The MSP Checklist: What You Should Be Getting from Your IT Provider (But Might Not Be)
You trust your IT provider to keep your systems running, your data protected, and your team productive. But how do you know if they’re really doing enough?
At Pacific IT Support, we’ve spoken to dozens of businesses who thought their tech was “fine”—until a breach, outage, or audit proved otherwise. Often, they weren’t being neglected… but they weren’t being proactively supported, either.
That’s why we created this MSP checklist—so you can compare what your provider should be delivering and spot the gaps before they become costly problems.
Read Also: A Simple Guide to Data Management for Your Business
What Should You Be Getting from Your IT Provider?
Here’s a breakdown of the core services, support, and strategy your MSP should be providing—especially in 2025.
1. Cybersecurity That’s Actually Layered
Your provider should be offering more than antivirus software. At minimum, your stack should include:
- Endpoint protection (EDR/XDR)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Email phishing protection
- DNS filtering
- Patch management
- Firewall configuration
- User cybersecurity training
- Backup monitoring
If your cybersecurity solution is “set and forget,” you’re likely unprotected.
Read also: Outsourcing IT in 2025: A Guide for Business Owners
2. Proactive Maintenance & Monitoring
Are they waiting for things to break… or preventing issues before they happen?
- 24/7 system monitoring
- Regular updates and patching
- Health checks and maintenance schedules
- Device lifecycle management
- Monthly or quarterly reporting
Read also: Relocating Your Office? Here’s How to Keep Your Tech Running Smoothly
3. Strategic IT Planning
An MSP isn’t just a helpdesk—they should also be a technology advisor.
- Annual (or quarterly) IT reviews
- Roadmaps aligned with your business goals
- Budget forecasting and procurement guidance
- Risk and compliance analysis
- Vendor management (so you’re not stuck chasing 3rd parties)
Read also: Top 5 IT Challenges Small Businesses Face — And How We Solve Them
4. Data Backup & Disaster Recovery That Works
It’s not enough to “have a backup.” Your provider should ensure:
- Daily backups with version history
- Regular test restores
- Clear disaster recovery plan
- Cloud and on-premise options
- Ransomware rollback protection
Can your business recover from a total data loss within 24 hours? Your MSP should know.
Read also: What is a Disaster Recovery Plan and Why Your Business Needs One
5. Transparency & Reporting
Do you know what your provider is actually doing?
- Security dashboards or reports
- Ticket response times & resolution stats
- Asset tracking (hardware/software)
- License management
- Clear, jargon-free communication
If you’re in the dark, it’s time to ask questions.
Read also: Guide: Ensuring Compliance for Your Business
6. Responsive, Human Support
Tech problems are frustrating. Your MSP should make support easy.
- Friendly, accessible technicians
- Ticketing system with accountability
- Onsite support options
- Response SLAs (Service Level Agreements)
- No ghosting, no blame-passing
Read also: How to Choose the Right IT Partner for Your Company
What Makes Pacific IT Support Different?
We built our services around what we wish we’d had from tech providers in the past—clear communication, proactive support, and zero hidden surprises.
With Pacific, you get:
- A predictable, flat-rate monthly plan
- A team that truly learns your business
- Real-time insights and transparency
- Education, not intimidation
Read also: Staying Ahead of Downtime: Why Proactive IT Support Saves You Money
Ready to Compare? Here’s Your MSP Scorecard:
| Item | Your Provider | Pacific IT Support |
| Proactive system monitoring | ❓ | ✅ |
| Ongoing cybersecurity updates | ❓ | ✅ |
| Strategic IT planning | ❓ | ✅ |
| Backup testing & DR plan | ❓ | ✅ |
| Transparent reporting | ❓ | ✅ |
| Human, fast support | ❓ | ✅ |
Don’t Settle for “Good Enough” IT
Technology should move your business forward—not hold it back. If your current MSP isn’t checking all the boxes, let’s talk. We’ll review your current setup, show you where gaps might exist, and help you build a smarter IT plan moving forward.
📩 Book your FREE CONSULTATION today and see how we stack up.
Connect with Pacific IT Support To Schedule Your FREE CONSULTATION