Small and mid-market businesses (SMBs) face ongoing challenges as they keep pace with evolving technology. Engaging a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Improving can be a game-changer, particularly when the provider operates as a genuine partner—prioritizing insight and oversight for every technology decision. Improving stands out by collaborating closely with clients, aligning solutions to strategic business goals, and ensuring stakeholders remain fully informed and involved throughout the IT journey.
The Improving Approach: Transparency, Engagement, and Strategic Value
Improving believes in consistent communication and transparency. Our model includes monthly stakeholder meetings, keeping business leaders updated on IT performance, future plans, and any pressing concerns. This regular cadence ensures decisions are made collaboratively and with full visibility into IT strategy.
Premium clients benefit from a virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) service, which provides expert guidance on technology investments, budgeting, risk management, and long-term innovation. The vCIO works closely with your executive team to help you navigate complex decisions and maximize IT return on investment.
Additionally, Improving’s premium service now includes quarterly architectural advisory calls. These hour-long sessions provide customers with direct access to expert consultants, allowing them to discuss and strategize on any technology offered by Improving. These calls are designed to keep customers ahead of industry trends and ensure that architectural decisions remain aligned with business objectives.
Key Considerations When Selecting an MSP
Pricing Models: MSPs offer a variety of pricing structures:
Per User: Pricing is based on the number of users supported, making it predictable for organizations with stable headcount.
Per Device: Fees are calculated according to the number and type of devices (desktops, laptops, servers, etc.) under management.
Fixed Monthly Fee: A flat rate covers the agreed-upon services each month, simplifying budgeting and planning.
Hourly Charges: Services outside the core agreement—such as special projects, after-hours support, or advanced consulting—are often billed at hourly rates. It's important to note that some MSPs set variable hourly rates depending on the nature of the activity (for example, emergency remediation may cost more per hour than standard support).
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Scrutinize the MSP’s SLAs to ensure they guarantee response times, uptime, and performance standards. Clear SLAs provide assurance that your business operations will not be disrupted and hold the provider accountable.
Security: Make security a top priority. The MSP should provide robust protection, including real-time monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and regular vulnerability assessments. Confirm that they adhere to industry compliance standards relevant to your business.
Advantages of Partnering with Improving
Cost Efficiency: Improving’s transparent pricing structures—including per user, per device, and fixed monthly options—help businesses manage IT spending with no unpleasant surprises. Clear policies regarding out-of-scope and hourly charges further support financial predictability.
Expertise and Guidance: Their skilled professionals, vCIO service, and quarterly architectural advisory calls equip your business with the insight needed to make confident technology choices.
Scalability: Services can adapt and grow alongside your company’s needs.
Advanced Security: Improving delivers strong cybersecurity, proactive monitoring, and compliance support.
Insight & Oversight: Monthly meetings and quarterly advisory sessions ensure continuous stakeholder involvement and clarity.
Potential Challenges
Loss of Direct Control: Outsourcing means less hands-on technical management, but Improving’s frequent engagement minimizes this risk.
Suitability of Services: Not all MSPs are created equal. Ensure their offerings, pricing, and SLAs match your business requirements.
Communication: Reliable MSPs like Improving use regular meetings and advisory calls to quickly address and resolve miscommunications.
Dependency: Strong transparency and oversight practices, such as those Improving employs, help you maintain influence over strategic decisions.
Maximizing Your MSP Partnership with Improving
Success comes from choosing an MSP that prioritizes clear pricing, robust SLAs, and strong security, while fostering ongoing engagement. Improving delivers monthly stakeholder meetings, quarterly architectural advisory calls, and vCIO support, ensuring your technology environment is not only managed, but optimized and aligned with your business’s future goals.
With Improving, SMBs and mid-market companies are empowered to maintain strategic insight, oversight, and security, making technology a true driver of growth and innovation. To explore how these offerings come together in a comprehensive support model, learn more about Improving’s Managed Services and how they can be tailored to your organization’s needs.
