Imagine having access to a full IT help desk—locally based in Michigan—without adding a single person to your payroll. Even better, you can exploit your managed service provider to ensure your organization’s own IT support team is available 24/7 under a predictable, fixed monthly cost.
Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. Building an internal IT team is expensive and impractical for many businesses. Instead, exploit your managed service provider to gain the expertise, scalability, and reliability you need—without the overhead.
But here’s the challenge: the managed services market is crowded, and competition is fierce. If you’re evaluating providers, these four questions will help you find the right fit:
1) What’s Your Billing Model?
Technology spending should align with your vision—not create conflicts of interest. Hourly-rate IT support often benefits when you’re down, leading to quick fixes that fail repeatedly and cost more over time. A fixed-rate model ensures proactive solutions and predictable budgeting. When you exploit your managed service provider, you’re leveraging a partnership that thrives on keeping you running—not billing you for downtime.
2) Are Your Technicians Specialized?
Every IT team has technical skills, but depth and specialization matter. Look for a provider with a broad range of expertise and dedicated specialists for critical areas. Bonus tip: choose a team that handles vendor management. Even if they don’t specialize in your software, they can work directly with vendors—saving you time and money.
3) Do You Outsource Help Desk Services?
Some providers cut costs by outsourcing support, which can lead to inconsistent service. Ask if your provider uses third parties. For example, when you call us, you’re guaranteed to speak with our Michigan-based team—any time, any day.
4) What Are Your Contract Terms?
Long-term contracts can lock you into mediocre service. A high-caliber provider will earn your trust month after month. Our agreements are month-to-month, ensuring we maintain the superior service that brought you to us in the first place.
The Bottom Line
When you exploit your managed service provider, you’re not just outsourcing IT—you’re gaining a strategic partner that drives efficiency, reduces risk, and accelerates growth. The right MSP doesn’t just fix problems; it prevents them, giving you peace of mind and a competitive edge.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.