There are many tips for choosing an IT company that you can get from various people, but here you will find what you should consider when partnering with an IT company. You have decided to outsource some or all of your IT support requirements to a provider of managed IT services. The tricky part comes: identifying the best IT support service for your business.
As we both know, there are many IT companies from which to choose. Over 35 years, Accent Computer Solutions has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous IT companies as the IT industry has evolved. How do you decide between so many alternatives? How can you determine which is optimal for your business?
We are prepared to assist. How can I find the finest IT support provider for my business? These five tips will assist you in responding.
Top 10 Tips for Choosing an IT Company
1. Their IT Support Options Benefit You
Various forms of IT support arrangements exist in the area of outsourced IT. Each IT company has a unique approach to organizing its services. Please verify that your expectations align with the services they provide.
The outsourced vendor functions like your in-house IT department with a fully managed or all-inclusive IT support contract. This fixed-fee contract gives IT management to the service provider so that you may focus on your essential activities.
Suppose your organization has an internal IT person or IT department. In that case, you are likely seeking a co-managed IT support arrangement. Under a fixed-fee co-managed agreement, the outsourced provider helps your IT team deal with complex situations, freeing them up to work on other essential responsibilities.
In either scenario, draft the contract in a way that benefits both you and the IT company. You want to ensure that your technology is secure and dependable, and fixed-price IT support contracts assure that the IT business shares these objectives.
When the deal isn’t in your favor, like block time or monitoring contracts, the IT company wants you to have problems so they can bill you for more provisioning examples. You probably want to work for a company that wants you to do well instead of one that makes money off of your problems.
2. You Receive a Large Team of It Pros
Modern IT infrastructures involve cyber security, networking, support, cloud computing, systems administration, and other relevant skills. Ensure that your environment is supported by a sufficient number of highly-skilled IT professionals with a broad variety of knowledge to manage any problem that may emerge. (There are enough to assist numerous employees with issues at once.)
Some IT service companies attempt to handle everything with a limited staff, resulting in employees juggling various responsibilities. For instance, CEOs may function as chief engineers and help desk technicians. Consequently, your provider may not be able to support you when you need it. You may be confident that you will receive the most excellent possible help from a company that encourages its personnel to concentrate on their responsibilities.
Ask about credentials and continuing education. As technology advances, a culture of continual improvement keeps employees’ skills current. Microsoft MS-900, CompTIA A+, and CompTIA Network+ certifications, among others, demonstrate expertise in the fundamentals of IT support. Expect certifications in additional technologies they commonly support, such as Microsoft Azure or WatchGuard.
3. Your Technology Relationship Is Actively Monitored
In his book Do IT Right, Marty Kaufman shows that IT involves much more than fixing computers. It Has Nothing to Do with Computers.
Technology should not only ensure the smooth operation of your organization but also contribute to its expansion. You should anticipate that your IT support provider will keep you on track with your IT plan, offer enhancements, and ensure that they are implemented.
Meeting once a week, once a month, or once every three months with your Client Success Manager and Technology Advisor is helpful. It goes beyond support ticket correspondence.
Accent refers to it as the IT Results Cycle. This type of proactive IT management not only ensures seamless operation and safety and enables you to use technology to achieve a competitive advantage.
4. They Recognize Which Organizations Fit Their Services
The processes and procedures of IT companies have been refined over time, and they are aware of the customers who will profit from their particular services. However, what they have designed may not be your best alternative. If there are insufficient users, the service may exceed your requirements. Moreover, the service or knowledge may be inadequate if you are more complex than their typical client.
A seasoned IT services provider will know the sorts and sizes of organizations that will benefit from their services. They should be forthright if they do not meet your needs.
As you discuss your needs and their services, you should get the idea that they “understand” your business. They have experience serving clients in the manner their business demands, and they offer tried-and-true solutions.
5. They’ve Worked In Your Sector Before
When a service provider is knowledgeable about your sector, you will notice a distinct difference in how they give their services. They’ll know your industry’s compliance regulations, problems, obligations, revenues, and helpful technology.
Consider the case below: a medical group. Your objective is to see as many patients as possible while preserving data security and providing the finest care possible. A provider of IT services with experience in the healthcare industry may be able to assist you by offering individualized support.
If you are a member of the DOD supply chain, you should seek out an IT service provider with knowledge of NIST and CMMC compliance.
6. They’ve Achieved Their Honors, Collaborations, and Certifications
Like any other industry, the IT industry has things that make reputable businesses roll their eyes. Numerous IT firms boast about the honors they have gotten. Many are genuine. However, some businesses pay to be “awarded” for marketing purposes.
When evaluating outsourced IT service providers, seek accolades from credible organizations, such as Channele2e’s Top 100 MSPs, CRN’s MSP 500, and MSSP Alert’s Top 250 MSSPs. Each MSP must satisfy specific criteria to be featured on one of these lists. When a company satisfies these qualifications, you know you’re dealing with an experienced service provider.
Examining their connections might also establish that you are dealing with a respectable service. In the IT business, collaborations between large manufacturers such as Microsoft, Dell, and HP are commonplace.
For instance, the supplier gets greater access to assistance for all Microsoft products (and thus, to you). To get this form of collaboration, Microsoft asks clients to confirm the completion of projects related to the certification and a minimum number of credentialed engineers.
These tiers of partnership indicate the maturity and skill of the provider. Certifications provide extra information on the maturity and capability of a provider. A CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO) has undertaken training and met standards, indicating they employ CMMC-compliant Registered Practitioners (RP).
Ask about their most recent certifications and relationships, and don’t hesitate to inquire about how they become famous in their industry.
7. They Are Concerned About Security
As with any new relationship, you are getting to know one another takes time. As you and your new IT support provider acclimatize to one another, the initial stages of your partnership may be bumpy.
The IT provider should have a well-documented onboarding plan in place so new employees can swiftly acquire the skills needed to aid your business effectively, thereby reducing the learning curve. There are MANY data present (spoiler alert).
You would not have switched service providers if there were no problems so that onboarding will be balanced with quick IT support. Inquire beforehand about the companies you’re considering and their approach to satisfying these requirements.
Suppose you are familiar with the onboarding approach and timeline in advance. In that case, it will be easier to set clear goals and avoid misunderstandings.
8. They Are Concerned About Security
This circumstance does not come within the heading “do as I say, not as I do.” Your organization’s security genuinely begins with your support provider. If they do not take cyber security seriously for their corporation, your business will also be at risk. You should hire an IT support business that adheres to security best practices for its people and infrastructure.
Inquire about their cyber security approach and actions to protect themselves from internet threats. It is a strong indicator of maturity if an IT organization conducts penetration tests, vulnerability scans, phishing simulations, employee training, and other proactive security measures.
9. They Have a Successful Track Record
The more an IT company’s competence in a specific area, the more qualified it is to deliver that service to your corporation. A reputable IT support firm should provide client testimonials describing the service they deliver.
In most support ticketing systems, customers can submit surveys after resolving problems. Provide a sample of the feedback, if possible. (This is a red flag if they don’t have these surveys or won’t share the comments.)
After narrowing down your possibilities, requesting to talk with a few current clients will help you assess whether their support aligns with your needs.
10. They Document Their Support Request Process
Most IT support services offer numerous methods of communication, such as calling the help desk, submitting tickets via a ticketing system, and sending emails. Regardless of the preferred means of contact, a structured protocol for handling requests must exist. Ask the IT businesses you’re interviewing how to contact assistance and what their help process comprises.
Final Words
It is essential to take the time to research and identify the best IT support service for your business. By doing so, you can ensure that your business gets the most out of its technology and that its data is safe and secure.
There are many things to consider when outsourcing your IT support. By taking the time to research and ask the right questions, you can find the best provider for your business. Remember, managed IT services can save you time and money, so don’t hesitate to call Seven IT, they can surely assess you with your concerns!
