lutz logo
lutz logo
  • Services
  • News & Insights
  • About
  • Client Portal
Search
  • Services
  • Accounting
  • Advisory
  • Financial
  • M&A
  • Talent
  • Tech
  • Accounting Services
Services
  • Audit & Assurance
  • Client Advisory Services
  • Outsourced Accounting
  • Tax
  • Business Valuation
  • Litigation Support & Forensic
View All
Industries
  • Agribusiness
  • Construction
  • Family Office
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing & Distribution
  • Nonprofit
View All
News & Insights
Financial Access Checklist
Guide
Financial Access Checklist

Share this information with your spouse to assure you each have access to manage important financial tasks independently.

Read More
  • Advisory Services
Services
  • Accounting
  • Financial
  • M&A
  • Talent
  • Tech
View All
Resources
The Art of Budgeting
Recording
The Art of Budgeting + Smart Saving Strategies
Learn how to get your finances under control and increase your savings! Hear real-life examples and best practices to secure a successful future.
Watch Now
Business Insights
Comparing Business Valuation Methods
Blog
Comparing Business Valuation Methods: Which is Right for You?
Valuation experts rely on three primary approaches to determine the value of a business: income approach, asset approach, and market approach.
Read More
  • Financial Services
Services
  • Financial Planning
  • Investment Advisory
  • Retirement Plan Services
  • Pooled Employer 401(k) Plan
View All
Resources
  • Lutz Financial Blog
  • Our Team
  • Client Portal
  • Charles Schwab Login
  • Send Files Securely
Contact Us
NEWS & INSIGHTS
Website Featured Content Images
Market Commentary
Financial Market Updates

Want to receive financial market updates straight to your inbox? Sign up below!

Subscribe
  • M&A Services
Services
  • Sell-Side Representation
  • Transaction Advisory
  • Exit Planning
  • Business Valuation
View All
Resources
Selling a C Corporation
Blog
Factors to Consider When Selling a C Corporation

Understand the tax issues affecting both buyers and sellers involved in C corporation merger and acquisition transactions

Read More
Business Insights
Post-Acquisition Checklist
Guide
Post-Acquisition Checklist for a Seamless Transition
To help you navigate this critical period, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist covering key areas that demand attention after the deal closes. 
Read More
  • Talent Services
Services
  • Search & Staffing
  • Outsourced HR
  • HR Consulting
View All
Candidate Resources
  • Job Seeker Process
  • Current Opportunities
  • Lutz Internships
Contact Us
News & Insights
Overcoming Bias in Recruitment
Blog
Unconscious Bias in Recruitment: How to Overcome It
Learn how to take the bias out of recruitment and build a diverse, talented workforce with these tips.
Read More
  • Tech Services
Services
  • Outsourced IT
  • Data Analytics
  • Technology Strategy
  • Software Consulting
View All
Resources
When to outsource your IT
Blog
How to Know When It's Time to Partner with an IT Pro

One day your technology seems manageable, and the next you're wondering if you need more support. Here are the clear signs it's time to outsource your IT.

Read More
Business Insights
Untitled design (1)-Mar-08-2024-08-50-35-9527-PM
Video
Pella Client Testimonial
"I've used them for valuation work, stock transfers, hosting all of my technology, and now data analytics. I'd say they lead the pack in terms of anticipating what I'm going to need before I even know I need it."
View Now
Business Insights
BLOG
Explore Topics

Get the latest news and insights on relevant topics that matter most to you.

View All
Webinars & Events
Events
Register Today

Register for an upcoming event or access our library of on-demand recordings.

View All
Financial Market
COMMENTARY
Stay Informed

Catch up on market moves with our weekly update, featuring in-depth insights and analysis.

View All
Resources
EBOOKS & GUIDES
Download Now

Take a deep dive into challenging business topics with these free educational resources. 

View All
  • News & Insights
  • Business Insights
  • Webinars & Events
  • Financial Market
  • Resources
Business Insights
BLOG
Explore Topics

Get the latest news and insights on relevant topics that matter most to you.

View All
  • About
About

Lutz is a business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten economic and organizational success.

Our Company
Our Team
Offices
Careers
Internships
Contact Us
  • Contact
Client Portal

Log in to your relevant client portal to access your account, upload documents, or make a payment.

Make a Payment
Accounting Client Portal
Financial Client Portal
Charles Schwab Login
Send Files Securely
Contact Us
  • Tech

11 Questions to Ask When Shopping for an Outsourced IT Company

Alex Lutz, Tech Director
July 19, 2023
11 Questions to Ask When Shopping for an Outsourced IT Company

Having a dedicated IT professional or department is essential in maintaining performance and stability. Since not every company can accommodate an internal IT department, outsourcing that role is an affordable alternative.

If you're in the market for a Managed Service Provider (MSP), you'll want to ask the following questions to find one that is the right fit for your business.

 

1. How many people does a managed service provider have on staff?

One of the most significant advantages of an outsourced IT provider is the ability to leverage the expertise of a larger group. An established MSP with specialized engineers can provide more value than a single IT professional.

Ask about the different employees on staff. Do they have cybersecurity experts? A data analytics team? Can they build custom applications to eliminate time-consuming tasks? You may not need all of those right now, but it's helpful to know what you have access to in the future.

 

2. What is their approach to support?

An important consideration when searching for an MSP is the type of support they provide. You will find three common support models while shopping for an outsourced IT provider, each with pros and cons.

  • Dispatch - With this model, you will call and speak to a dispatcher whenever you have a technical support request. They'll take down a record of your issues and assign an engineer to call you back after a designated amount of time. Typically, dispatch is an affordable option at the cost of quick response times.
  • Helpdesk Model – This has a more direct approach than a dispatch model but comes with a higher cost. With this model, your call will go directly to an engineer who will address your issue, resulting in much quicker response times and more personalized service.
  • Dedicated Engineer - Some MSPs will assign a single person to your account. This has some of the same pitfalls an internal IT person would, though with less leverage of expertise. Typically, a dedicated engineer will manage multiple accounts to reduce costs, so their focus is divided between other clients.

 

3. Do they offer strategic consulting services?

Consider if your potential MSP offers virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) services. A vCIO plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between IT strategy and overall business objectives. With their expertise, they align technology initiatives with the company's vision, ensuring IT investments are directly contributing to their success.

Additionally, vCIOs offer valuable training resources, keeping the organization updated on the latest cybersecurity and artificial intelligence advancements. They develop comprehensive IT security strategies, safeguarding critical data and mitigating risks. Furthermore, vCIOs assist in planning and updating IT budgets, optimizing resource allocation for maximum efficiency. By analyzing trends and advancements, vCIOs future-proof your IT strategy, helping you stay ahead in the dynamic tech landscape.

 

4. What is their billing arrangement?

The outsourced IT industry has a few standard billing arrangements. These structures may not work for every business model, so keep your cash flow, budget, and tech needs in mind.

  • All You Can Eat - One monthly payment includes every service your company needs with no additional fees. With this billing arrangement, MSPs have incentives to ensure your hardware and software run smoothly since they want to minimize service calls.
  • Time and Materials - With this arrangement, you only pay when you speak to your provider or when there's an issue. In this case, there's less incentive for an MSP to fix problems permanently since they get paid when you call.
  • Block Time - Pay for a block of hours and use them whenever you need. If you require additional help, you'll have to pay for another block. This arrangement has some of the same pitfalls as the time and materials arrangements, but it can work for some companies looking to save money.
  • Hybrid Agreements - Many providers will mix and match the above billing arrangements depending on what services a potential client wants. It may seem like an ideal option, but comparing agreements apples to apples can be challenging. As a customer, it's easy to feel nickel and dimed.

 

5. What does the agreement include?

You'll want your MSP to include as much as possible in your contract so you don't get charged separately for certain services, like trip visits. Comparing providers can be tricky since their offerings can vary so much. Here are some benefits you may want to have included in your agreement:

  • Anti-Virus
  • vCIO Services
  • Managed Security
  • Spam Filtering
  • After Hours Support
  • Hardware Monitoring
  • Environmental Monitoring

 

6. What are the terms of the agreement?

There is an important distinction between a month-to-month agreement and a long-term agreement. Month-to-month contracts require the MSP to earn your business every month, meaning you can hold them to a higher standard of service and leave at any time. Contracts that lock you into longer terms often include fees to penalize you for leaving early, so you're less able to hold them accountable for poor service.

 

7. Are there any additional fees?

Most outsourced IT providers will have an onboarding process to get to know the environment of your office and how to access servers and machines. Typically, they will have fees to cover these expenses. A general rule is that it shouldn't exceed your first monthly payment. Onboarding fees, along with any other additional expenses, are an important factor in your decision.

 

8. Can they provide references?

We highly recommend you seek referrals from other companies in your industry. If you need help getting valuable referrals, ask your potential provider to provide references from other companies in your field. While it's not necessarily a deal breaker, reluctance to share contacts would be a red flag.

 

9. What does proactive service mean to an MSP?

Many managed service providers use tools to provide proactive support to their clients. Monitoring, anti-virus, and other services help detect any technical problems before they arise, which is better for you and your IT provider.

 

10. What kind of after-hours agreement does your company need?

Not every MSP provides after-hours support in their base service package, so assess the times your company needs tech support. If you anticipate that need, look for a provider to include that in their standard package so you don't have to pay additional fees.

 

11. What do they require from your internal IT contact?

Does your potential MSP want calls filtered through a single contact, or are they prepared to take calls from anyone on staff? If a single person is placing all of the calls to the managed service provider, the costs of that person's time should factor into your consideration. If an MSP is okay with anyone calling them anytime, that benefits your company.

Finding the right outsourced IT company requires careful consideration of several factors. By asking the right questions, such as the number of staff members, their support approach, the availability of strategic consulting services, billing arrangements, agreement inclusions, terms of the agreement, additional fees, and references, you can make an informed decision for your business. Please contact us if you have further questions or explore how Lutz Tech can support your business.

  • Learner, Restorative, Relator, Individualization, Ideation

Alex Lutz

Tech Director

Alex Lutz, Tech Director, began his career in 2007. With a background in IT support and network engineering, he has played a key role in the growth and evolution of Lutz Tech since its earliest days. His experience spans technical implementation, strategic operations, and people development, making him a well-rounded leader within the firm. 

In his current role, Alex oversees the daily operations of the Tech division, supports internal process improvement initiatives, and helps drive long-term strategic planning. He works closely with department managers and leaders across other divisions to align efforts, identify opportunities for efficiency, and ensure successful execution of firmwide projects. Whether it’s managing resource planning, evaluating systems, or helping shape the future of the department, Alex brings a steady hand and solutions-focused mindset to every initiative. 

 

At Lutz, Alex’s natural curiosity and ability to connect with others fuel his passion for mentoring and team development. He takes pride in helping people grow into leadership roles, fostering an environment where continuous learning and shared problem-solving drive innovation across the organization. 

 

Alex lives in Ralston, NE, with his wife, Mikala, and their three children, Malcolm, Maxwell, and Calvin. Outside the office, you can find him woodworking, hiking, experimenting with electronics and 3D printing, or enjoying a good book. 

402.778.7941

alutz@lutz.us

Connect on LinkedIn

Recent News & Insights

Recent News
Lutz Announces Redemption of Ron Nebbia’s Shares
Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, announces the redemption of ownership held by ...
Read More
Market Commentary
2025 Has Been a Boring Year + 5.14.25
2025 Has Been a Boring Year Imagine you went to sleep on New Year’s Eve and just woke up ...
Read More
Job Seeker
5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Employment
Let’s face it, job searching can be a rollercoaster. One moment you're motivated, the next ...
Read More
Guide
Finding a Lifelong Career
You’ll spend over 90,000 hours of your life at work. That’s more time than you’ll spend with ...
Read More
module-bg-desktop module-bg-mobile

Let’s get you where you want to go.

We work to simplify complexities, help make critical business decisions, and confidently focus on the things that are truly important to you. We embrace your business as our own to spark the right solutions and help you thrive.
Contact Us
Lutz-Logo-white
  • Services
    • Accounting
    • Consulting
    • Financial
    • M&A
    • Talent
    • Tech
  • About
    • Our Company
    • Our Team
    • Offices
    • Careers
    • Internships
    • Current Opportunities
  • Client Portal
    • Make a Payment
    • Accounting Client Portal
    • Financial Client Portal
    • Send Files Securely
    Submit RFP
TOLL-FREE: 866.577.0780 | © Lutz & company, PC 2025 | Privacy Policy
Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Twitter - X Logo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook