IT Company in Akron Explains How to Choose the Right Managed Services Provider

Choosing the right managed services provider (MSP) isn’t just a tech decision; it’s a strategic move. According to Flexera, businesses waste up to one-third of their IT budgets due to underused software, poor vendor choices, and misaligned services. That kind of waste drains resources and stalls growth.

The right MSP helps you flip that script, bringing clarity, control, and cost-efficiency to your IT operations. With expert guidance and proactive support, your business can move faster, not just patch problems.

As Chris Stocker, Chief Information Security Officer at Compass Computer Group, says, “When you choose the right MSP, you’re not just outsourcing IT, you’re gaining a partner who helps you move faster, stay secure, and make smarter decisions every day.”

In this blog, a trusted IT firm in Akron shares a practical managed IT checklist to help you evaluate MSPs with confidence. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for—ensuring your IT not only meets today’s needs but also supports your long-term business goals.

Define Your Needs Before You Search

Many businesses jump straight into comparing MSPs without knowing what they truly need. That often leads to wasted time and a poor fit. Start by understanding what you want IT to do for your business.

Write down goals like protecting data, reducing downtime, or planning future upgrades. Ensure these goals align directly with business plans, such as growth targets or compliance requirements. This helps you measure success later.

Use a managed IT services questionnaire to see where your current IT falls short. It helps you list:

• Core must-haves include live support, compliance tools, and proactive monitoring. These keep your business protected and efficient every day.
• Nice-to-haves like cloud migration help or software consulting. These extras can improve operations as you grow.
• Targets for response and resolution times. Setting clear targets keeps providers accountable.

Consider early on the questions to ask your potential MSP so you can assess whether a provider understands your industry and its unique challenges. Precise planning now avoids confusion later.

Build Your Managed Services Selection Criteria

With your needs listed, create your managed services vendor selection criteria. This keeps your process clear and fact-based, rather than driven solely by cost or a friendly salesperson.

Focus on these areas:

• Scalability: Can the provider adjust as your business expands or changes? You need IT support that grows without causing downtime.
• Support: Do they answer calls live during business hours? Fast help from real people matters when systems go down.
• Compliance: Check if they can manage CMMC, HIPAA, PCI, or other standards that keep your data secure and your business legally protected.
• Security: Confirm that security tools and processes are part of the core service, not optional add-ons.

Include technical questions to qualifying MSP to see real expertise:

• Ask about the certifications of technical staff. Certified teams are better trained to prevent and fix problems.
• Ask how they handle updates and patches. Regular patching keeps systems safe.
• Ask if they can manage both new and older systems. Many businesses still run legacy tools that need support.

A written list keeps you objective and protects you from sales hype.

Focus on Security First

Security must never be an afterthought. Cyberattacks cost SMBs anywhere from $120,000 to $1.24 million per incident. Strong cybersecurity must be built into your MSP’s offering, not sold later.

When thinking about how to choose a managed security services provider, ask about:

• Dark web monitoring: This helps catch stolen passwords before they’re used.
• Phishing training: Employees who know what to click and what to avoid are your first line of defense.
• Network penetration tests: These show if your defenses hold under attack.

Ask these managed services questions:

• Where and how is your backup data stored? Safe backups keep you running after attacks.
• Who in your team has direct access to my systems? Fewer people mean lower risk.
• How do you track and fix vulnerabilities? Active monitoring matters more than promises.

A provider with strong answers demonstrates that they view security as essential, not an upsell.

Dig Into Service Delivery and Support

Your MSP must deliver help when you need it, not only when it is convenient for them. Many businesses leave providers because response times fail to meet their promises.

Ask about:

• Average response times: Best-in-class MSPs often reply in under 30 minutes. A prompt response prevents small problems from escalating.
• Live human support: Speaking to someone live saves time and frustration. Automated menus don’t help during downtime.
• Proactive monitoring: Detecting issues before they hit operations keeps your business running smoothly.

Include questions to ask during MSP discovery, such as:

• How often do you check in with clients? Regular check-ins show partnership.
• How do you track and report on problems? Clear reports help you see trends.
• How do you handle after-hours issues? Round-the-clock coverage matters.

Knowing what’s behind their process helps you judge real service quality.

Evaluate Experience and Expertise

In 2023, 78% of global businesses faced a tech talent shortage, and MSPs are not left out, as they too struggle to find skilled professionals to meet growing IT demands.

Look for MSPs who’ve solved problems like yours before. Certificates matter, but proven experience shows they know how to handle real challenges.

Use MSP qualifying questions such as:

• Tell me about similar clients you’ve worked with. Experience with your industry helps avoid rookie mistakes.
• What measurable results did you achieve? Numbers like reduced downtime or faster response matter more than words.
• How long have your longest clients stayed? Loyalty shows trust and good service.

You need a partner who understands your industry and has kept up with changes in cloud and security.

Check Financial Health and Cultural Fit

An MSP should be stable enough to stay with you for years. Ask about their business age, team turnover, and financial track record.

Some questions to ask an MSP are:

• How do you train staff to keep up with new threats? Training prevents skill gaps.
• What’s your staff turnover rate? High turnover can cause service gaps.
• How do your team’s values match ours? A shared mindset makes daily work smoother.

Choosing an MSP isn’t just buying a service. It’s hiring a long-term partner.

Review Contracts and SLAs

Never accept vague promises. Contracts should show:

• Performance-based SLAs: Clear targets with penalties if missed. These protect your investment.
• Regular reporting: Dashboards and monthly reports help track real performance.
• Clear pricing: Avoid hidden fees by checking what’s covered.

Balanced contracts help you get real value, not just the lowest price.

Keep an Eye on the Future

A good MSP helps you look ahead, not just fix today’s problems. They should advise on new tools, security updates, and scaling plans.

Ask about:

• Innovation roadmap: Knowing future updates helps you plan IT budgets.
• Adaptability: Can they change as your business grows? Flexibility avoids forced migrations.
• Proactive advice: Do they regularly suggest better tools or cost-saving ideas?

An MSP who plans keeps you ready for market changes.

Compare Key MSP Features Side by Side

Many businesses skip clear comparisons. A side-by-side view shows which MSP fits best.

Make the Right IT Choice with Akron’s Leading IT Company

A strong managed IT services checklist helps you choose based on service, security, and shared vision, not just price.

Selecting an MSP is selecting a partner who safeguards your systems and supports your growth. That’s why it’s critical to pick a provider that doesn’t just react to problems but helps your business move forward with confidence. Contact one of the most reliable IT companies in Akron today to strengthen your technology, minimize risks, and drive long-term success.

Contact Information:

Compass Computer Group

1200 E Market St Second Floor, Suite 315
Akron, OH 44305
United States

Chris Stocker
(330) 859-6702
https://www.compasscomputergroup.com/