
What is an MSP?
Are you looking to upgrade your company’s tech like 80% of small businesses this year? Easier said than done, right? From compliance and software updates to cybersecurity, managing your tech can be a major challenge for your small to medium-sized business. But how can you ease the stress of IT management while keeping your technology competitive?
You hire an MSP.
You might be wondering: Aren’t MSPs expensive? Can’t I just hire my own IT person for less? And how can I trust an external team with my business?
These are all valid concerns – especially if you’ve never worked with an MSP before. In this article, we want to address your concerns and break down what MSPs bring to the table in a clear and straightforward way.
Let’s start from the top…
What is an MSP?
On the tin, an MSP or managed service provider reads as: a third-party company that provides remote, ongoing maintenance and support for a customer’s IT systems. But let’s be real – this jargon-packed definition doesn’t really explain what we do.
Yes, we’re your IT folks – but we’re so much more than that. We’re your first line of defense against hackers, your safeguard in the face of disaster, and the people working to keep your technology running as it should be. Most importantly, we’re your dedicated partners.
You don’t hire an MSP for a day’s work; you hire them for the long haul. Unlike the old break-fix model – more on this shortly – we focus on preventing problems before they happen. We’re always keeping an eye out for potential tech troubles while providing your company with both the hardware and software it needs to not just function but excel.
While that may all sound well and good, you still might be wondering…
What can an MSP do for me?
In short? We make your life easier. MSPs equip SMBs with the tools and expertise needed to tackle tech challenges that would otherwise be overwhelming to handle alone – and we save you money along the way. At the heart of everything we do are two key benefits: peace of mind and cost savings.
We provide you peace of mind
Whether it’s purchasing hardware, backing up your data, or keeping you in compliance, MSPs give SMBs the freedom to step back and breathe.
That doesn’t mean you can entirely “set it and forget it.” A hands-off mentality often leads businesses astray. Education and personal involvement are just as critical as having an MSP. Just take a look at Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Report, which details that 28% of all breaches are caused by human error.
Think of us as the backbone of your technology strategy, providing support and guidance for your company. Here’s what you can expect with an MSP:
- Reliable support: With cutting-edge technology, MSPs can monitor your business for issues. When something goes wrong, these capabilities allow us to respond quickly and effectively. Some MSPs, like us, even offer 24/7/365 support, so issues are resolved no matter the time of day or whether you’re on holiday.
- Minimized downtime and disruptions: Our proactive approach means a significant reduction in downtime. What could have cost your business hours – or longer – can typically be resolved in minutes.
- Protection from cyberthreats: Cybercriminals target smaller businesses because they typically lack the resources for comprehensive cybersecurity that larger companies maintain. In 2023 alone, nearly 43% of cyberattacks targeted SMBs. MSPs strengthen your security by providing cutting-edge antivirus software, constant monitoring, security training, and disaster recovery tools.
- Assistance with regulatory compliance: MSPs are uniquely equipped to handle compliance because it’s our job to stay on top of new trends and regulation changes. By taking the time to understand your IT systems, we can pinpoint exactly where you stand with compliance requirements. Whether you need to catch up or stay ahead, we’ll get you to where you need to be.
With an MSP, you can stop wasting time and energy worrying about your technology. Instead, you can rely on a trusted partner to do the heavy lifting for you.
We save you money
Let’s say you’re tired of band-aid fixes for your IT issues and want a true IT partner. This leads you to two options: either hire a full-time IT employee or an MSP. At first glance, you might assume a full-time employee is the cheaper option – they’re just one person, after all. But let’s break it down:
Full-Time Employee Costs
With a full-time IT employee, you’re paying for:
- Salary
- Insurance
- Benefits
- Office space
- Equipment
- Payroll taxes
- Recruiting
- Training
- Admin costs
Approximate Total = $100,000 per year
Managed Service Provider Costs
With The 20 MSP you’re receiving:
- Predictable budget
- Unlimited support
- Security
- Disaster recovery
- 24/7/365 service desk
- And much more
Approximate Total = $75,000 per year
The savings don’t stop there. With an MSP, you don’t have to worry about your IT person taking vacation, getting sick, or leaving for another job. You also won’t need to budget for your IT’s software, tools, or ongoing training. Beyond that, the upfront costs of an MSP are often lower, and it’s an MSP’s goal to keep your business running smoothly. When your technology is working happily, it means you aren’t being interrupted.
No interruptions = more productivity.
But what about break-fix?
Here’s a question we hear often: Why pay for IT services when nothing’s broken?
It’s a fair question. Break-fix – the old-school method of calling for help only after something goes wrong – might seem more cost-effective at first, but for many organizations, that’s simply not the case.
Consider this: Break-fix is in the business of things breaking. That means, break-fix companies actually benefit when your technology faces issues. The longer it takes to fix a problem, the more it ends up costing you – essentially incentivizing break-fix providers to drag out repairs. This creates a fundamental misalignment of interests between break-fix providers and their customers.
Sure, break-fix may seem cheaper, with costs averaging $100 per hour, but those hours add up fast. And the real kicker? When things break, you’re not just paying for repairs – you’re paying for downtime. Even if you’re a small business with just 1 to 25 employees, a single minute of downtime can cost you up to $1,670. That’s equivalent to 13+ hours of break-fix support for just one minute of lost productivity. And as we mentioned, break-fix providers are incentivized to take their time on your repairs.
How are MSPs different?
MSPs take a proactive approach to IT. We don’t wait for problems to arise – we work to prevent them. And when something does go wrong, we’re ready. With advanced systems and processes in place, we can respond quickly and eliminate downtime before it becomes an issue.
We don’t want your systems to break, because your reputation is also our reputation. Your success is our success, and we’re committed to keeping your technology running smoothly to support that.
It boils down to this: break-fix is about things breaking. MSPs, on the other hand, are in the business of keeping things running. This difference doesn’t just protect your business – it saves you money.
How do I choose an MSP?
So, you’ve decided to go with an MSP – great choice! Now, how do you find one?
Step 1: Understanding Your Needs
Before diving in, ask yourself:
- Do I need 24/7 IT support?
- Am I looking for help setting up advanced technologies like AI or cloud computing?
- What level of cybersecurity does my business require?
- Do I want on-site support, or are remote services sufficient?
Step 2: Consider Your Location
Many MSPs provide both remote and on-site support, but the availability of on-site assistance often depends on the MSP’s location. Need on-site support? Look for MSPs that cover your region. Some MSPs, like us, even offer nationwide service alongside on-site support, thanks to their numerous brick-and-mortar locations across the country. This gives you the best of both worlds: remote assistance and in-person support whenever you need it.
Step 3: Do Your Homework
Research, research, research!
- Check reviews and testimonials.
- Ask for references from businesses the MSP in question has worked with.
- Look at their track record in your industry.
A good MSP welcomes questions and is happy to prove their worth.
Step 4: Look Out for Warning Signs
Trustworthy MSPs are upfront about their services, pricing, and expertise. Watch out for providers that:
- Overpromise or exaggerate their capabilities.
- Lack transparency.
- Have poor communication.
Clear and consistent communication is a hallmark of a great MSP. You want a partner that will return your calls, answer your questions, and keep you in the loop – after all, it’s a big part of what you’re paying them for.
Step 5: Find the Right Fit
Your perfect MSP is out there. Take the time to compare options and ask questions. Remember, you’re not just looking for someone to babysit your tech – you’re looking for a partner in your business’s future success.
The right MSP for the job!
Here at The 20, we’re obsessed with finding new ways to help the companies we serve get ahead. We’re not in the “computer-fixing” business – we’re in the “make-your-tech-so-good-you’ll-kick-yourself-for-not-hiring-us-sooner” business. Curious if we’re a good fit for your company’s IT needs? Let’s talk about it!
About The 20 MSP
As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, providing each one with white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our clients’ success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth. To learn more, visit the20msp.com.