To Switch or Not to Switch BDR Vendors: That is the Question

Switching data backup and disaster recovery (BDR) vendors can have its benefits, but it also can be more of a hassle than anything else.

Strata Information Technology, Inc. President Pete Robbins told MSPmentor that the decision to switch to another vendor isn’t always the smoothest or cheapest process for a managed services provider (MSP).

“I get calls all the time from other BDR companies talking about better margin, but when we factor the cost of swapping our clients to new solutions, changing our internal processes and agreements, training staff, changing marketing material and pricing, any additional margin points are awash for several years,” Robbins said.

Although Robbins suggests against frequently switching between BDR companies, he did note of a single instance when switching to another vendor is almost a necessity.

“The only time we really switch is when the vendor stops delivering a good product or service,” Robbins said.

He added: “We started our business using the Zenith BDR, but their products started having problems so we were forced to look for a new solution, when we found Datto,” he said.

When it comes to sticking with one BDR vendor or leveraging several for various customers, Robbins believes the former better fits the needs of MSPs.

Robbins said some of the benefits of sticking with one vendor include the following:

He said staying loyal to one vendor allows become him and his company to become an “expert with one vendor across all our clients.”

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