Wouldn’t it be great to know your Managed Service Provider (MSP) does more than keep the lights on? The right technology alone won’t drive success for your business. What truly makes the difference, however, is the strategy, management and partnership behind it.
Estimated read time: 3 minutes
Technology is Only Part of the Solution
In a recent radio interview, Dereck Djernes, Hamilton Division Manager, explains that the best MSPs align technology with a company’s business objectives and goals as well as anticipate risks.
Watch Time: 4:50
Dereck suggests that when business owners like you think about IT support or managed services, think beyond the technical aspects because the technology alone doesn’t solve all the problems. A trusted MSP like Hamilton acts as the engine that keeps your technology running in a reliable, secure manner.
Efficient operations that align with your business objectives make the investment pay off. Without that strategic support, even the best systems can become underutilized, poorly secured and ultimately more costly than they should be. “An MSP ensures that your investment doesn’t just sit there—it delivers a return, which is the whole point,” Dereck adds.
What to Expect from a Trusted Technology Partner
Choosing a Managed Service Provider is about more than technical capability—it’s about partnership. Whether you currently outsource your IT to a provider or are just exploring the option, be sure to look for transparency.
A few critical factors to consider as part of a potential or existing arrangement include:
- A clearly outlined service level agreement to avoid unexpected costs.
- Response times (incident- or service-related).
- Escalation paths.
Think of working with an MSP more as a partnership than signing a contract. Ultimately, if you or your staff need to make a call for help, you want to feel confident that your MSP has your back, no matter what time of day it is. Do your calls get routed to a machine or a real person?
Beyond technical expertise, communication and understanding remain key elements of success. Of course, the MSPs should know the ins and outs of your IT infrastructure, but do they also understand your business? Do the people you talk to know your priorities and goals? Above all else, do they value security and maintain a support environment that reflects their ability to keep your network and your data safe?
The Question Every Business Owner Should Ask
As you evaluate your current IT support and provider, ask yourself, “How is this arrangement helping my business grow?” Your answer to this question can draw a distinct line between a reactive provider approach and a strategic partner methodology.
The most experienced MSPs anticipate risks and can look ahead to keep your business competitive. This level of effort goes beyond the minimum requirement of simply maintaining technology (aka keeping the lights on). Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to vet the culture of any potential MSP to get a better understanding of its mindset overall as a company.
If it feels like your technology is holding you back or your provider isn’t proactive, Dereck advises that you should “act now because tech underperformance compounds over time.” Thinking about it from this perspective can reveal whether you’re simply underutilizing your current technology or if it’s time for a change.
The Technology Bottom Line
We all know that technology is powerful but only when it’s guided by the right strategy and support. The best MSP doesn’t just fix problems; it drives business growth, strengthens security and prepares you for the future.
As a trusted technology partner, one thing remains clear: great service isn’t about the technology, it’s about the relationship behind it. At Hamilton, we believe that using technology strategically can help you achieve your business goals. Contact our team to schedule an IT assessment if you’ve never had one or if it’s been longer than two years.
