Nearly 50% of businesses outsource some functions of their IT support.
They report that they do this to free up essential resources within their company and allow them to focus on core projects. In addition, it saves them money in the long term.
Is your company considering moving some or all of your IT services outside of the business? Choosing an IT service provider to provide this essential service can seem like a daunting task. However, this guide can help.
Read on to discover the five essential factors you need to consider when choosing managed IT companies.
1. IT Experience
When hiring a managed IT service provider, the first thing you need to consider is their experience in the field. Are they new to the market? If so, have they been tested under pressure or heavy load?
You don’t want to sign a contract with a new provider with enticing offers if they have not yet been fully tested and able to prove themselves capable of handling several clients at once.
Ask about their team. Are they skilled, professional individuals with certifications and knowledge of the latest technologies?
2. Sector Experience
Equally, you want to make sure that your service provider also has experience in your area of expertise. If they have never provided services to your specific industry before, can you be sure that they have the specialized insight you require?
Before you source an IT service provider, speak to them about their industry experience. Do they understand the common IT issues that could surface in your field and how to deal with them?
3. Reviews and Feedback
Google, Yelp, and other review services can help provide you with an insight into how other clients feel about the service they have provided in the past. Be sure to check what other customers have said about your provider online.
Try to look at online customer reviews with three or four-star ratings as these tend to offer the least bias in the comments. Note what they say about the provider’s competency and professionalism and look for insights into their company culture and ethical behaviors.
4. Service Contract Scope
Ensure that your IT service provider can offer you agreeable contract terms with enough scope for all of your company’s needs. Look at the Service Level Agreement for response times and what exactly is being supported.
Check that the company can handle the entire network, including computers, phones, software, onsite technology, and cloud services. Don’t get caught in a contract that leaves parts of your required services unsupported.
5. Scalability
Does your IT Service Provider have a vision for the future? You need to find a support company that can grow with you. This especially important if you are just starting out and have expansion plans for the future.
Find a provider that can scale as your company does and can give you advice and additional services as your demand increases.
Make Choosing Managed IT Companies Easier
Choosing managed IT companies for your business can seem like a daunting task. However, use this guide to help you identify the key service areas your provider needs to be offering before you sign on the dotted line.
If you found this article useful, please consider reading another one on our website.
Leave a comment