How to Choose the Right MSP IT Service Provider for Your Business

You're at a crossroads with your current "IT Guy" or Managed Services Provider (MSP) because you're spending money and continually having problems. Well, you're not alone... When looking for an IT partner, you're looking for competence. Someone who can speak to your industry and your business, help translate the IT talk, and keep your systems running while helping guide you into the future.

How do you decide what type of IT partner you need?

Selecting the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) for your business is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your operations and overall success. A study found that over 90% of MSPs generate less than $1 million in annual gross revenue, which implies that many of these providers consist of just one or two individuals. At the same time, this may seem appealing due to the potential for personalized service or the false perception of a lower cost. A small team often lacks the resources and expertise to consult, guide, and implement comprehensive solutions tailored to your business needs. The single "IT Guy" MSPs do have a purpose; they mainly work on the "break-fix" model, which means you call when something breaks, and they fix it. They work well in boutique businesses, say a Dentist's office or a Retail store, where they don't need to be an expert but just technical enough to keep their clients running. These guys may not fit your needs if you're in a more technical, regulated, and process-driven industry.

When considering larger MSPs—with 15 or more employees—weighing the pros and cons is essential. Larger firms typically possess a broader range of expertise, rigorous processes, and greater scalability, allowing them to handle complex IT environments effectively. However, many larger Managed Services Providers (MSPs) are service teams in a more prominent technology solutions company. These companies can be $50-500 million dollar organizations that work in the enterprise organizations and are owned by venture capital companies. These organizations tend to be more sales-focused and often operate nationally, meaning a team member in a different state could address your issue when you call for support. Depending on the provider's structure, this can lead to delays in service and a lack of personalized support or tribal knowledge of your business. Additionally, they often must restrict service to increase profitability and rarely act in your best interest.

Then there is Waypoint. At Waypoint, we focus on service, value, and customized IT solutions that fit your industry, strategy, and budget. We don't consider ourselves your IT Service Provider but an extension of your team, looking out for your best interests and focused on a long-term relationship built on trust. We have experienced IT experts in many fields and a network of consultants across the globe.

When choosing an IT provider, it's not about how large or small the company is; it's about competence and resourcefulness.