A Managed Network Service Provider (MNSP) takes care of the day-to-day upkeep of your business’s network infrastructure, including managing internet connectivity, phone systems, data security, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
But it’s challenging to manage it all in house — a recent LiveAction whitepaper underscored how 54% of business owners consider configuring their system networks too complicated.
But not all providers can handle your exact business needs. In this blog, we’ll share the top nine features to look for when selecting an MNSP for your phone and internet services.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Reliability and Uptime
Ensuring consistent availability of services is critical for business operations. The two aspects to consider in this regard are:
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Check if the provider offers strong SLAs that guarantee uptime and response times. A high uptime percentage (99.9% or more) is critical for minimizing service disruptions.
- Redundancy: The provider should have backup systems in place, including data routing, power supplies, and failover options, to prevent service interruptions.
2. Network Performance and Speed
While network management is essential to keeping business operations running smoothly, your network should be able to perform at an optimal pace, irrespective of the number of computers or phones you use.
A Windstream survey revealed that over 35% of small businesses consider speed and reliability as their top internet priorities. The share would be much larger for enterprise businesses.
How do you ensure consistent network performance?
- Check if the provider offers sufficient bandwidth and low latency for both internet access and voice communication (especially if you rely on VoIP for your phone service).
- Ask your provider if they offer services like Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to improve speed and performance.
- Look for a provider that ensures consistent quality of phone and internet services, even during peak usage hours, through measures like traffic prioritization and bandwidth management.
3. Comprehensive Security
One of the primary features of a managed network service provider is an all-inclusive security infrastructure that protects your business online. Look for a provider that encrypts data both in transit and at rest to protect your sensitive communications.
The additional safeguards you’ll need are:
- Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): They should offer network security services like firewalls, IDS/IPS systems, and regular security updates.
- DDoS Protection: Ensure they provide defense against Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, which can interrupt your network and services.
4. Expert Support and Customer Service
Your managed network service provider should be always available to help manage any outages, delays, maintenance issues, etc. Prompt and knowledgeable support is essential for resolving issues quickly.
- 24/7 Support: A managed service provider should offer round-the-clock support with easily accessible customer service, whether by phone, email, or live chat.
- Expert Technicians: The provider should have skilled technicians capable of handling troubleshooting, network optimization, and service adjustments when needed.
- Proactive Monitoring and Issue Resolution: They should actively monitor your network for potential problems and address them before they affect your service.
5. Compliance with Industry Standards
Adherence to relevant regulations means that your business meets legal and ethical obligations.
Depending on your industry (healthcare, finance, etc.), the provider should comply with necessary regulatory standards like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR, ensuring your data is protected and your business stays compliant.
6. Integration and Customization
Tailored solutions help ensure the network services fit your exact business needs.
The provider should understand your unique requirements (e.g., remote work, collaboration tools) and configure the network to support them effectively.
They should also make it easy to integrate with your existing systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, cloud applications), reducing disruptions and enhancing overall workflow.
7. Cost Transparency and Flexibility
Clear pricing models allow you to manage your budget while still getting quality service.
The provider should offer straightforward pricing with no hidden fees, making it easy to predict costs and avoid unexpected charges.
A good provider should provide options that fit your budget. Look for providers who offer flexible packages that align with your business size and growth projections.
8. Advanced Features and Technology
Innovative solutions give your business access to cutting-edge tools and technology. Some add-ons to ask about to your managed service provider:
- VoIP Integration: Look for providers that offer Voice over IP services as part of their managed network offering, especially if you rely on cloud-based phone systems.
- Cloud-Based Services: Ensure they offer integration with cloud services for more flexibility and future scalability.
- SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking): SD-WAN enables more efficient, flexible management of your network traffic, improving performance and reducing costs.
9. Scalability
As your business grows, your network needs to grow too, without causing disruptions.
A scalable provider can quickly adjust your infrastructure, whether adding new devices, increasing bandwidth, or introducing more advanced services, without requiring significant downtime or reconfiguration.
For instance, imagine you run a small business with 10 employees, and you’re using a managed network provider for your phone and internet services. Your network includes basic internet connectivity, a few VoIP phones, and email systems.
As your business grows, you hire more employees and expand to a new office. At this point, your initial network infrastructure—like bandwidth, VoIP lines, and internet speed—might not be enough to support the increased demand.
A scalable provider would allow you to easily add more users to your network, upgrade your bandwidth, and expand your VoIP phone system with little to no disruption.
Optimize Your Operations with a Reliable Network Service Provider
Choosing the right managed network service provider for your phone and internet services is crucial for the long-term success and efficiency of your business.
Prioritizing key features such as reliability, scalability, comprehensive security, expert support, and advanced technology, you ensure that your network can grow with your needs, operate securely, and deliver a seamless experience for both your team and customers.
With Vivant’s managed network services, you get just that. What’s more, you can also consolidate all your business communications while ensuring zero downtime.
