For businesses of any size, especially small and medium-sized businesses, choosing an IT provider is a critical decision.
There is a myriad of IT support companies out there but finding the right one for your business can be complicated. Not all IT providers can cater to the specific needs of your organisation.
This article will walk you through the important elements every business owner should consider when choosing an IT services provider.
We also include an offer of an IT Audit tailored to you and your business.
1. Billing Structure.
The cost structure typically varies depending on the IT provider, organisations can either choose pay-as-you-go or fixed-price contracts systems.
Typically, fixed-price contracts are the preferred way to go. With fixed-price contracts, businesses have a fixed monthly payment.
As a result, you know exactly how much you are paying your IT provider each month.
This option also provides ongoing monthly support as and when you need it. In addition, it usually allows for the increase or decrease of staff and associated resources by the adjustment of the monthly fee.
Fixed billing structures also give you the advantage of reviewing your IT processes on an ongoing basis for any improvements or necessary modifications.
2. Bespoke Service.
Every business has different needs.
Unless your IT provider understands your specific needs and requirements, they can’t effectively do what is best for your company.
It is therefore imperative to look for an IT Provider capable of customising solutions and services to suit your business.
Some organisations may have no problem with using ready-made IT solutions.
But, if that doesn’t work for you, you’ll need an IT service provider who can efficiently evaluate your requirements.
This involves putting together a well-tailored and comprehensive solution that meets the needs of your business.
Overall, it would aim to overcome any challenges you might be facing and cut out unnecessary costs in the process.
3. Response Times.
Any IT service provider should be able to give you an estimate of response times in any given situation.
Before you make your choice, make sure their response times are clear to you.
This includes logged IT issues that need to be resolved, or onsite support that requires immediate attention.
The company should be able to demonstrate this with examples of their support metrics, this will help you assess how reliable they are.
It will also allow you to assess whether their response times and availability meet your business requirements.
4. Qualified and experienced staff.
The skills and expertise of the staff of your IT service provider is directly proportional to the quality of service they can offer.
Having access to a team of highly trained and experienced technicians, constantly up to date with the latest technologies, will ensure the best IT solutions for your business.
You should also look into IT providers with credible work experience in your specific industry.
With industry experience, your provider is better equipped to anticipate your operational needs and foresee potential problems before they arise.
5. Data storage and security expertise
With more people working from home and cybercrime on the rise, cybersecurity has never been more important.
This is why you need an IT service provider that can protect your network and business as a whole. Including viruses, malware, and any form of a security breach that may compromise sensitive company data.
Your IT provider should be well equipped to block data intrusions and eliminate cyber threats before they penetrate your network.
It is also their responsibility to help you maintain IT security compliance for industry and government regulations. Understanding your IT service provider’s security measures and how they handle data is a top priority when making your choice.
This expertise especially rings true when it comes to how proactive your IT Service Provider is.
A good provider should provide regular audits of your storage and security solutions.
Additionally, they should provide ongoing advice on improving and maintaining your IT infrastructure. A good strategy would provide various options, multiple storage solutions including private and public cloud, to suit your specific requirements.
6. Experience and reviews for IT Providers
You should verify the company’s industry experience and customer service skills before you choose your IT provider.
A trustworthy provider will readily share references and customers’ experiences.
They should also be able to provide you with clear examples of work with similar businesses in your industry.
Feedback from other customers will provide insight into how good your IT provider is at service delivery and customer satisfaction.
In Summary.
Choosing the right IT service provider can be an arduous process. However, by using the advice in this article, you can ensure that you select an IT service provider that can keep you up to date with the latest technologies, ensure your systems are protected and fulfil your organisation’s needs.
At No Problem Technologies, we go above and beyond to keep businesses running smoothly. From maintaining your IT Infrastructure to helping you transition to the Cloud, we have you covered. Let’s get the conversation started! Contact us today.
Special Offer: Free IT Audit worth £495*
Apply to receive a full audit or strategy review for your business’s data security and GDPR compliance. This includes all aspects from connectivity to databases to cloud strategy.
Click here to register your interest and book an obligation free session.
Our assessment covers:
• An overview of your data lineage and existing IT infrastructure.
• A plan to transfer and access your business data in the cloud.
• Review and revise your current security measures.
• Staff training across IT equipment and security measures.
• Streamlining measures to your existing IT infrastructure and processes. Ensuring both business and IT operations run in the most effective way possible.
• Audits to ensure that the systems and services used are GDPR compliant.
* Terms and Conditions Apply. E&OE. Free IT Audit worth £495 is available to new customers only. In order to qualify, businesses must have a minimum of 5 users and be based within Greater London. One IT Audit is available per business within a 12 months period from initial consultation.
