The Cyber Husky Guide to Switching MSPs Without Downtime  

ByBNW TEAM

The last thing you want is to have downtime during business hours. But when you switch managed service providers, that’s exactly what can happen. The New York Times states that many vendors are outsourcing services, such as managed service providers. It’s certainly not unheard-of in any industry. In fact, it is becoming quite common. When you switch from one to another, it can lead to bumpy roads, at least for a while. Cyber Husky can help smooth the process for your company.

Why Businesses Decide to Switch MSPs

There are many reasons why you might switch your managed service providers. Here are a few good ones:

  • Your current provider is slow and lacks good communication
  • You have constant or recurring IT issues
  • The provider hides costs and makes pricing unclear to you
  • Your company has outgrown what the provider can give

Can You Really Switch MSPs Without Downtime?

To make this important switch, you need an MSP migration plan and the right company to implement it. Here are a few transition steps that help the transition remain seamless so your company doesn’t have downtime.

  • Step 1: Discovery

The new provider will audit your current situation and gather information.

  • Step 2: Tool Installs

Your new provider works on installing their own monitoring systems to prevent coverage gaps.

  • Step 3: Phased Migration

Slowly, systems migrate over to the new provider on a schedule during low-impact times.

  • Step 4: Handover

Complete access and control are handed over to you with the old MSP offboard.

Prepare Before You Switch

Before you make a switch, there are important details to handle. First, you need to document everything you have so you can hand it over to the new company. Preparing the new MSP is your most important job in creating a seamless transition without downtime. Second, you need to choose the right company that can handle your company’s needs and the transition.

Choose an MSP That Can Handle a Smooth Transition

How do you know which MSP can handle your transition in a seamless manner? Ask them! The MSP should have onboarding methods and transition roadmaps. Check references to ensure the company you consider has past clients who have worked with them on migrating systems—and have had good results!

Build a Downtime-Free Migration Plan

When you switch managed service providers, one of the biggest parts of the process is the migration plan. If you take time to work alongside the new company and come up with a plan to limit downtime, it will help aid that goal greatly. Figure out when the easiest times to be “down” are so that if there are any holes, it can be during a low-risk time of the day.

Protect Data Throughout the Transition

You certainly don’t want to lose any data while the transition occurs. Part of the process needs to be a thorough backup. Once everything you have is protected, you can move through the transition process knowing you can upload everything to the new system if needed.

Transfer Knowledge, Documentation, and Access

The MSP migration plan isn’t simple, but the company you hire should go through the transfer process with you step by step. You should understand where things stand at all times, and in the end, you should have full access to everything necessary to run your business.

Test Everything Before Completing the Switch

Once the process is complete, you will want to test everything before the switch is completed. After you ensure everything is working to your satisfaction, it can be finalized and handed over to you and the new MSP.

In conclusion

Tech giants who often lead the way in the industry are upgrading their computing security, according to The Washington Post. Part of that includes outsourcing items like MPS. When one MSP isn’t working up to your standards, it’s time to switch to another. You don’t want to have a lot (or any!) downtime, interrupting your business, so choosing the right provider, like Cyber Husky, can help. Create a transition plan and move items from one company to another on a slow, methodical basis. Test everything before it is finalized, and you should be happy with the end results.