When selecting a Managed Services Provider (MSP) for a small school, it’s important to focus on reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the key qualities and services to look for:
Qualities to Look for in an MSP
- Experience in Education IT – Look for an MSP that understands the unique challenges of schools, such as student data privacy and compliance with educational regulations (e.g., The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
- Scalability & Flexibility – Ensure the provider can adjust services as your school grows or its needs change.
- Proactive Support & Monitoring – The MSP should offer 24/7 monitoring and proactive issue resolution to prevent downtime.
- Strong Security Measures – Cybersecurity should be a top priority, with data protection, endpoint security, and compliance measures in place.
- Responsive Customer Support – Fast response times and dedicated support teams that understand the school’s IT environment are critical. Ensure your Service Level Agreement (ticket response time) is honored and according to what was paid for.
- Cost-Effectiveness & Transparency – The provider should offer clear, predictable pricing without hidden fees. Typically, projects will result in costs above and beyond the monthly services.
- Cloud & Remote Learning Support – Support for cloud-based systems like Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft 365 is essential.
- Data Backup & Disaster Recovery – Regular backups and a clear disaster recovery plan should be included.
- Compliance Expertise – The MSP should ensure the school follows legal and regulatory requirements for student and staff data.
- Integration with Existing Systems – Compatibility with learning management systems (LMS), student information systems (SIS), and administrative tools.
Services & Support an MSP Should/Can Provide
Must be defined in a contract
Openness and Transparency
- All current passwords/credentials must be documented, secure and available to both parties always.
- Any significant changes in IT management, procedures, policies, etc. must be communicated and mutually approved.
- When mistakes are made, they must be communicated, documented, and have lessons learned for going forward.
Initial assessment and ongoing defining of needs
- An initial assessment with recommendations on how to manage day-to-day support (proposal)
- Understand the school’s current and future IT needs, including academic, administrative, and student requirements
Technology Planning & Consulting
- IT budgeting and strategic planning (at least every 6 months)
- Tech reviews and recommendations
- Monthly onsite visits and monthly reports for what key stakeholders want to measure.
- Regular recommendations to make things more efficient and cost effective.
Network & Infrastructure Management
- Wi-Fi and internet management
- Firewall and network security
- VPN and remote access solutions
Cybersecurity & Compliance
- Endpoint protection (antivirus, anti-malware)
- Email filtering and phishing prevention
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Compliance with FERPA, CIPA, and HIPAA (if applicable)
Help Desk & IT Support
- 24/7 support or school-hours support options
- Remote and on-site assistance
- Device management (Chromebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.)
Cloud & Software Management
- Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft 365 administration
- LMS (Google Classroom, Canvas, Blackboard) support
- Licensing and software updates
Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
- Automated backups for critical school data
- Disaster recovery planning and testing
Hardware & Device Management
- Procurement and lifecycle management
- Asset tracking for school-owned technology
Student Safety & Content Filtering
- Web filtering to comply with CIPA
- Monitoring tools to prevent cyberbullying and threats
For more information on Managed Services Providers, Contact us today!