10 Questions to Ask when Choosing MSP

At some point in time, every management team of an expansion stage company ends up on the IT service crossroad and needs to choose between establishing an internal IT department and outsourcing the IT support to a Managed Service Provider (MSP). 
While researching the subject in order to get better understanding on the situation, I came across a list of 10 questions provided by CISCO that a could help any of our portfolio companies during the selection of a MSP:
1. Are you prepared to offer only the features and functions that my business needs, instead of the ones that you include in your one-size-fits-all service bundle?” 2. Can you describe the services that you offer-and their business benefits-in terms that I, and the other members of my executive team, will understand?3. Will you provide case study materials to demonstrate how you delivered a managed service solution that solved a business challenge similar to mine?4. What is the depth and breadth of your current managed service portfolio?5. How can I be sure you will apply the best people, processes, and tools? Is your company certified by a leading vendor, and are your offerings delivered using industry-leading technologies to meet the highest quality of service?6. Where are your network management facilities located, and what are the hours of operation? Describe your escalation process, in the event of an outage.7. What are the assurances for levels of availability, serviceability, performance, and operation? What is the process for remedy if and when levels aren’t maintained?8. What are the type and scope of management capabilities that you routinely offer?9. If required, how will you support existing or acquired IT/networking infrastructure?10. How do you price and deliver professional services, beyond the scope of the managed service?
Hopefully, if your company is on this crossroad and you choose to take the IT MSP road, these questions help you make a well informed decision.