Articles & Alerts

It’s common practice for small and medium-sized companies to outsource some or all of their IT functions by partnering with a vendor to get the tech services they need without having to invest in additional internal IT capabilities.

But it’s not always smooth sailing for these companies. Finding the right partner – an IT vendor who has not just the right skill set or tools, but one that’s trustworthy and competent – isn’t easy. In today’s hyper-competitive market, many third-party providers over-promise and under-deliver.

Working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) who can’t fulfill expectations doesn’t just hinder business operations, it also heightens a company’s risk exposure. Against a backdrop of growing cybersecurity threats, evolving digital transformation and economic constraints, it’s more crucial than ever that companies do their due diligence during the procurement process.

Best Practices in Selecting a Trusted IT Partner

Before assessing potential MSPs, companies should first assess themselves by taking inventory of their capabilities and infrastructure. Ideally, this would involve a thorough audit of your organization’s specific requirements, internal skills set, budget, resources, and objectives.

This is a helpful exercise for companies at any stage in their development, giving you data-driven insights into your pain points, gaps, and system vulnerabilities. In the context of IT vendor selection, plotting out the requirements beforehand can help you ensure that you stay within budget, maximize your resources, and see exactly what functions you need to outsource versus what you can handle in house.

It also helps streamline the transition process so companies can navigate it quickly and efficiently, whether they’re switching to a new MSP or outsourcing for the first time.

Such comprehensive analysis and change management can’t be done without complete buy-in from senior management, and clear communication throughout the process. It’s vital that everyone is fully engaged and understands the priorities, next steps, and ultimate goals.

How Anchin’s Digital Risk Solutions Team Can Help

Anchin’s cybersecurity and digital solutions experts work with clients to ensure they find an IT partner who can help them meet their current needs, as well as future objectives. Our aim is to connect clients with MSPs with whom they can build productive, long-term relationships.

Stepping into the role of IT project manager, we guide you through every stage of the process, from preparing the initial requirements document through to vendor selection once we’ve found the ideal MSPs to match your brief.

Working from the requirements document, potential MSPs are identified, screened and ranked so companies have all the information they need when making their final selection. This proactive process protects your business and creates a foundation from which you can scale up as needed. We take a pragmatic and holistic approach throughout, working within set time frames, and to clearly-defined objectives, to minimize any disruption to your business.

The Digital Risk Solutions team also works with Anchin affiliate Redpoint Cybersecurity, pulling in additional security expertise to ensure vendors are following cybersecurity best practices and that the chosen MSP aligns with your wider risk management framework. Post-selection, Anchin can act as your representative in working with one or more MSPs, bridging the gap to ensure they are following technical requirements as needed.

If you have any questions about selecting an IT vendor or IT vendor management, please contact Russell Safirstein, Paul Engelbert, or your Anchin Relationship Partner.