15 March 2023

Microsoft 365 is a powerful platform that enables businesses to streamline their operations, enhance collaboration, and increase productivity. However, managing Microsoft 365 can be challenging, and not every business has the resources and expertise to handle it in-house. That’s where a managed service Provider comes in.

An MSP is a third-party company that provides a range of services to manage your Microsoft 365 environment. These services can include migration, implementation, monitoring, security, and maintenance. However, not all service providers are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can be costly and disruptive to your business. In this article, we’ll explore the top five mistakes to avoid when choosing a Microsoft 365 managed service provider.

Not Considering the Provider’s Expertise and Experience

Microsoft 365 is a complex platform, and managing it requires expertise and experience. When choosing a managed service provider, it’s crucial to assess the provider’s level of expertise and experience with the platform. You should look for a provider that has a deep understanding of M365 and a track record of successful implementations and management.

You can evaluate a provider’s expertise and experience by looking at their certifications, case studies, and customer references. Microsoft offers several certifications for its products and services, and a provider that holds certifications in office 365 demonstrates their commitment to staying up to date with the latest technologies and best practices.

Additionally, you can ask the provider for case studies and customer references to see how they have helped other businesses with their Microsoft 365 environment. This information will give you an idea of how the provider works and whether they have the necessary skills to manage your Microsoft 365 environment.

Failing to Evaluate the Provider’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Service level agreements (SLAs) are an essential part of any managed service provider contract. SLAs define the level of service you can expect from the provider and establish the metrics used to measure their performance. Failing to evaluate the provider’s SLAs can lead to misunderstandings and disappointment down the road.

When evaluating a Microsoft 365 managed service provider, you should pay close attention to their SLAs. Look for SLAs that provide clear and measurable metrics for response time, uptime, and resolution times. You should also ensure that the SLAs are realistic and achievable.

In addition to evaluating the SLAs, you should also review the provider’s incident management and escalation processes. These processes should be clearly defined and documented, and you should understand how incidents will be reported, tracked, and resolved.

Overlooking Security and Compliance Requirements

Security and compliance are critical considerations for any business that uses Microsoft 365. When choosing an MSP, it’s important to ensure that the provider has the necessary expertise and tools to manage security and compliance requirements.

You should look for a provider that has experience with security and compliance standards, like ISO certified. The provider should also have experience with Microsoft’s security and compliance tools, such as Microsoft Defender and Azure Information Protection.

It’s also essential to understand the provider’s security and compliance processes and how they will keep your data secure. You should ask the provider about their security policies, access controls, and data backup and recovery processes.

Choosing a Provider Based on Price Alone

Choosing a Microsoft 365 MSP based on price alone can be a costly mistake. While price is an essential consideration, it should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a provider.

Low-priced providers may lack the necessary expertise and experience to manage your Microsoft 365 environment effectively. They may also lack the tools and resources needed to provide high-quality service. It’s important to choose a provider that offers a balance of quality and value.

When evaluating providers, you should compare the services they offer and their pricing models. Look for providers that offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees or charges. You should also evaluate the provider’s contract terms and termination clauses to ensure that you can easily terminate the agreement if necessary.

It’s also important to consider the provider’s scalability and flexibility. As your business grows and evolves, your Microsoft 365 environment will need to adapt. Look for providers that offer flexible service plans that can accommodate your changing needs.

Ignoring the Provider’s Customer Support and Communication

Customer support and communication are crucial factors in choosing a managed service provider. You need a provider that is responsive and provides clear and timely communication.

When evaluating a provider, you should ask about their customer support processes and service level agreements. Look for providers that offer 24/7 support and have a dedicated support team. You should also evaluate the provider’s communication channels, such as email, phone, and chat, to ensure that you can easily reach them when you need assistance.

Additionally, you should assess the provider’s communication and reporting processes. Look for providers that provide regular status updates and reports on the performance of your Office 365 environment.

Conclusion

Choosing a managed Microsoft 365 service provider is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can find a provider that meets your business’s needs and helps you get the most out of your Microsoft 365 environment. Remember to evaluate the provider’s expertise and experience, service level agreements, security and compliance, pricing, and customer support and communication before making your decision. With the right provider, you can ensure that your Microsoft 365 environment is secure, reliable, and optimized for your business’s needs.

At Star Knowledge, we have a competent staff of managed service specialists prepared to handle everything from your Microsoft 365 requirements. get in touch with us to learn how we can help.

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