Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Managed IT Provider

 

Choosing the right Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) is one of the most important technology decisions your business will make. The right provider can strengthen cybersecurity, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime—while the wrong one can lead to frustration and costly disruptions.

At Terminal B, Austin’s trusted IT and cybersecurity partner, we help businesses make informed decisions when selecting an MSP. Here are the top 10 questions every business should ask before choosing a managed IT provider.

1. What Services Are Included in Your Managed IT Plan?

Not all MSPs offer the same level of support. Some provide only basic monitoring, while others offer comprehensive solutions that include cybersecurity, cloud management, and strategic IT planning.

Look for providers that offer:

• 24/7 system monitoring and help desk support

• Proactive maintenance and patch management

• Cybersecurity protection and threat response

• Data backup and disaster recovery planning

• Strategic IT consulting and technology roadmaps

Learn more about what a full-service MSP provides in our Managed IT Services Overview.

2. How Do You Handle Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity should be a top priority. Ask about the provider’s approach to threat detection, incident response, and compliance.

Key services should include:

• Endpoint and network protection

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

• Regular security audits and vulnerability scans

• Employee awareness training

3. What Industries Do You Specialize In?

An MSP with experience in your industry will better understand your compliance requirements, software needs, and operational challenges.

For example, Texas healthcare companies must meet HIPAA standards, while financial organizations face strict data protection regulations.

4. How Will You Support My Business During a Disaster or Outage?

Downtime can cripple productivity. Ask how the provider manages disaster recovery and business continuity.

They should offer:

• Secure, automated backups

• Cloud redundancy and failover systems

• A clear recovery time objective (RTO) and recovery point objective (RPO)

5. Do You Provide 24/7 Support and Monitoring?

Cyber threats don’t follow business hours. Confirm that your MSP provides around-the-clock monitoring and support, not just during the day.

Ask:

• How fast can I expect a response?

• What does after-hours support look like?

• Is there a local team or outsourced call center?

6. How Do You Ensure Compliance with Regulations?

For businesses in regulated industries—such as healthcare, finance, or legal—compliance is non-negotiable.

Your provider should:

• Be familiar with HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or other relevant standards

• Provide documentation and audit support

• Use secure, compliant cloud environments

7. What Is Your Approach to Scalability?

As your business grows, your IT needs will change. A good MSP will offer scalable solutions that evolve with you—adding capacity, users, or services without disrupting operations.

Ask how easily you can:

• Upgrade or downgrade services

• Add new users or locations

• Integrate new technologies

8. How Do You Measure and Report on Performance?

Transparency is key. Your MSP should provide regular performance reports that track uptime, response times, and security incidents.

Ask for:

• Monthly or quarterly IT performance summaries

• System health metrics

• Security event reports

9. Can You Work With My Internal IT Team?

If you already have an IT staff, a co-managed IT model might be the best fit. This allows your internal team to collaborate with the MSP, sharing responsibilities based on expertise and bandwidth.

Learn the difference: Co-Managed vs. Fully Managed IT: Which Is Right for Mid-Sized Companies?

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10. What Sets You Apart from Other Providers?

Every MSP will claim to offer “exceptional support,” but the real question is—how do they prove it?

Ask about:

• Client retention rates and testimonials

• Industry partnerships or certifications (e.g., Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA)

• Local presence and response times

• Proactive strategies for security and performance

Why Businesses in Texas Choose Terminal B

At Terminal B, we provide comprehensive managed IT services designed for reliability, security, and growth. With deep expertise in cybersecurity and compliance, we partner with Texas businesses to ensure their technology drives success—not stress.

Our services include:

• Fully managed and co-managed IT solutions

• Advanced cybersecurity and compliance support

• 24/7 monitoring and help desk

• Cloud and infrastructure management

• Disaster recovery and business continuity planning

Ready to find the right IT partner? Contact Terminal B today for a consultation.