring, maintenance, and strategic planning to prevent issues before they arise.
Q: How much does a managed IT services provider typically cost?
A: Pricing varies by business size and needs. Many MSPs offer per-user or flat monthly fees, typically ranging from $100–$250 per user/month for comprehensive support. Source: TechRepublic
Q: Can I switch providers if I’m unhappy?
A: Yes. Look for MSPs with clearly defined offboarding processes and data transition support.
Q: Are MSPs only for large businesses?
A: No. In fact, small and midsize businesses benefit the most by gaining enterprise-level IT support without hiring in-house. CompTIA notes that SMBs increasingly rely on MSPs for digital transformation.
Conclusion: Choose Proactively, Not Reactively
The right IT partner will empower your business, not just support it. By carefully evaluating providers on experience, security, flexibility, and transparency, you’ll find a firm that protects your systems and enables growth.
Ready to evaluate your current IT setup?
Contact Combined Technology to schedule a free consultation and get expert insight into your infrastructure.
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