TRUSTED
Managed Service Provider
Guidance
Your experts in the IT service & MSP industry. Unbiased, on demand.
Your technology experts at the table. We empower your organization to make informed decisions in selecting, assessing, and maximizing the effectiveness of your Managed IT Service Provider (MSP). Reduce frustrations associated with your IT provider and let NorthStar be your guide.
Independent.
Trusted.
Use an MSP or IT provider and are unhappy with their service. (don’t jump ship to more bad service!)
Need IT service, but unsure where to start, or who to trust. (hint: start with us, your unbiased advisor)
Have an existing IT team, and not sure how to supplement with an MSP.
If you:
Getting you the right managed IT solutions, at the right price.
Providing insider knowledge on the IT biz, and how to navigate it.
Guiding your business to the IT support model that makes sense for you.
We help with:
We do this by:
Being experts in the IT and the MSP industry.
Truly understanding your needs and providing the best guidance.
Remaining proudly unbiased and working to represent your interests only.
Talk with us first.
Serving the Portland, OR metro area in-person, and everywhere virtually.
Managed IT providers, also known as managed service providers or 'MSPs', play an essential role for millions of businesses worldwide (88% of all SMBs). However, many of these providers may fail to implement or deliver as promised. MSP shortfalls from limitations in expertise, resources, or an overestimation of capabilities, can slow your end users, delay resolutions, and even put your business at risk. This underscores the importance for businesses to conduct comprehensive research and thorough vetting when selecting an IT provider. By taking this approach, you can be confident that your business will receive the services and support it truly requires. Professionally vetting can save countless hours in the future, particularly if you find yourself needing to switch providers.
The Truth About Managed IT.
What MSP Northstar is all about:
-IT provider match making.
-IT Improvement.
-IT Vendor Relations.
-Auditing of All Major IT Services.
-Project Sanity Checks.
-50-Point MSA Report Cards.
-Vendor Performance Evaluation.
-Security Gap Assessment.
-Agreement Negotiations.
-Plus way, way more.
That's right, an astounding 42% of MSP clients are currently seeking to replace their provider. This accounts for 37% of all SMBs! The top reason for switching? A lack of trust.
Many SMB’s are not entirely sure what their MSP is doing day to day, let alone if they are getting effective cyber protections.
Many SMB’s may sign on the dotted line to approve MSP proposed projects that may not be in their best interests.
The MSP industry often prioritizes sales-driven approaches, sometimes at the expense of technical excellence. This can lead to overstating capabilities and focusing more on acquiring clients rather than enhancing technical skills and services. Consequently, some MSPs may find it challenging to meet complex technical demands or keep up with changing IT needs, resulting in service quality issues. This is why it’s crucial to take time in evaluating providers before making the plunge.
How we help.
In short, we work to foster relationships between you and vetted “perfect-match” IT service providers. We also work to stand between you and any potentially bad deals.
We can also help your IT provider (or internal IT) get back in-sync with your business. We check their work to be sure everything is running as cost effective and efficiently for your business as possible, while also ensuring your IT is doing what it should to protect your business.
In addition, we review and make suggestions on proposed projects as the third party in the room. We also ensure that what vendors or IT teams are suggesting is truly what you need, and in your best interests.
Got a few starter questions first? Check out our FAQ here. Keep reading below to learn more about our suite of services.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) provide IT services like network management and helpdesk services on a subscription model. They manage daily IT tasks, ideal for small to medium businesses (SMB’s) lacking a full IT department. 88% of SMB’s are either currently working with a MSP or have plans to do so.
What’s an MSP?
Industries we serve
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Insurance
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Construction
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Real Estate & Property Management
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Education
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Financial Services
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Government
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Arts & Leisure
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Natural Resources
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Gaming & Hospitality
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Healthcare
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Manufacturing
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Retail & Wholesale
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Transportation & Logistics
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Utilities
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Professional Associations
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Sports Entertainment
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Media, Information & Technology
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Professional Services
“MSP Shopping Service”
Just like it sounds. We round up candidates on your behalf, assess them, and present to you our expert opinion and suggestion.
How can we help you?
Explore how we can help below. If your particular need isn't mentioned, no need to worry. If your needs are related to IT or Managed IT services, it's highly likely that we can provide the support you need. Just reach out and ask.
MSP NorthStar is worry-free. We are vendor-neutral and service provider agnostic. We are truly here to help YOU, and not to meet a sales goal.
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IT Match Making.
leave it to the experts. While nobody knows your business better than you, everyone can use a bit of help now and then.
We provide a specialized "MSP Shopping Service" to simplify your tech decisions. Acting as your tech matchmaker, we understand your business, team, and tech needs, selecting and assessing the best MSP candidates for you.
Our goal is to find you an MSP that perfectly matches your business objectives and tech requirements, boosting efficiency and minimizing risk.
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IT Consulting.
Need a project mediator?, or just need someone to speak your vendors language and get results? let us know.
From bakeries, to veterinary clinics to entire counties, We’ve almost seen it all.
Need a professional to jump in and see what the heck is going on ASAP? We have worked in almost every industry and have likely experienced an issue similar to yours. Discover how our expertise aligns with your industry by checking our detailed list HERE.
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Service Gap Check.
Does your MSP have holes in their service that they may not be disclosing?
In the intricate IT services industry, MSPs sometimes overlook or don't disclose their service limitations. Our expert evaluation identifies these gaps, which could lead to vulnerabilities or inefficiencies in your business. We aim to fully inform you about your MSP's capabilities and limitations, enabling informed decisions and ensuring comprehensive support for your company.
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Service Validation.
Is your MSP holding up their end of the deal?
Ensure your Managed Service Provider (MSP) meets contractual standards with MSP NorthStar's assistance. We verify if you're receiving the promised value and provide clarity on your MSP's performance. Get peace of mind and don’t leave your organizations robustness to assumptions. Verify your services. If you suspect improvement is needed, or need third party validation, we're ready to help.
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MSP Agreement Review.
Renewal coming up? MSP NorthStar is on your team.
Before renewing your MSP contract, let MSP NorthStar help you assess their performance. We compare their service delivery with your agreement and industry standards, ensuring you get the service and value your business requires. Our goal is to secure the best IT value for your organization.
(see savings example here)
Choose from some of our most popular services.
FREE
First Fifteen
Tell us what’s on your mind. No strings attached.
Managed Services
Help
Get your IT back on track.
MSA
Report Card
50 point inspection of MSP contracts
Need help with managing your IT? ensuring your IT pricing is fair? Or questions about compliance? reach out.
We are not an MSP.
But we know how they think.
“We are experienced virtual Chief Information Officers (vCIOs) and former Managed Service Provider (MSP) employees. We possess deep insight into the industry from the inside out. And now, we’re on your side, leveraging our knowledge and expertise to serve your best interests.”
“Is your MSP up to par and competitively priced? If not, its likely affecting your business negatively.”
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Assessing MSP bids?
MSP NorthStar is your guide.
Feeling overwhelmed by the search for the right Managed Service Provider? Unsure what's a good deal, or what is truly vital to your business and what's just hype? MSP NorthStar exists to help organizations just like yours.
Starting from Scratch? Click here.
Our services at a glance.
Unbiased Performance Assessment: We conduct a thorough and impartial evaluation of existing MSPs, ensuring they are living up to their contractual obligations and meeting your business's needs.
Tailored MSP Comparisons: We provide customized comparisons of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) based on your specific needs.
Contract and Agreement (MSA) Report Card: We collaborate with a leading MSP agreement specialist attorney in the US to review your current or prospective MSP Master Service Agreements.
Continuous Monitoring and Benchmarking: We act as your MSP Point of Contact (POC) consistently ensuring a continuous alignment with your business goals.
MSP Project Proposal Sanity Check: Ensuring that MSP project proposals align with industry standards and your specific business needs.
Reducing Costs
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MSP NorthStar adopts a comprehensive approach in evaluating the performance of MSP’s. While we consider various factors in our assessment, we recognize that costs are an influential aspect. The following example demonstrates how focusing on cost reduction alone can itself bring considerable benefits.
Reducing an initial $4000/mo MSP agreement by just 20% translates into a substantial five year savings of over $53,046.06!
Most Managed Service Providers (MSPs) include a clause allowing for annual increases of 5%. This makes securing a favorable initial rate crucial, as these seemingly small annual hikes can compound over time. Consequently, this amplifies your initial savings and widens the gap over the long run, reinforcing the importance of a competitive starting price.
Common Questions:
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A: As an independent evaluator, MSP NorthStar provides an unbiased, holistic view of your MSP's performance. While a competing MSP may have its own interests and biases, our primary interest is in your business's success and protection. We provide objective evaluations based on data collection and thorough research, not on sales targets or market competition.
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A: If our evaluations reveal that your MSP isn't meeting contractual standards, we provide a detailed report and professional advice on next steps. This could involve renegotiation of terms with the existing MSP, seeking remedies for breaches, or exploring other potential MSP candidates.
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A: Yes, while MSP NorthStar is not a legal firm and does not provide legal services, we do collaborate with one of the leading MSP Agreement contract writers in the US. We can assist in breaking down complex contractual language and highlighting potential areas of concern. Our goal is to provide you a clearer understanding of your MSP agreements and ensure they align with your business needs and expectations.
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Our fees stand out as being comparatively small, especially when measured against general MSP costs and other consulting expenses. By aligning your business with the right Managed Service Provider and avoiding unnecessary liabilities, our services are not just an affordable choice, but a wise investment in your success. Reach out to us directly for a tailored quote and discover how MSP Northstars expert guidance can fit seamlessly into your budget.
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A: Yes, we help organization with internal IT teams, vendors, and internal teams or people who have “inherited” the IT role. Yes we know you're out there! and If you need help, we got you.
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A: No, participating in paid referral programs conflicts with our policy and compromises the integrity of our commitment to serving our clients in the best possible way. However, there are a few actions you can take to increase the likelihood of being recommended by us:
Strive to be the best IT provider you can be.
Ensure you serve the physical locations where our clients are based.
If you believe you offer top-tier service and are not yet known to MSP NorthStar, feel free to contact us.
We Are Here to Help
Reach out to us if you need any assistance or have any questions. We pride ourselves in providing unbiased assessments of your existing MSP (managed service provider) and offer solutions to optimize your business operations.
