7 signs it’s time for your firm to switch managed service providers

As a law firm, you have choices when it comes to IT. You can opt to continue doing things the way you've always done, or you can look at IT as a catalyst for business growth and success.

A strong IT support system should be a strategic asset that can help your law practice  move beyond a reactive approach and find issues before they happen, also identifying opportunities for efficiency and providing better support for clients, both internal and external. 

You owe it to your firm to ask some tough questions to measure how much your current managed IT provider is really aligned with your goals.

• Is your firm’s data secure in the cloud?

• Can your cybersecurity features guarantee confidentiality to your clients?

• Does your law firm have comprehensive cyber insurance protection?

• Are your hardware and software applications up to date?

• How long does it take to have a ticket addressed by your tech support?

• Has your provider been able to replace manual processes with automated ones?

• Is your workforce productive and secure from anywhere?

If you’re questioning the effectiveness of your current managed service provider (MSP), you should investigate more in-depth if it is time for a change. Below you’ll find some signs that can help you evaluate your partnership with your current MSP.

Most common signs that it is time to change your MSP

1.Ongoing poor performance: Frequent downtime, slow response times and a declining service quality can be red flags that your current MSP is struggling to meet your evolving needs. Your technology should enhance productivity, not hinder it. If your system consistently underperforms, it's time to reassess your provider.

2. Lack of scalability: As your firm expands, your IT requirements are likely to expand too. You may have grown your client base or added more employees, new office locations and require more data support. If your current MSP is unable to scale their services to accommodate your increasing needs, it's a clear sign that they may not be the right long-term partner for your practice.

3.Outdated tech: Your MSP should be at the forefront of any technological advancements. If your provider is using outdated or unsupported technologies, it could compromise your security, efficiency‌ and overall competitiveness. A forward-thinking MSP ensures your tech is aligned with your firm’s goals to help you stay competitive.

4. Poor security measures: Cybersecurity should not be negotiable. Cyber threats are frequent and evermore sophisticated and costly. A 2023 TELUS Canadian Cloud Security Study found that 89% of organizations in Canada experienced a cloud security incident with an average direct cost of $438,000 each.  If your current MSP fails to keep up with the latest security protocols, leaving your law firm vulnerable to cyberattacks, it's a clear sign that it's time to seek a more security-conscious partner.

Access the full TELUS Cloud Security Study 

5. Ineffective communication: Communication is crucial for a successful MSP-client relationship. If you find yourself facing challenges in reaching your provider, or if there's no proactive communication regarding updates, issues‌ or improvements, it may be a sign that your current provider is not invested in your success. Also, your MSP should be able to provide services remotely to better cater to the needs of your practice. 

6. Rising costs and hidden fees: While investing in technology is essential, it should provide tangible value for your business. If you notice a constant increase in costs without a matching improvement in services or support, it's time to evaluate whether you're getting the return on your investment.

7. Limited expertise: Technology can be diverse and complex. If your current MSP lacks expertise in crucial areas relevant to your line of business, such as cloud migration, data security or industry-specific technologies, it may restrain your ability to leverage the full potential of your IT infrastructure.

If you recognize one or more signs from the list, it means it’s time to move on.

An MSP can provide a great range of services and products, including IT helpdesk, remote monitoring and management, backup and disaster recovery, telecom services, cloud services and migration, among other things, and their capabilities should match your law firm’s needs. 

The time for a change has arrived

Changing your managed service provider is a significant decision, but it's essential to ensure the growth of your law practice. Regularly evaluating the performance, scalability, security measures‌ and communication of your MSP will help you make informed decisions when finding a new partner. By staying proactive in your approach, you can ensure that your IT infrastructure remains an asset rather than a source of frustration.

Connect with a managed IT specialist today to learn how TELUS Business can help with your evolving IT needs.