Let’s face it: Technology is at the heart of every modern business. But if your managed services provider feels more like a help desk than a strategic partner, it may be time to reassess.
Braden Business Systems put together a smart and simple tool to help. The MSP Comparison Guide is designed for business and IT leaders who want clarity around the value of their current IT support. It walks you through what really matters and how to tell if your provider is measuring up.
What Makes a Great MSP? Here’s What to Look For
Choosing the right IT partner isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s about finding a team that helps your business run smarter and grow stronger. The guide focuses on the areas that matter most:
- Strategic IT leadership: Are you getting proactive advice or just reactive fixes?
- Issue prevention: Are problems solved before they cause downtime?
- Quick response: When something breaks, how fast do you hear back?
- Scalability: Can their services flex as your business grows?
- Fair contracts: Are the terms clear and reasonable?
- Compliance and transparency: Do they keep you informed and help you stay audit-ready?
- Overall value: Are you getting what you pay for or better?
If you’re unsure about any of the above, the guide can help bring things into focus.
A Clearer Way to Evaluate Your IT Partner
This isn’t just a checklist. It’s a straightforward process to help you evaluate your provider with confidence. Here’s how it works:
- Fill out the questionnaire and get a clear picture of your MSP’s performance.
- Review the results to pinpoint what’s working and what’s not.
- Have an honest conversation with your provider.
- Collaborate on improvements if they’re open to change.
- Consider new options if they aren’t meeting your needs.
It’s about empowering you to make informed decisions that align with your business goals.
Why Braden Might Be the Right Fit
For over 35 years, Braden Business Systems has helped companies find smarter ways to manage IT. We’re proud of our 98% client retention rate and even prouder of the partnerships we’ve built along the way.
Whether you’re looking for full-service support or just need to augment your internal team, we offer:
- Managed and co-managed IT
- Cybersecurity expertise
- Cloud services and migration
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Compliance support
No fluff, just practical solutions tailored to your business.
Ready to See Where You Stand?
If you’re questioning whether your IT support is doing enough, this guide is a great place to start. It’s free, easy to use, and packed with insights that could make a real difference.
Check out the MSP Comparison Guide
Because the right IT partner doesn’t just fix things, they help you move forward.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly are managed IT services?
Think of managed IT as having a dedicated team that keeps your technology running in the background. Instead of fixing problems only when something goes wrong, a managed service provider works continuously to maintain your systems, protect your data, and offer support when your team needs it.
How is this different from regular IT support?
Traditional IT support often means calling someone after an issue has already caused downtime. Managed services take a different approach. They monitor your systems around the clock, perform regular maintenance, and help prevent issues before they happen. It is more like having insurance and a pit crew combined.
What are the real benefits of managed services?
You get more than just tech help. You gain stability, security, and time back in your day. Managed services can reduce downtime, lower unexpected costs, and make sure your team has the tools and support to stay productive. It also gives you access to experienced professionals without having to build a large in-house team.
Is it expensive to switch to managed IT?
It depends on your current setup, but most businesses find it is actually more cost effective in the long run. You pay a consistent monthly fee, which helps with budgeting, and you avoid the surprise expenses that come with emergency fixes or outdated equipment.
How do I know if a provider is the right fit for us?
Start by asking how they support businesses like yours. Look for transparency, responsiveness, and a willingness to understand your goals. The best providers act like a partner, not just a vendor. They should offer a clear plan and communicate in a way that makes sense to you and your team.