Article Summary
- Transitioning to a new MSP requires thorough planning and a well-phased approach to avoid business disruption.
- Clear communication and documentation between your old and new IT providers is essential for a smooth switch.
- Mirazon’s services will guide you through managed service provider onboarding, from initial assessment to full implementation.
Change can feel overwhelming, especially for business owners transitioning their managed service provider (MSP). What if the systems go down during the shift? What happens to the data? Will the team struggle with new processes? These are all valid concerns, but here’s the truth — the transition process is nothing compared to the daily frustrations you might be experiencing. Knowing when to switch IT providers is better than staying with an underperforming MSP, and it’s much simpler than you might think.
At Mirazon, we’ve helped dozens of businesses streamline their operations with our Louisville IT services.
Why So Many Put Off the Decision to Change MSPs
You might have spotted the telltale signs that it’s time for a new MSP, but you are still hesitant — and we get it. The thought of potential downtime and compromised security during the handoff period is scary. Then, there’s the question of how your team will adapt to new systems. Will you need to pause normal operations while they learn the new systems?
For about 73% of SMBs, downtime costs over $10,000 per hour. Consider how much your current IT situation costs you in terms of productivity, security risks and missed opportunities. Sometimes, change is worth every penny.
Finding Your Perfect IT Match
Before you begin the process of switching IT providers, there are a couple of things you need to consider. Finding the right MSP for your company requires knowing what qualities matter to you most.
The Local vs. National Question
Are you better off with a Louisville MSP that knows your local business landscape, or do you prefer a national provider? While there’s no universally correct answer, our local clients value that we can be on-site quickly.
National providers might have more resources but lack that personal touch. When your systems are down, would you rather talk to someone who knows your name and your business or navigate multiple layers of a call center? This is why the Mirazon team values face-to-face relationships.
Do They Walk the Talk?
You’d be surprised how many IT providers make big claims but fail to back them up. Don’t just take their word for it when they say they follow industry best practices and local or national standards — ask for proof. Reputable IT certifications show a commitment to industry-recognized skills and knowledge. What certifications do their team members hold? How do they handle compliance for your specific industry? Can they provide documentation of their security processes?
You can also look at client testimonials and reviews to get a sense of their reputation. A long, successful track record goes a long way for IT services and can help bring you peace of mind as you decide on an MSP.
With Mirazon’s managed services, you get complete transparency — we’re proud to share our qualifications and approach because we have nothing to hide.
Planning Your IT Provider Switch
Here are tips for creating a smooth MSP transition plan.
Take It Step by Step
MSP migration is a marathon, not a sprint. Trying to change everything overnight is a recipe for disaster. It’s better to work with a qualified IT provider who understands the unique challenges of doing business in Louisville to develop a solution that supports your goals.
Our team of IT experts will help you assess what you have, including taking inventory of your systems to identify which services are necessary to keep running without interruption. Following this initial audit, we plan the migration schedule, prioritizing those essential operations.
After the planning phase, we move into implementation, which happens in stages. The timeline can vary from business to business, depending on your unique needs and goals. During that time, the Mirazon team stays hands-on, keeping an eye on everything and making adjustments along the way to keep things on track.
Protect Your Data Every Step of the Way
At Mirazon, ensure your data is safe before the migration process kicks off. That includes verifying your existing backups are working, implementing additional backup measures during the transition, and testing recovery procedures before we complete the migration.
Our effective backup assessment process gives you peace of mind that your critical information remains protected throughout the entire IT provider migration process. After all, your data is the lifeblood of your business – and we treat it that way.
The Handoff — What Really Happens When You Switch IT Providers
Now, let’s pull back the curtain on the transition process.
The Financial Side
First, review your existing contract to understand if there are termination fees or disconnection costs.
- How much notice do you need to give before terminating your existing service?
- Are you eligible for any prepaid service refunds?
- Will your current provider continue to support certain services during the transition period?
If you’re worried about switching IT providers because of contractual concerns, we can help you navigate these uncertain waters. These fees may be negotiable, especially if your current provider failed to meet their service level agreements.
Getting Your Old and New IT Teams to Play Nice
So, how hard is it to switch an MSP? Ideally, your current and new MSPs should collaborate during the transition, sharing documentation, coordinating the timing of service transitions, and communicating clearly about any issues that arise.
In reality, this aspect of the transition varies. Most brands are professional and helpful during the transition. A Louisville MSP like Mirazon knows how to handle any scenario to ensure your business continues to run smoothly.
Ready to Switch IT Providers Without the Drama?
MSP onboarding doesn’t have to be a nightmare scenario. With proper planning, clear communication, and the right partner, your transition can be smooth, and you can position your organization for improved IT support and security.
At Mirazon, we’ve successfully guided countless Louisville businesses using personalized MSP transition plans. We understand the concerns of changing providers and have developed processes specifically designed to address them. If you’re ready to migrate, contact the Mirazon team today for a no-obligation consultation.