When several managed services providers look similar, a simple scorecard helps Fort Lauderdale businesses compare them objectively. Here is a template you can adapt.
How to Use the Scorecard
- Decide how important each category is to your business (weight 1 to 3)
- Score each provider from 1 to 5 in each category after meetings and references
- Multiply score by weight and add the totals
- Use the totals to guide discussion, not replace judgment
The Categories
| Category | What to look for | Suggested weight |
|---|---|---|
| Support quality | Help desk, response targets, follow-up, on-site process | 3 |
| Security | EDR, 24/7 monitoring, email security, MFA, training | 3 |
| Backup and recovery | Restore testing, ransomware protection, recovery plan | 3 |
| Transparency | Written scope, clear pricing, reporting, documentation ownership | 2 |
| Planning | Regular reviews, roadmap, budgeting | 2 |
| Industry fit | Experience with businesses like yours | 2 |
| Value | Total cost relative to what is included | 2 |
Questions Behind Each Score
Support quality: Who answers? How are urgent issues handled? How do on-site visits work?
Security: What is included? Who watches alerts at night? Can they isolate threats?
Backup and recovery: How often are restores tested? How long would recovery take?
Transparency: Is everything in writing? Who owns passwords and documentation?
Planning: How often do they meet with leadership? Can they show a sample roadmap?
Industry fit: Do they understand your software, compliance needs and busy seasons?
Value: What is excluded from the quote? What one-time costs apply?
Do Not Skip References
A high score on paper should be confirmed by current clients. Ask references about responsiveness, communication and how problems were handled.
Watch for Deal Breakers
Some issues outweigh any score: refusal to put scope in writing, unclear ownership of your data, no 24/7 security monitoring or guarantees that you will never be breached.
Learn about managed services for Fort Lauderdale businesses or book a free consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many managed services providers should we compare?
Two to four is usually enough to see meaningful differences without the process dragging on.
Which category matters most when choosing an MSP?
Security and backup usually deserve the highest weight, because failures there have the most serious consequences.
Should the cheapest MSP win if scores are close?
Not necessarily. Compare what is excluded and what references say. A small price difference rarely outweighs better security or support.
Last updated November 2026