The managed services market is gearing up to reach a massive $500 billion in 20281. This huge growth surge proves that more and more IT vendors are seeking managed service providers (MSPs) partners to optimize their IT infrastructure. After all, efficient technology is key to remaining competitive, facilitating growth and achieving business objectives. However, an MSP vendor partnership poses far more benefits than just better tech — it can lead to heightened satisfaction with your organization’s products and services overall.
The question then becomes: how can you select the ideal MSP partner that your business deserves? The sheer number of options out there can make choosing the right partner a difficult task. To assist you, we’ve compiled six essential strategies to help you identify the ideal MSP partner and propel your business towards significant growth.
Why Partner with an MSP?
Before we plunge into the ‘how,’ it’s essential to understand the ‘why’ of MSP vendor partnerships. In a world shaped by digital transformation and hyper-connectivity, the role of MSPs has evolved from an IT support team to business enablers. Their specialized expertise can enhance your product portfolio, extend your service capabilities and deepen client trust with superior service delivery. With an MSP by your side, you can confidently leave the tedious task of IT management to professionals while you focus on the innovation of your business.
First Things First: Define Your Needs
The first solid step towards finding the right MSP is self-reflection. What are your company’s strengths and weaknesses, and how can an MSP complement those? Pinpoint areas within your business where you could use external IT support, whether it’s round-the-clock monitoring, disaster recovery planning or specific expertise in a niche technology. Defining your needs will narrow down your MSP options, ensuring you only engage with those who align closely with your objectives.
Six Tips for Choosing the Ideal MSP Partner
After you’ve gotten your needs down pat, it’s time to start scoping out potential IT MSP providers. Here are six key tips for finding your dream MSP partner:
1. Evaluate Certifications and Accreditations
Plenty of MSPs can use fancy marketing jargon to paint themselves in a certain light — but how well do they hold up to their claims? When looking to partner with a MSP, seek out all available certifications and accreditations. Have they received any industry recognition? Are they ISO-certified for information security management? How’s their current level of partnerships? Hardware and software partnerships are pivotal, but so is their commitment to excellence through recognized standards. An MSP that can back up their claims will have the experience and know-how to understand your unique challenges and provide tailored solutions.
2. Consider Experience and Expertise
Mishaps are costly and time-consuming, particularly in the IT world. An MSP with a rich portfolio of project successes and a history of satisfied clients is a safe bet for your business. Look into their past performance through client case studies or customer satisfaction scores to assess their success rate, level of customer trust and reliability. It also helps to consider whether the MSP specializes in a specific industry or whether it serves a broad range of customers. If your own client base is diverse, finding IT MSP providers with a wide array of industry experiences is invaluable.
3. Review Communication and Collaboration
The best MSP vendor partnerships are built on a foundation of clear, open and proactive communication. Evaluate how your potential MSP communicates during the early stages – are they transparent about their services and capabilities? How do they handle critical issues? Smooth and effective collaboration tools and strategies are non-negotiable for an effective relationship. An MSP that integrates with your existing communication platforms and has a history of collaborative engagements is the one to keep on your list.
4. Look Into Scalability and Flexibility
Your business isn’t static, and neither should your IT solutions be. A true partnership is one that grows with you, providing scalability in services and pricing. How does the MSP handle change in your IT environment, whether it comes from mergers or rapid business growth? A scalable MSP with a flexible service model can accommodate your needs without causing you to shed those extra resources you may not have at the time.
5. Ensure Alignment with Values
Values shape corporate culture and guide business decisions. An MSP that mirrors your company’s core values and ethics is much more than a service provider – they are an extension of your brand. Does the MSP prioritize customer satisfaction? Do they demonstrate a proactive approach to resolving issues? A cultural fit can go a long way in cementing a strong and lasting MSP vendor partnership.
6. Do They Work Within Your Budget?
Financial compatibility is another piece of the partnership puzzle. A highly skilled MSP outside your budget may not be a viable long-term partner. Transparent pricing and a thorough understanding of costs are essential. Look for an MSP that doesn’t just manage your IT systems efficiently but also offers clear value for your investment, helping you maximize ROI.
It’s Time to Find Your Dream MSP Vendor Partnership
Quite simply, partnering with the right MSP can be a game-changer for IT vendors, transforming their IT infrastructure to be more productive, efficient and cohesive. By following these six steps, you can take on the MSP partner selection process much more confidently (and quickly). And, with the right IT MSP provider by your side, you can fuel innovation and growth like never before.
If you’re ready to partner with an MSP but would still like some assistance during the process, Marketopia has you covered. As the leaders in lead generation services and sales enablement solutions for MSPs and vendors in the IT industry, we serve as the perfect matchmaker. Get in touch with us today and we’ll ensure to make your journey to securing an MSP partner quick, easy and painless.
MSP Partner FAQ
Why partner with an MSP?
Partnering with the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) is vital for IT vendors. It enhances service offerings, expands market reach and boosts customer satisfaction. A proficient MSP offers expertise, resources and support to meet changing client needs, ensuring competitiveness and success.
How do I define objectives for an MSP vendor partnership?
Define objectives by considering needed services, target markets and long-term business goals. Determine whether you want to improve existing services, enter new markets or improve operational efficiency. Clear objectives will help you identify an MSP aligned with your priorities.
What should I look for in an MSP’s expertise?
Assess an MSP’s expertise by examining its track record in similar businesses, experience, certifications and partnerships with leading technology vendors. Specialized knowledge and industry experience equip an MSP to understand unique challenges and offer tailored solutions.
How crucial is customer service in choosing an MSP?
Exceptional customer service is essential in selecting an MSP partner. Look for responsiveness, transparency and proactive communication. Evaluate escalation procedures and support resource availability for a positive client experience.
What are factors for evaluating an MSP’s scalability and flexibility?
Consider an MSP’s ability to scale services as per demand and adapt to changing business environments. Look for customizable service plans, flexible pricing and agile processes to support long-term growth and changing needs.
How can I ensure alignment in values and culture with an MSP?
Choose MSPs that showcase integrity, accountability, and genuine interest in understanding your business. Seek partners sharing your commitment to excellence and are willing to collaborate closely for mutual goals. A partnership built on shared values fosters trust, respect and long-term success.
References:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/590884/worldwide-managed-services-market-size/
