To choose or not to choose has always been a dilemma since ages for mankind. The great bard had mentioned it in his classics albeit in a different fashion. Yet, the same holds true when we have to select between objects that offer similar facilities. With the information technology throwing up varieties in abundance on every conceivable issue, how to choose the best managed service provider software also has its share of selection dilemma.
What are the basic benefits that one aims to achieve from this selection governs the reply to the question of how to choose the best managed service. Every managed service provider claims of certain basic features in their product and these all are well aware of. Providing information on the working of the network as well as a single point where the solutions could be implemented across the entire network. Every MSP software in the market today also mentions about it being customisable in order for it to adapt to the changing requirements of the business house.
If these so claimed features were to be changed to reality how then would it effect the real enterprise functioning or the network managers job would be the guiding factor for choosing the best managed service provider. MSP's are third party vendors who carry out the job of managing the client's network against payment by the client. Any and every managed service system works on this basic business principle. It is therefore imperative that the MSP be of such calibre that it can sense the defect of the network even before its actual occurrence. In short a good MSP should be proactive.
With all preventive measures in place given Murphy and his laws on probability, there is bound to be a breakdown in the network. Quick response by the MSP to rescue and restore the network is another measureable criterion for selection of the MSP. Criticality of the data and the applications that process this data of an enterprise network needs no amplification. The MSP is expected to restore the network to a clean point of operation where the data and application both were functioning correctly. MSP that takes regular backups of the entire network and archives the same would be able to complete the restoration process efficiently. One other factor to be considered for choosing the best managed service provider is the knowledge base of the MSP about the current IT field. Being an ever changing one, frequent new upgrades and newer technology arrive into the market. MSP which can advise the management on this new technology as well as provide methods for implementing the same are a guiding factor for selecting an MSP. Security of the network, more so the data which is critical and could be misused if available to wrong people is an important factor for consideration while selecting an MSP. MSP that implements a strict and secure system is the best choice.
Credentials of the managed service provider are one other important aspect to be checked and verified prior to deciding on the particular one. Obtaining reference of MSP projects provided and running at other installations would be a good method to check the MSP's authenticity and effectiveness. These guidelines are sure to help in answering the question of how to choose the best managed service provider.
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