As a small business professional, you understand how important managed information technology (IT) services are, even if you don’t really know what they are. Chances are, your technical issues take too long to resolve, unexpected IT costs keep piling up or you do not have the expertise you need.
If you are struggling with unreliable technology, frequent downtime, security risks, unpredictable costs or an overwhelming ticket volume, you need help from a managed service provider (MSP). Once you understand how to evaluate providers, you need to choose the best managed IT service near you.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are third-party MSPs you outsource IT tasks to. An entity will handle technology installation, maintenance, security and management. It can act as your IT department or supplement your in-house team when you need extra help, such as during disaster recovery or when installing a new system.
Fully managed support plans typically offer end-to-end technical assistance around the clock. Co-managed support is less comprehensive. You use it if you have an IT team but need backup.
These are the most common types of managed IT services, but you may also encounter on-demand or plan-based support. These are only applicable if you have a knowledgeable, capable IT team but need help with ticket overflow, updates, disaster recovery or repairs.
How to Evaluate Potential Partners
Not all managed IT services are created equal. Rather than picking the provider nearest to you or the MSP with the highest Google rating, carefully evaluate their technical expertise, service quality, ability to scale, pricing structure and service offerings.
Understanding of Industry Regulations
Whether an MSP works with businesses, municipalities or nonprofits determines whether it is the right fit for you. The more experience it has in your sector, the better. For example, if you are in the health care industry, the MSP should understand how to navigate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act while managing and maintaining your systems.
Employee Tenure and Client Relationships
In this field, it is not uncommon for someone else to answer the phone every time you call. Establishing a long-term relationship with a select few professionals is practically unheard of. The longer an MSP’s average employee tenure, the more likely you are to have the same point of contact. The average length of client relationships is another good indicator of service quality.
Ability to Scale With Your Company
Once you establish a relationship with an MSP, it should grow with you. While there is nothing wrong with switching to a new service provider when you outgrow your current one, it will take time and effort to get it up to speed on your systems and expectations. It is better to find a company that can scale as your needs evolve.
Broad Range of Services and Solutions
What managed IT services are essential? Some MSPs offer cloud computing and networking management, while others provide disaster recovery and technology consulting assistance. Carefully evaluate their offerings to decide which align best with your needs.
Transparent and Flexible Pricing Structure
MSPs may charge a monthly fee per employee. Per-user pricing is easy to scale as you hire more people. With per-device pricing, you pay for every server, computer or mobile device the third party manages.
Tiered packages offer varying service levels, from basic to comprehensive. Some providers simply charge one flat fee that covers everything.
5 Leading Managed IT Providers in America
Here are the top five managed IT services in Houston, Grand Rapids, Columbia, Lincoln and Sewell. Their combined coverage spans coast to coast.
1. Dataprise: Best in Texas
Houston-based managed IT service provider Dataprise offers proactive monitoring, unlimited support, continuity planning, patch management, disaster recovery and strategic consulting services. Its large team of certified technical consultants offers 24/7/365 support, from IT infrastructure assessments to managed compliance frameworks. You can also proactively address issues and automate background tasks with Dataprise’s AI-powered solutions, which offer customizable support.
- Core strength: The scope, depth and scalability of IT services and solutions
- Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses seeking end-to-end support
2. ITPartners+: Best in Michigan
Computer support and services company ITPartners+ provides custom security, business continuity and consulting solutions out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Through its fully managed model, it handles everything from cybersecurity to the help desk. Everything you need to run a business is included in its per-seat pricing. This includes ticket overflow, endpoint monitoring, dark web scanning, system documentation and IT roadmap guidance.
- Core strength: Its ability to customize IT solutions for customers
- Best for: Smaller organizations that prefer the à la carte managed IT model
3. VC3: Best in South Carolina
Through VC3’s right-sized IT services and solutions, clients see an 86% reduction in IT incidents. That’s why its average client tenure is 11 years. Its fully managed support package spans cybersecurity monitoring, 24/7 technical support, maintenance and help desk services. Since all team members are based in North America, they resolve issues quickly. Strategically located engineers can arrive within two hours to provide on-site support.
- Core strength: Engineers’ rapid response to in-person emergencies
- Best for: Growing businesses that need robust technical assistance
4. Bizco Technologies: Best in Nebraska
Nebraska-based Bizco offers disaster recovery, IT product procurement, network installation, unified communications, mobile device management, work-from-home readiness, security training and IT services through short-term contracts. Since its founding in 1984, it has grown from a three-person team into a 50-person brand. It was one of the first IT businesses in the state to offer managed services. The average employee has worked here for six years.
- Core strength: Providing enterprise-grade solutions with a hometown touch
- Best for: Midwest companies whose IT departments are stretched thin
5. Rivell: Best in New Jersey
Full-service managed IT provider Rivell has served enterprises and municipalities in New Jersey and the broader tristate area since 1977. It prides itself on maintaining a 99.9% client retention rate. Its services span infrastructure management, continuous monitoring, disaster recovery, help desk support, server oversight and long-term technology planning.
- Core strength: Its commitment to client retention and customer satisfaction
- Best for: Small businesses and government agencies in the tristate area
Which Managed IT Provider Near You Is Best?
While these leading managed IT providers all offer fully and co-managed support, their service offerings differ. To weed out prospective partners that are not the right fit, compare their availability, reach, response times and satisfaction ratings.
Moving Forward With Your IT Partner
As full-service providers with decades of experience, these MSPs offer some of the best managed IT services from Houston, Texas, to Sewell, New Jersey. Their customer satisfaction ratings, average employee tenure and client retention rates are high. Moreover, each offers a broad range of comprehensive services.
While all of these managed IT services are excellent choices, you can only pick one. Use the MSP criteria and the comparison table to evaluate each prospective partner carefully before making your final decision.
