The data backup and disaster recovery (BDR) has evolved faster in 2013 than many of us expected. This BDR explosion has left many managed services providers (MSPs) scrambling to adapt to new players in the market, as well new as technology. To make things a little easier for MSPs, MSPmentor compiled a list of 26 BDR lessons from 2013 that MSPs should bring with them into the new year.

How can more MSPs sell BDR more effectively?

Many MSPs selling BDR services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) may not have the budget to hire a full-time sales team, leaving sales to only one or two employees. How can these employee sell more with less?

How often should MSPs reevaluate BDR vendors?

With plenty of BDR solutions available in today’s market, many MSPs may be overwhelmed, and look at competitive solutions. Perhaps they will MSPs reevaluate BDR vendors for the best deal. Why should MSPs reevaluate their BDR solutions?

Can MSPs trust BDR vendors with customer data?

As MSPs answer questions from customers about recent NSA revelations, many MSPs will take a look at their relationship with BDR vendors. Can BDR vendors be trusted?

How will MSPs and BDR vendors adapt to an overcrowded market?

Some have said that the BDR market is overcrowded. If so, things will only get worse in 2014. How can MSPs feed through sales pitches and select the right BDR vendor for customers?

How can MSPs boost employee morale?

MSPs not selling enough BDR may have a problem with employee morale. Are employees distracted? Are they not happy with work? MSPs can boost employee morale by following a few rules and principles.

Should MSPs have SLAs with customers?

How can MSPs protect themselves from needy customers? The answer is simple: sign a service level agreement (SLA). End of story. Yes, lawyers should be involved and terms should be expressed clearly.

How should MSPs respond to severe weather conditions?

Severe weather conditions may put a damper on the plans of MSPs and customers, forcing them to prepare for disaster. While some natural disasters may only pertain to customers in certain regions, it doesn’t hurt MSPs located all over the map to prepare for various types of disasters.

We may have missed a lesson or two from 2013 — it’s possible. Provide us with your feeedback in the comments section below or reach out to Associate Editor cj.arlotta”at”penton.com. We want to hear from you.