What every managed IT services SLA should include

What every managed IT services SLA should include

Service level agreements (SLAs) form the bedrock of any successful partnership with a managed IT services provider (MSP). These agreements define the standards and expectations for the daily IT services your business relies on. They're your assurance of peak efficiency, reliability, and data security.

Below, we break down the essential components of what every managed IT services SLA should include. Understanding the ins and outs of these contracts ensures your IT operations run smoothly and securely, all while maintaining a strong client-provider relationship.

Service description

In a managed IT services SLA, the “service description” clearly outlines the exact services a client is purchasing from the MSP. For example, it might specify that the MSP will provide 24/7 help desk support, network monitoring, and software updates. This section serves as the foundation for the entire agreement, ensuring both parties understand what to expect.
To make the agreement even more transparent, quantitative metrics are often included. These metrics set clear expectations for performance, such as response times for support tickets and resolution times for issues. For instance, the SLA may state that the MSP guarantees a 99.9% network uptime. Such clarity is essential for maintaining a healthy client-provider relationship, ensuring accountability and providing a basis for evaluating the MSP's performance.

Reporting and escalation procedures

An SLA should provide a crystal-clear roadmap for clients to report problems and for the MSP to respond effectively. The client needs to know who to contact, how to initiate that contact (whether it’s through a portal, a ticketing system, email, phone call, or chat), and what escalation procedures are in place for more complex issues.

The escalation process is vital for addressing different problem severities. For instance, a well-structured SLA might categorize issues into priority levels such as Priority 1 (Critical), Priority 2 (High), Priority 3 (Medium), and Priority 4 (Low), each with its own response times. Detailing these protocols ensures that both the client and the MSP are on the same page regarding issue reporting and resolution, establishing a relationship of transparency.

Service response and availability

In breaking down the MSP’s service availability, the SLA should cover aspects such as database accessibility, data center resources, and network uptime. Monitoring systems play a key role in measuring and ensuring these uptime metrics, with the SLA often detailing the monitoring parameters and reporting process. They may also address planned downtime for maintenance and common disruptive factors that could affect service availability.

Responsiveness is equally significant and refers to how quickly the MSP responds to client-initiated contact, whether through calls, chats, emails, or tickets. The SLA should articulate clear expectations for response times, ensuring that clients receive timely service.

Data monitoring and reporting

The SLA should define the specific types of data that the MSP collects and the frequency of data collection. This might encompass metrics related to service uptime, response times, incident resolution, and other relevant performance indicators.

It should also outline the types of reports the MSP will generate based on this data, including regular performance or incident reports. These serve as a crucial tool for tracking the MSP’s adherence to the SLA’s terms and for providing clients with insights into the health of their IT infrastructure. The SLA should additionally specify how and when clients can access these reports, helping clients stay informed on the status of their managed IT services.

Escape clauses

An SLA must outline the specific conditions under which the MSP may be exempt from the terms of agreement. For instance, events such as natural disasters or unforeseeable circumstances beyond the MSP’s control may temporarily excuse them from penalties specified in the SLA if service levels drop below their defined thresholds. This exemption provides a measure of flexibility and fairness in cases where service interruptions are beyond the provider's influence.

This section is also where other exclusions, exceptions, and limitations to the SLA should be detailed. For instance, it may address scenarios such as client-induced service disruptions or circumstances where the client fails to fulfill their responsibilities outlined in the SLA.

Consequences for failing to meet service obligations

Clear and quantifiable metrics and penalties should be established for each service outlined in the SLA. This ensures both parties have a precise understanding of the consequences if service levels fall short of the agreed-upon standards. Additionally, the SLA can outline circumstances under which the client may have the option to terminate the agreement if the MSP consistently fails to meet their obligations.

A successful MSP partnership should align seamlessly with your business’s current and future goals. Get in touch with our team at outsourceIT to explore MSP solutions uniquely tailored to your needs. Reach out today for a complimentary consultation, and let us help pave the way for IT success in your organization.


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