Having a dedicated staff to analyze and maintain IT investments is becoming increasingly necessary among businesses of all sizes. Unfortunately, the cost of having dedicated IT staff on the payroll can be extremely prohibitive for small and medium-sized businesses. Often the tasks of trying to maintain, troubleshoot and correct IT or computer system problems falls to the owner or an employee with only rudimentary computer skills. This leads to distractions and major time drains that take them away from their core business responsibilities.

Fortunately, managed IT service providers are now available to help these same businesses in an affordable fashion. Finding a managed IT provider is a big task. With the wrong one, you will end up right back where you started. However with the right managed IT provider, productivity and workflow can flourish.

For the best possible results, ask these questions when choosing a managed IT provider:

Are you familiar with my industry? This is a simple question that often gets overlooked in the name of convenience. Remember that a managed IT provider will make your life simpler, but the process of finding the right one takes careful planning. Be sure this potential provider is familiar with your workflow style.

How will my information, as well as my customers’ information, remain safe? A managed IT provider will specialize in ensuring the security of information – your own confidential information as well as that of your clients. Be as inquisitive as possible when it comes to details like these.

What do you bring to the table? Beyond the abilities of a managed IT provider are their connections. What are they authorized to distribute and use? Furthermore, establish whether their toolbox is sufficient for the specific needs of your company.

Where will you start? Oftentimes, a managed IT provider must correctly assess your company’s current situation before moving onto optimization. For example, how will a managed IT provider incorporate your current physical systems?

How big is my up-front investment? You’re running a business, which means that you must always consider the bottom line. The right managed IT provider will be sure to construct a plan that works for your needs and minimizes your in-house expenses.

Managed IT service providers have a range of IT services available to help clients optimize their computer systems. Many offer free, no-obligation assessments to help understand the current state of your computer systems and business requirements. They’ll then work with you develop a plan that minimizes threats, safeguards your system, avoids costly downtime and maximizes the productivity from your systems.