Micro Tech Systems - June 2020

WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR?

Auditing Your MSP

We all have that trusty T-shirt we know is going to make us look and feel good. Sure, the seam is slightly torn, there’s a stain from a party, and the logo is faded. It might not be the best, but it’s comfortable. That’s a fine (and environmentally friendly) approach to clothing, but if you’re taking the same approach to your managed service provider (MSP), then you need to reevaluate why you trust this MSP with your business.

how much will be lost when your servers crash or hackers hold your data hostage for cash. If your review found that your MSP is lacking in some of the most basic areas, then you can kiss this money goodbye. Evaluate what downtime could mean for you and what you need from your MSP as a result. 3. Calculate: Does the company charge you for a service you don’t really need? Are they actually complying with their terms? You want and deserve a five-star IT service to help your company thrive, and that includes a team that understands your business and offers the services you need to thrive — not just a basic level of attention. You don’t have to accept the status quo when it comes to the service your MSP is giving your company. Auditing your MSP can give you a broader understanding of what you’re actually paying for.

Follow this step-by-step guide to get started.

To begin, gather your original contract, the MSP’s service level agreement, and network performance reports. Gather all pertinent data on response times, incidents, and complaints to get a broader view of your MSP, too. Then, dive into this list. 1. Review: One of the greatest advantages of an MSP for small and medium businesses is its proactivity. An MSP should be actively reviewing and assessing your security, storage, and other needs to ensure you’re receiving optimal coverage. If they aren’t remotely updating your devices on a regular basis, overseeing your security center, reviewing error logs, and responding to cloud-based needs, then they aren’t doing the job you need them to do. 2. Evaluate: A 2014 study by Gartner found that companies lose an average of $5,600 for each minute of downtime. Imagine

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Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken and tomatoes on a warm summer’s evening. It’s a simple recipe that packs a flavor punch.

Ingredients

• • • • •

2 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic

8 Roma tomatoes

1/2 tsp salt

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. For marinade: In blender, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, vinegar, and basil. Cut 2 tomatoes into quarters and add to mixture. Cover and process until blended. Halve remaining tomatoes for grilling. 2. In bowl, combine chicken and 2/3 cup marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Reserve remaining marinade.

3. Heat grill to about 350–400 F. Lightly oil grates. Grill chicken until internal temperature reads 165 F, about 4–6 minutes per side. Grill tomatoes until lightly browned, about 2–4 minutes per side. Discard remaining marinade. 4. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.

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