Digital technology is a key component of most modern businesses, being used for everything from managing complex corporate operations to interacting with consumers and suppliers. Modern IT systems must be dependable, economical, and built to expedite corporate processes to increase productivity and competitiveness. These goals are simpler to attain with the assistance of a dedicated IT support partner.
Making an informed decision based on all the information available is crucial as selecting an IT provider could have long-term effects on your company.
So what should you take into account when selecting an IT support provider? Here is a list of the top 6 elements you have to take into account when picking your next IT partner to assist you.
Are they accommodating?
When it comes to IT, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, so it’s crucial to select a supplier who will customise their services to meet your company’s demands.
Whatever your requirements, it’s critical to pick a provider who is open to developing a personalised support strategy to make sure every component of the service adds value to your company. When it comes to your IT demands changing over time, a rigid, inflexible provider is likely to give you headaches both now and in the future.
Competitive and Transparent Pricing?
‘Pay-as-you-go’ support, where each call or support ticket has a fee, or all-inclusive support, where the fundamental support tasks are provided on a ‘unlimited’ basis for a predetermined monthly fee, are just a few of the ways that IT providers charge for their services.
For the best value, we’d suggest companies that give a full range of support services for a set monthly charge.
While fixed pricing typically offers the best value, it’s important to read the fine print for service exclusions to make sure the deal is as good as it first appears. We also advise avoiding providers who overly complicate their billing structures because this is frequently a ploy to tack on hidden fees.
Do They Have the Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills You Require?
It’s critical to assess whether a provider’s areas of expertise and the technological requirements of your company are compatible. If you use Microsoft 365, you should look for a provider that specialises in Microsoft products to ensure that your infrastructure is appropriately supported. Additionally, it is best to select a provider with a strong networking focus if you intend to grow your network.
Finding a provider who has worked with businesses similar to yours, not only will mean they’re more likely to understand the pressures and constraints your business is under but they’re also more likely to understand the trends your business needs to keep up with.
Are they Cyber Security Savvy?
It’s critical to select a supplier with a strong focus on cyber security as more and more organisations are becoming victims of cybercrime.
Their service offering should notably include firewall defences, anti-malware tools, proactive patch management, and email security measures, as well as a data recovery and backup solution.
If your staff works remotely, even part-time, secure remote access is a crucial factor to take into account. Check to see if the supplier is prepared to implement and manage solutions like VPNs and remote device management that aid in the secure collaboration of remote workers.
An IT provider that is complacent when it comes to your internal cyber security could place your business at increased risk as cybercriminals occasionally target IT support providers in an effort to compromise the numerous businesses they serve.
Will They Help You Use Technology to Meet Business Objectives?
Never before has technology been more essential to a company’s success. Strategic IT deployment can boost productivity, resilience, agility, and provide your company a competitive edge over competitors.
However, it’s not always simple to locate a service who comprehends how technology can translate to company advantages.
Verify that your provider is prepared to collaborate with you on developing an IT strategy. This is a strategy outlining how you want to use technology to further your company’s objectives. IT providers occasionally refer to IT strategies by a number of various titles, including “IT roadmaps” or “IT transformation plans.” You can budget for projects well in advance if you develop an IT plan early on in the relationship. This will also help to ensure that your IT system is always valuable to your company.
Case studies, client testimonials and online reviews
Once you’ve determined that a provider is a suitable fit for your company, it’s worthwhile to check out internet reviews, reference checks, case studies, and client testimonials to confirm the provider’s dedication to providing excellent customer service.
Finding recommendations from companies that are comparable to yours might be especially helpful.
Our Conclusion
If your current IT provider is failing the necessary levels of IT support, It may be time to look into other options. Make sure that your future provider has what it takes to adequately support the technology in your company by compiling a shortlist of suitable providers and making an informed decision based on all the available information.
At Bells IT, we go above and beyond to keep businesses running smoothly
Supporting over 40 clients in locations such as Luton, Swindon, Brighton, Margate, Central London and even Texas, we are not limited to where we are able to supply our managed services. Our office has a fully equipped workshop, enabling us to provide your organisation with quick turn around repairs of your hardware. Situated at the heart of our offering, our SLA-backed managed IT services feature remote monitoring, comprehensive data backup and 24/7 support as standard for ultimate peace of mind. Get in touch today to find out how our strategy-driven IT support could help your business flourish.