Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is one of the smartest moves a business can make when aiming for long-term IT stability, security, and scalability. But once the contract is signed, what actually happens next?
The first 90 days of onboarding are critical. This is where your MSP gets to know your systems, your people, and your business goals. It’s also when the foundation is laid for delivering reliable, effective managed IT solutions tailored specifically to your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect—and look forward to—during the first three months with your new IT partner.
Week 1–2: Discovery & Assessment
The onboarding journey begins with understanding your current situation. Your MSP will perform a deep-dive assessment of your existing IT infrastructure, including:
- Hardware and software inventory
- Network performance and security
- Backup and disaster recovery status
- User access, permissions, and policies
- Any existing or potential risks
This stage also includes conversations with key stakeholders. Your MSP will want to understand how your team works, what tools they rely on, and what pain points exist in the current setup. This isn’t just about tech—it’s about aligning IT with your business.
Week 2–4: Immediate Improvements & Stabilization
Once the initial assessment is complete, your MSP will begin implementing quick wins. These are typically small but high-impact changes that improve security, stability, and user experience right away.
Expect actions like:
- Installing or updating antivirus and endpoint protection
- Securing remote access and VPNs
- Addressing urgent vulnerabilities
- Reconfiguring backup systems
- Setting up monitoring tools
This phase builds trust by delivering fast value, while setting the groundwork for more strategic managed IT solutions in the months to come.
Month 2: Systems Integration & Optimization
Now that your environment is stable, it’s time to optimize.
During this phase, your MSP will begin integrating long-term tools and systems that support your specific business operations. This might include:
- Cloud migration planning (or optimization of current setup)
- VoIP and communication platform rollout
- Centralized device management
- User training on new tools
- Creating standard operating procedures for IT
You’ll also start receiving regular reports and insights—so you’re not left wondering what your MSP is doing behind the scenes. Transparency and communication are key components of any quality IT partnership.
Month 3: Strategic Planning & Roadmapping
By the third month, your MSP should have a solid understanding of your business and IT needs. Now, it’s time to look ahead.
This phase is all about aligning technology with your goals. Your MSP will typically deliver:
- A custom IT roadmap for the next 12–24 months
- Budget planning and lifecycle management for hardware/software
- Security strategy updates (including compliance needs)
- Recommendations for improving efficiency and scaling with growth
- Support plans tailored to your working style (remote, hybrid, in-office)
This is also a good time to evaluate the partnership—are expectations being met? Are tickets resolved quickly? Is communication clear? A good MSP encourages this feedback to continuously improve service delivery.
What Makes a Great MSP Onboarding Experience?
Not all providers approach onboarding the same way. But the best ones:
Ask the right questions
Prioritize security from Day 1
Communicate regularly and clearly
Offer scalable, strategic managed IT solutions
Align with your goals—not just your tech stack
If your provider is just putting out fires and not offering long-term solutions, it may be time to reconsider the relationship.
Final Thoughts: The First 90 Days Set the Tone
Onboarding with an MSP is more than just switching tech support—it’s about forming a true partnership. When done right, those first 90 days will leave you with a more secure, efficient, and future-ready IT environment.
Whether you're a growing startup, a midsize enterprise, or a multi-location business, choosing the right provider of managed IT solutions can dramatically impact your success—not just today, but in the years to come.
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