As a Philadelphia business, one of the most important things you can do is choose a managed service provider for your information technology IT infrastructure that not fits your needs but company culture. There are many options out there, including local and national MSPs. Both offer advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider before deciding which MSP to choose. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons associated with these options, as well as some of the implications involved when considering your candidates.
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services involve outsourcing the responsibility for maintaining and managing a company’s IT infrastructure and services. Instead of handling IT tasks internally, businesses collaborate with a third-party provider, known as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), to oversee various aspects of their technology needs.
Key components of managed IT services include:
- Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance: MSPs continuously monitor a company’s IT systems to detect and address potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach helps prevent downtime and ensures the smooth operation of IT resources.
- Remote and On-Site Support: Managed IT services provide a range of support, including resolving technical issues remotely and, when necessary, dispatching on-site support to address more complex problems. This support model ensures timely responses to IT-related challenges.
- Security Management: MSPs implement and manage security measures to protect against cybersecurity threats. This includes firewall management, antivirus updates, data encryption, and proactive security measures to safeguard sensitive information.
- Data Backup and Disaster Recovery: Managed IT services include regular data backups to prevent data loss in the event of hardware failure, cyberattacks, or other disasters. Additionally, MSPs develop comprehensive disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime and data loss in case of unforeseen incidents.
- IT Consulting and Strategic Planning: MSPs collaborate with businesses to understand their goals and challenges, providing strategic IT consulting to align technology with overall business objectives. This includes planning for future technological needs and upgrades.
- Scalability: As businesses evolve, their IT requirements change. Managed IT services offer scalability, allowing organizations to adjust their IT resources and support levels based on their current needs and growth projections.
- Cost Predictability: Instead of dealing with unpredictable IT expenses, businesses benefit from a predictable and often cost-effective pricing model with managed IT services. This model typically involves a flat monthly or annual fee, making budgeting more straightforward.
What to Know About National MSPs
National MSPs operate across the United States, boasting a wide range of expertise and experience. Their extensive reach allows them to tap into sophisticated systems and a deep pool of resources. Around-the-clock support is a notable advantage, with multiple teams and locations offering 24/7 monitoring and assistance, catering to businesses that require continuous support.
However, the sheer size of national MSPs can result in a lack of personalization, akin to major internet or mobile carriers. Clients might find themselves dealing with technicians who lack an in-depth understanding of their specific business needs. In some cases, national MSPs might prioritize sales over tailored IT planning and advice, focusing on upselling technologies and services without aligning them with the client’s specific IT goals.
What to Know About Local MSPs
Going local will benefit Philadelphia businesses who want a personal touch. Local managed IT service providers can quickly adapt to changes in the business landscape, establishing closer connections and building long-term relationships with their clients. Access to high-quality, in-person service is a distinctive advantage, facilitating hands-on support from setup and installation to technical support and business continuity.
Despite these advantages, some local MSPs might have smaller staff sizes, leading to potential limitations in their capabilities. Businesses need to inquire about the size and expertise of the local MSP’s team. Off-hours services for local MSPs may involve outside providers, and businesses should be aware of the geographical location of these providers to avoid potential language barriers or variations in service quality.
Choosing Between Local and National Managed IT Providers
Now that you know what each of these bring to the table, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing between these two kinds of MSPs:
Define IT Strategy and Goals
Consider whether a more personalized approach offered by local MSPs aligns with your IT strategy or if standardized services provided by national MSPs better suit your requirements.
Proximity
Consider the importance of physical proximity for on-site support. If your business demands quick, localized resolutions to IT issues, a local MSP may be the preferred choice. Proximity ensures that support teams can be on-site promptly during critical situations.
Service Requirements
Determine the specific level of service and support needed for your business. Assess whether a more personalized approach, where the MSP becomes a strategic partner (local MSP), aligns better with your objectives, or if standardized services and accessibility are more suitable (national MSP).
Scalability
For businesses in Philadelphia that are beginning to gain momentum, having a scalable IT infrastructure is important. Depending on your goals, the scalability of a national MSP may provide more flexibility than one who is local. That said, smaller local MSPs can directly support growth within your community.
Expertise
Consider the level of expertise required and whether national MSPs with specialized teams are better equipped to handle your unique IT requirements. Both local and national MSPs have access to talent, but the talent may not always know what your business needs locally, especially if they are outsourced from abroad. Consider which group—local or national—will be best equipped to handle the specialized aspects of your IT infrastructure.
Communication Dynamics
Reflect on your preferences for communication and interaction. Local MSPs may offer more face-to-face interactions, fostering a closer relationship, while national MSPs might rely more on digital communication methods. Choose based on your communication comfort and requirements.
Furthermore, you should reflect on how quickly on-site support can be deployed when you need it most. Proximity plays a crucial role in response time, potentially favoring a local MSP when urgent, on-site assistance is essential for critical situations.
Budgetary Considerations
Evaluate your budget constraints and ensure that the chosen MSP aligns with your financial considerations. Strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and service quality to avoid compromising on essential IT management aspects.
Looking for a Managed Service Provider in Philadelphia?
Choosing between a local or national managed service provider is, in the end, a strategic choice that should not be made without carefully reviewing your options and needs. Whether you choose a local or national MSP, that company must support your Philadelphia business and understand the local regulations.
For Philadelphia businesses ready to elevate their IT strategy, PCH Technologies offers a unique blend of local understanding and global expertise. For businesses seeking a personalized touch, swift on-site support, and a local connection, PCH Technologies stands ready as your trusted local MSP partner. Our commitment to fostering relationships, understanding unique business needs, and providing hands-on support positions us as the ideal choice for Philadelphia-based businesses.
You can reach us at 844-754-7500 or by filling out the online form.