You rely on it for everything, from connecting with clients to managing your finances. So, when you choose a managed IT service provider (MSP), you expect them to be your trusted partner, keeping your tech running smoothly and securely. Unfortunately, not all MSPs are created equal. Many will tell you exactly what you want to hear, but what they're really selling might leave your business vulnerable and your wallet lighter.
At CoreTech LLC, we’ve busted our butts to ensure we deliver on our promises, and we've seen firsthand the messes left behind by those who don't.
Lie #1: "We're Handling Everything on Your Network" (Spoiler: They Aren't)
This is perhaps the most insidious lie a provider can tell. You hire an MSP, sign a contract, and breathe a sigh of relief, thinking your entire network is now under their watchful eye. The reality, for many businesses, is a rude awakening.
We've encountered situations where "managed" networks had outdated software, unpatched security vulnerabilities, and critical devices that were completely unmonitored. True comprehensive network management goes far beyond just keeping the lights on. It involves:
- Proactive Patch Management: Ensuring all your systems, from servers to individual workstations, are constantly updated with the latest security patches and performance enhancements.
- Continuous Monitoring: Not just alerts when something breaks, but constant vigilance for anomalies, potential threats, and performance bottlenecks.
- Asset Management: Knowing every single device on your network, its age, its health, and its role in your business operations.
- Configuration Management: Standardizing settings and configurations to minimize vulnerabilities and maximize efficiency.
As Jacques Benoi, Chief Operating Officer at Quick Fuel Technology, shared about CoreTech:
"I originally hired them to update my equipment...They went through and updated our whole system and they are now on the payroll taking care of our company's IT work. They take care of everything for me."
This isn't just a promise; it's a practice.
Lie #2: "We're Your One-Stop Shop" (Unless It's Something a Little Outside the Box)
The promise of a "one-stop shop" sounds incredibly convenient. Imagine all your IT needs being handled by a single entity, simplifying communication and billing… and, in an ideal world, that's what you should expect.
However, many MSPs claiming this title are more like a small convenience store trying to be a superstore. They might cover the basics, but when it comes to critical areas like advanced cybersecurity, strategic cloud migrations, or robust disaster recovery plans, they often fail to deliver or offer subpar solutions.
A true "one-stop shop" MSP, like CoreTec, integrates expertise across all critical domains. This means:
- Comprehensive Cybersecurity: Not just antivirus, but proactive threat detection, employee training, compliance adherence, and incident response planning.
- Strategic Cloud Solutions: Guiding you through the complexities of cloud adoption, ensuring you leverage services like Microsoft 365 effectively, and optimizing your cloud environment for your specific business needs.
- Robust Data Backup & Disaster Recovery (BDR): A plan that’s tested, reliable, and ensures your business can bounce back quickly from any data loss event, whether it's a cyberattack or a natural disaster.
- VoIP and Access Control Integration: Seamlessly integrating all aspects of your technology, from your communication systems to your physical security.
Don Gerard Jr, President/CEO of Land Shark Shredding, perfectly illustrates this:
"We get all of our machines and our programs through them. They remotely manage everything… We pay a (flat fee) and it covers everything, whether they do something for 1 hour or 50 hours. We will never leave them."
That’s the peace of mind that comes from a truly integrated, comprehensive partner.
Lie #3: "Everything We Do Is Proactive" (Often, It's Just Reactive with a Smile)
"Proactive" is a buzzword frequently used in the IT industry. It conjures images of IT professionals anticipating problems before they arise, adeptly preventing downtime, and continually optimizing business systems to ensure performance.
While every MSP aspires to be proactive, many fall short, often operating in a perpetually reactive mode. They fix problems after they've brought your business to a screeching halt, then spin it as "quick response times."
The difference lies in the approach. A truly proactive MSP invests in:
- Predictive Analytics & Monitoring: Using sophisticated tools to identify patterns and anomalies that indicate a future problem, allowing for intervention before a failure occurs.
- Regular Maintenance Schedules: Performing updates, cleanups, and performance checks outside of your business hours to prevent disruptions.
- Strategic IT Roadmapping: Working with you as a virtual CIO to plan your technology investments, upgrades, and security posture for the future, aligning IT with your business goals.
- End-User Training: Empowering your employees to be the first line of defense against cyber threats, reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes.
Brian Gunter, Owner of Gunter Construction Roofing, Inc., highlighted CoreTech's proactive nature:
"CoreTech has always been a very professional company, looking out for me, the customer...always striving to not only fix things after they have broken, but also being aware of the problems and making the appropriate changes before they happen. To me, that means less downtime, less downtime means I have more opportunity to run my business."
This isn't just about fixing; it's about foresight.
The CoreTech Difference: Transparency, Accountability, and Real Partnership
At CoreTech LLC, we believe that an IT partner should be an extension of your team, not just another vendor… and we don't just talk the talk; we walk the walk. We understand that your profitability and success are directly tied to the reliability and security of your technology.
We also take into account your situation and its impact on your needs.
For small businesses with 10 to 25 employees, for example, we offer comprehensive IT and cybersecurity services that encompass everything from daily support to strategic, C-level guidance. For larger companies with in-house IT expertise, our co-managed IT approach complements your team, filling knowledge gaps in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud strategy, or help desk support, thereby ensuring a higher return on investment for your IT spend.
We're here to help you compete on a level that your competition doesn't even realize exists. If you want to feel confident that your company, employees, clients, and brand identity are secure in the cyber landscape, which is now an all-out war due to hackers and AI, then you will value our information-driven approach in aligning as your virtual CIO.
Don't settle for empty promises and reactive fixes. It’s not about what your keyboard and mouse are plugged into; what matters is the impact your technology has on your ability to serve your customers and your bottom line.
Sign up for a free IT consultation by visiting https://www.coretechllc.com/contact-us or call us at (270) 282-4926 to learn more.
