Currently, 64% of businesses work with managed services providers (MSPs). This number makes sense. Many businesses face a technology skill shortage, and an MSP is a simple, yet effective way to fill these gaps. However, working with MSPs is only beneficial if you choose the right partner. Otherwise, you run the risk of several managed IT challenges.
Chad Koslow, CEO of Ridge IT Cyber, discusses this challenge. He says that “you need to treat your MSP like any other business partner. Focus on finding high-quality services from a partner who shares your values. Don’t simply choose an MSP for the sake of having one.”
To help you in that effort, our article will explore 9 challenges you could face if you choose the wrong managed service provider (MSP) for your business. We’ll also explore what you should look for in an MSP who won’t cause those challenges.
9 Avoidable Managed Services Provider Challenges
1. Misconfigured Security Settings
An MSP may lack the expertise required to properly configure your security settings. For example, firewalls or user access controls might not align with your specific business needs, creating potential entry points for attackers. These oversights often stem from generic setups that fail to consider the nuances of your IT environment.
When sourcing an MSP, look for providers who perform thorough security assessments and tailor configurations to your business. Ask about their experience in managing similar industries and their process for regularly reviewing and updating security protocols.
Choose a Security Service Professional as Your MSP
2. Inefficient Incident Response
Slow response times from an MSP can allow minor issues to escalate into significant disruptions. This problem often arises when MSPs lack adequate resources, such as a fully staffed support team or automated tools to detect and respond to incidents quickly.
When evaluating MSPs, ask about their incident response plans, average resolution times, and whether they offer remote monitoring. Ensure they use advanced tools for threat detection and have a defined, transparent process for addressing incidents.
3. Data Access Issues
Inadequate management of user permissions by an MSP can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information. This often occurs when providers don’t implement proper role-based access controls or fail to monitor changes in user roles.
Choose an MSP with a clear access control policy and a track record of maintaining secure data environments. Verify they regularly audit permissions and have processes to adapt to organizational changes, such as staff turnover.
4. Compliance Gaps
If you’re like 91% of companies, there is an industry-specific compliance framework that you must follow. If you work with an MSP who does not meet those standards, it can compromise your own business’s compliance.
To avoid these issues, prioritize MSPs with demonstrated experience in your sector’s compliance needs. Confirm they conduct regular compliance audits and stay updated on changing regulations. Ask for examples of how they’ve supported other clients in maintaining regulatory standards.
Learn more about how you can make long-term IT improvements: |
5. Shadow IT Risks
When MSP employees misuse their access, they can expose data, introduce unauthorized tools, or weaken security. This risk comes from poor internal controls or lack of oversight within the MSP. Without proper checks, even trusted staff can create vulnerabilities.
Choose an MSP that limits employee access to only what they need for their job and audits their own operations regularly. Ask about their policies for monitoring staff actions, conducting background checks, and ensuring accountability through training.
6. Delayed Support in Remote Work Environments
Some MSPs are unprepared to meet the unique challenges of supporting work from home employees. This can lead to delays in resolving IT issues, which disrupts productivity. Common causes include limited remote troubleshooting tools or a lack of staff familiar with remote work needs.
Select an MSP experienced in supporting remote environments. Ask about their tools for remote troubleshooting, their experience with managing distributed teams, and their ability to provide consistent service regardless of location.
Even if your business doesn’t offer remote work options, you may want to consider it in the future. After all, 60% of job seekers prioritize remote work options when they decide who to apply for. Therefore, it’s still a good idea to seek an MSP that can support this situation.
7. Integration Complexities
An inexperienced MSP may struggle to integrate new systems with your existing IT environment, resulting in inefficiencies or downtime. This issue often stems from poor planning, inadequate testing, or a lack of familiarity with the platforms involved.
Choose an MSP with a strong track record of managing complex integrations. Ask for case studies or references from similar projects and verify that they conduct thorough pre-deployment testing to minimize disruptions.
8. Scalability Limitations
Some MSPs cannot scale their services to match your business’s growth, leading to insufficient support or outdated solutions. These limitations may occur because the provider lacks the necessary resources or flexibility to adapt to your evolving needs.
Look for MSPs that offer scalable solutions and have the infrastructure to support growth. Ask about their ability to adjust services as your business expands and verify they provide future-proof technologies to accommodate increased demand.
9. Hidden Costs
Unexpected charges from MSPs often arise due to vague contracts or a lack of transparency in pricing. These hidden costs can strain budgets and erode trust. Common culprits include fees for basic services or additional charges for exceeding usage limits.
Before signing an agreement, carefully review the MSP’s pricing structure and ask for a detailed breakdown of costs. Choose providers who offer clear, upfront pricing and avoid those with vague or overly complex terms.
Here are a few warning signs to watch out for.
| Vague Service Descriptions | Contracts lacking clear definitions of included and excluded services. |
| Usage Limits | Extra charges for exceeding predefined usage caps without clear warnings. |
| Unplanned Maintenance Fees | Unexpected costs for regular maintenance or updates not outlined upfront. |
| Add-On Services | Additional charges for features that appear essential but are not included. |
| Ambiguous Contract Terms | Lack of transparency in billing cycles, penalties, or service adjustments. |
Avoid All 9 of These IT Managed Service Challenges With Ridge IT Cyber
Some MSPs will be able to help you avoid some, but not all, of these challenges. As a result, you may want to consider prioritizing which issues are the most important to your businesses and making decisions.
However, you can avoid all 9 challenges by choosing Ridge IT Cyber. We are a cybersecurity firm who can also provide you with comprehensive managed services. Therefore, you can rest assured that you’ll receive enterprise-grade IT management for a reasonable price.
Reach out today to get started.