Is Your MSP Doing Their Job? A Comprehensive Guide to Evaluating Managed Service Providers

Navigating the intricate world of IT management, businesses often rely on managed service providers (MSPs) to streamline their technological operations. However, the effectiveness of an MSP is contingent upon their ability to not just promise but also deliver comprehensive services that meet your specific needs. Below, we delve deeper into critical areas to assess whether your MSP stands up to the test of true service delivery and integrity.

Integration and Utilization of Tools: Ensuring Cohesiveness

A proficient MSP distinguishes itself by employing an integrated suite of tools that cater to various IT requirements. These tools should seamlessly interact, facilitating a unified approach to managing your IT landscape. The absence of such integration could signal inefficiencies, potentially leading to operational hiccups or vulnerabilities in your system.

Promises Versus Reality: The Service Delivery Check

It’s not uncommon for MSPs to list an extensive range of services. However, the actual implementation of these services is what truly matters. Consider backup solutions as a pertinent example—has your MSP not only promised but also effectively installed and tested these services? This gap between promised and delivered services could expose your business to unnecessary risks.

Comprehensive Security: A Non-Negotiable Element

In the current digital era, a robust cybersecurity framework is imperative. Your MSP should offer not just basic security measures but a synchronized security system where tools and protocols work in concert. This integrated security approach is essential for a fortified defense against cyber threats. If your MSP’s security strategy seems fragmented or superficial, it’s time to reassess their capability.

Proactive Versus Reactive: The Approach to Problem Management

A key indicator of a superior MSP is their methodology in addressing IT challenges. Proactive MSPs preemptively tackle potential issues, a strategy that is crucial for reducing downtime and averting crises. On the other hand, reactive MSPs might only respond to problems as they occur, a practice that could lead to unnecessary disruptions.

Staff Expertise: Beyond Tool Dependency

While advanced IT tools are indispensable, the expertise of the MSP’s staff plays a crucial role. A dependable MSP employs a diverse team skilled in various domains such as network engineering, security, server management, and even physical infrastructure. Be wary of MSPs that overly rely on tools without possessing the necessary technical knowledge and experience.

Service Orientation Versus Technical Proficiency

Some MSPs focus more on selling services rather than proficiently delivering them. A commendable MSP, however, includes specialists across different IT areas, ensuring that every aspect of your IT infrastructure is under expert supervision. This balance between service sales and technical expertise is critical for a fruitful partnership.

Contractual Clarity: Flat Rate Versus Time and Materials

The nature of your agreement with the MSP significantly influences the service quality. While flat rate contracts offer predictability, ensure they comprehensively cover all your IT needs. Conversely, time and materials contracts may provide flexibility but can escalate costs if not closely monitored.

Documentation: The Blueprint of Your IT Infrastructure

An often-overlooked aspect of MSP services is the documentation of your IT infrastructure. This documentation should be thorough, up-to-date, and fully integrated with the MSP’s operational tools. It serves as a critical resource for understanding your current IT landscape, facilitating efficient management and troubleshooting. If your MSP fails to provide comprehensive documentation, it could be a sign of inadequate service.

Verifying MSP Performance: Ensuring Accountability

Especially for those on a flat rate contract, it’s essential to verify that your MSP is actively fulfilling their duties. A flat rate can, unfortunately, incentivize less scrupulous MSPs to minimize their workload, only addressing issues when systems fail. Regular audits and performance reviews can help ensure your MSP is proactive in maintaining your IT infrastructure, not just reacting to crises. This level of verification is paramount to holding your MSP accountable and ensuring you receive the value and protection your business deserves.

Conclusion

Selecting and evaluating an MSP requires a thorough examination of their service delivery, tool integration, staff expertise, and the tangible value they provide to your IT operations. By scrutinizing these areas and insisting on documentation and performance verification, you can ensure your MSP is not just a service provider but a true partner in your business’s success. Remember, a genuine MSP relationship is founded on transparency, technical acumen, and a proactive stance towards managing your IT ecosystem.

The Vital Role of Proper Temperature in IT Equipment Rooms: A Non-Technical Guide

In today’s digital age, information technology (IT) has become an integral part of our daily lives. From communication to data storage and processing, IT equipment plays a crucial role in various industries. However, behind the scenes, there is a critical factor that often goes unnoticed by non-IT professionals – temperature. In this article, we will explore the importance of maintaining proper temperature in IT equipment rooms, explaining its impact on performance, reliability, and longevity.

1. Temperature and Equipment Performance: Did you know that IT equipment is designed to operate within specific temperature ranges? Just like our bodies, computers and servers perform optimally when kept within their comfort zone. Excessive heat or cold can have adverse effects on their performance. High temperatures, for instance, can cause processors to throttle or slow down, resulting in sluggish response times and reduced efficiency. On the other hand, extremely cold temperatures may lead to hardware malfunctions or even complete failure. Maintaining an appropriate temperature ensures smooth operation and maximizes the potential of your IT equipment.

2. Reliability and Downtime Prevention: Imagine the frustration of experiencing frequent system crashes or unexpected downtime at your workplace. These issues can be directly linked to improper temperature control in IT equipment rooms. Heat, in particular, is a major contributor to equipment failure. Excessive heat causes components to degrade faster, leading to increased chances of critical hardware failures. Such failures not only disrupt business operations but can also result in data loss and costly repairs. By maintaining an optimal temperature, you can minimize the risk of equipment failure, enhance reliability, and reduce unplanned downtime.

3. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Beyond the direct impact on IT equipment, temperature control in equipment rooms also plays a significant role in energy efficiency. Maintaining a stable temperature allows cooling systems to operate more efficiently, optimizing their energy consumption. When cooling systems work harder due to improper temperature control, energy bills skyrocket, creating unnecessary financial strain. By implementing proper temperature management practices, you can reduce energy consumption, save costs, and contribute to a greener environment.

4. Longevity and Equipment Lifespan: IT equipment is a significant investment for any organization. To protect this investment and extend the lifespan of your equipment, temperature control is paramount. Heat is the enemy of electronic components, causing them to degrade over time. By providing a controlled environment with an appropriate temperature, you can slow down the aging process of your IT equipment and increase its longevity. This translates into cost savings by minimizing the need for premature replacements and upgrades.

5. Best Practices for Temperature Control: Now that we understand the importance of proper temperature in IT equipment rooms, let’s highlight some best practices for effective temperature control:

a) Maintain a temperature range between 18°C and 24°C (64°F and 75°F) for optimal performance and reliability.

b) Ensure proper airflow within the equipment room to prevent heat pockets and facilitate efficient cooling.

c) Regularly clean equipment and vents to remove dust and debris, which can impede airflow and increase temperatures.

d) Invest in a reliable temperature monitoring system that alerts you of any fluctuations or anomalies in the equipment room.

e) Consider using energy-efficient cooling solutions, such as precision air conditioning units or hot aisle/cold aisle containment systems.

While the world of IT equipment rooms may seem complex and technical, understanding the importance of maintaining proper temperature is vital for anyone working in today’s digital landscape. By optimizing temperature control, you can improve equipment performance, enhance reliability, save costs, and prolong the lifespan of your IT investments. Remember, a small effort to ensure the right temperature today can lead to significant benefits in the long run.

Why Choose Finite Technologies as your MSP.

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, businesses need to have a reliable and secure IT infrastructure in place. However, managing this infrastructure can be a challenging task, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This is where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) like Finite Technologies Incorporated (FTI) come into the picture. With over three decades of experience in the tech industry, FTI has established itself as a trustworthy and reliable MSP partner. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the advantages of choosing FTI as an MSP, with a focus on their partnership with Sophos security solutions and Kaseya.

Firstly, let’s take a look at why FTI’s long history in the tech industry is an advantage. Founded in 1990, FTI has a wealth of experience in providing IT services to a wide range of clients. This experience has allowed them to develop a deep understanding of the industry and its evolving needs, enabling them to deliver innovative and effective solutions to their customers. Additionally, their longevity in the market is a testament to their ability to adapt to changing technologies and market demands, ensuring that they remain relevant and competitive.

Now, let’s focus on FTI’s partnership with Sophos security solutions. Sophos is a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity, offering a wide range of products and services to protect businesses against evolving cyber threats. As a Sophos partner, FTI can provide their clients with best-in-class security solutions that are tailored to meet their specific needs. From endpoint protection and firewall solutions to secure email and web gateways, Sophos offers a comprehensive suite of security products that can be customized to meet the unique needs of SMBs. This partnership enables FTI to deliver a robust and reliable security solution to their clients, ensuring that their IT infrastructure is protected against the latest cyber threats.

Another significant advantage of choosing FTI as an MSP is their partnership with Kaseya. Kaseya is a leading provider of IT infrastructure management solutions, offering a suite of products that enable MSPs to efficiently manage their clients’ IT infrastructure. By partnering with Kaseya, FTI can leverage their products to deliver proactive IT infrastructure management to their clients. This includes automating routine IT tasks, monitoring network performance, and providing real-time alerts, backup solutions (on-site an d cloud), complaisance management and more. All of this provides a proactive approach to IT management can help prevent downtime and ensure that business operations run smoothly while controlling your overall cost of ownership.

Choosing FTI as an MSP provides several advantages for SMBs. FTI’s long history in the tech industry, coupled with their partnerships with leading companies like Sophos and Kaseya, enables them to deliver innovative and effective IT solutions to their clients. With their focus on providing customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, FTI is an excellent choice for SMBs looking to streamline their IT infrastructure management and ensure that their business operations run smoothly.

The Financial and Environmental Benefits of Powering Down Workstations

In today’s digital-centric world, workstations form the backbone of many businesses and personal projects. However, the energy consumed by these computers when left on continuously can lead to both financial and environmental costs. By adopting a simple habit of powering down workstations when they are not in use, significant savings can be achieved. This approach not only benefits the wallet but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Let’s delve into the potential savings that can be realized by powering down computers and how this small change can have a big impact, especially when applied across multiple workstations.

Calculating the Potential Savings

To quantify the savings, let’s use a base electricity rate of $0.21 per kilowatt-hour (KWh) (Anchorage Alaska January 2024) and consider the average power consumption of a desktop computer to be 100 watts during active use. For our analysis, we’ll compare the energy consumption and costs of a computer left on 24/7 to one that is powered down for 16 hours a day, focusing on the savings from not operating the computer during those off hours.

Scenario: Computers Left On 24/7 vs. Powered Down for 16 Hours

Daily Consumption When Left On 24/7:

• • • Active use (8 hours) + Idle (16 hours): 100 watts * 24 hours = 2.4 KWh
    • Monthly Consumption: 2.4 KWh * 30 = 72 KWh
    • Monthly Cost: 72 KWh * $0.21/KWh = $15.12

Daily Consumption When Powered Down for 16 Hours:

• • • Only Active use (8 hours): 100 watts * 8 hours = 0.8 KWh
    • Monthly Consumption: 0.8 KWh * 30 = 24 KWh
    • Monthly Cost: 24 KWh * $0.21/KWh = $5.04

Savings From Powering Down:

Monthly Savings Per Workstation:

• • $15.12 (Cost when left on 24/7) – $5.04 (Cost when powered down) = $10.08

Annual Savings Per Workstation:

• • $10.08 * 12 = $120.96

Scaling Up: The Impact of Multiple Workstations

When these savings are applied across multiple workstations, the cumulative impact becomes even more significant:

10 Workstations:

• • • Monthly Savings: $10.08 * 10 = $100.80
    • Annual Savings: $100.80 * 12 = $1,209.60

50 Workstations:

• • • Monthly Savings: $10.08 * 50 = $504
    • Annual Savings: $504 * 12 = $6,048

100 Workstations:

• • • Monthly Savings: $10.08 * 100 = $1,008
    • Annual Savings: $1,008 * 12 = $12,096

Conclusion

The practice of powering down workstations when not in use presents a straightforward and impactful strategy for reducing energy consumption, lowering electricity costs, and contributing to environmental sustainability. The financial savings, particularly when scaled across multiple workstations, are significant, underscoring the benefits of integrating energy-efficient practices into daily operations. By making a conscious effort to power down computers outside of active use hours, businesses and individuals can enjoy not only economic benefits but also the satisfaction of contributing to a more sustainable future.

Why Choosing an MSP Over In-House IT Departments Reduces Long-Term Cost of Ownership

As businesses increasingly rely on technology to drive growth and innovation, the importance of efficient and effective IT infrastructure cannot be overstated. Many organizations face the decision of whether to manage their IT needs in-house or outsource to a managed service provider (MSP). In this article, I will outline the key reasons why choosing an MSP over an in-house IT department can lead to reduced long-term cost of ownership for your company.

Expertise and Specialization – One of the major advantages of partnering with an MSP is the access to a broad range of expertise and specialization. An MSP has a team of experienced professionals with diverse skill sets, ensuring that your company’s IT needs are met with the best practices and most up-to-date knowledge. In contrast, an in-house IT department may lack the breadth and depth of expertise required to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, resulting in a higher long-term cost of ownership due to the need for continuous training and development.

Scalability and Flexibility – As your business grows, your IT needs will inevitably expand as well. MSPs offer scalable and flexible solutions that can be adjusted according to your company’s changing requirements. This enables your organization to adapt to new technologies and increased workloads without incurring the substantial costs of hiring and training new IT staff. In contrast, an in-house IT department may struggle to meet the demands of a growing organization, leading to inefficiencies and increased long-term costs.

Proactive Maintenance and Monitoring – MSPs use advanced monitoring tools and proactive maintenance strategies to identify and resolve potential issues before they become critical. This not only minimizes downtime and disruptions to your business operations but also extends the life of your IT infrastructure, reducing long-term costs. In comparison, an in-house IT department may be more reactive than proactive, addressing issues as they arise rather than preventing them from occurring in the first place.

Enhanced Security – With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, ensuring the security of your company’s data and systems is paramount. MSPs possess the knowledge and resources to implement robust security measures that protect your organization from potential breaches. This can help your company avoid the financial and reputational damages associated with data breaches, which can be devastating in the long run. In-house IT departments may lack the necessary expertise to implement such advanced security measures, putting your company at greater risk.

Predictable and Lower Costs – One of the key benefits of choosing an MSP is the predictability of costs. MSPs typically offer fixed monthly or annual fees, allowing your company to budget accurately for IT expenses. This is in stark contrast to the potentially fluctuating costs associated with an in-house IT department, which may require additional funding for training, hiring, equipment, and other unforeseen expenses. Furthermore, MSPs can leverage economies of scale to offer more competitive pricing than in-house IT departments, ultimately reducing long-term cost of ownership.

Partnering with an MSP can provide your company with access to specialized expertise, scalable solutions, proactive maintenance, enhanced security, and predictable costs. These advantages contribute to a reduced long-term cost of ownership when compared to managing an in-house IT department. By choosing Finite Technologoies as your MSP, your organization can focus on its core competencies while benefiting from a robust and efficient IT infrastructure that supports your business objectives.

Why Choose Finite Technologies Over an Internal IT Department

Why choose Finite Technologies (FTI) as your Managed Service Provider (MSP) over an internal IT department or person, we provide a number of advantages over an internal IT department.

1. Cost Savings: FTI MSP services are more cost-effective than building and maintaining an in-house IT team, especially for small to medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources to hire full-time IT staff and all of the support technology necessary to operate and IT infrastructure.
2. Expertise & Specialization: FTI has a team of experts who specialize in different areas of technology, providing a wider range of expertise and skills than an in-house IT department. FTI invests in the latest tools and technologies to provide advance management services to our clients. We provide our clients the advantages of these technologies without the need for large upfront investments for the management platforms required to provide an advanced management environment.
3. Scalability: FTI can scale services up or down as needed, providing support during peak periods or reducing services during slow periods.  Our clients range from single person offices to medium and large enterprises.
4. Growth Management: As your organization grows your IT support will grow with you. You worry about what you do best and FTI worries about keeping your IT systems working and growing.
5. Proactive Engagement & Support: Finite Technologies uses sophisticated monitoring and management tools to identify and resolve potential issues before they become major problems.  We use a proactive management philosophy to stay ahead of issues that will impact your productivity.
6. Improved Security: FTI uses a combination of Sophos security tools and software combined with advanced forward-looking management, documentation and customer experience management tools from Kaseya. These tools combine with an experienced team provide a combination of security tools, resources and expertise to provide a high level of security and protection for their clients’ technology systems, helping to reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
7. 7×24 Hour Support:  FTI’s team provides level 1 support 24 hours a days and maintains level 2 and 3 support on call.

FTI MSP services provides businesses with access to a wide range of expertise, the latest technology, cost savings, and advanced security.  This combination of services could only be provided internally through a large diverse IT staff.  The advantage to any business is being able to scale state of the art technology and experienced IT staff to the needs of just about any size organization.