Today, business owners often choose to outsource their IT support needs. When doing so, they must ensure they choose the right provider. Thanks to the numerous companies offering these services today, doing so can be challenging. What should they look for when making the selection?
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Support Agreement
When comparing providers, including ThrottleNet, business owners should review the support agreement carefully. The offerings vary by company, and the business owner must ensure their expectations align with the services offered.
When a company chooses a fully managed or all-inclusive arrangement, the provider serves as its IT department. The business owner can then focus on other tasks while ensuring their technology needs are handled. A co-managed agreement allows the outsourced provider to work with the internal IT team to handle complex issues or perform routine tasks.
With either agreement, a fixed-fee arrangement is best because it encourages the IT provider to prevent problems. They make more money when they don’t have to help the company as often.
Diverse Team
Business owners need to look for a company with several certified support professionals when comparing providers. They should have expertise in cyber security, cloud computing, and networking. This expertise will ensure the team can provide the support needed promptly. Team members must wear multiple hats when an IT provider has a small staff. If a client needs help, they may have to wait in line. Consider this when comparing companies. In addition, ask about current certifications of employees and the company’s requirements regarding ongoing training, as technology is changing rapidly.
Technology
With rapid technological advances, every company needs an IT support provider to help them improve their technology usage. This provider should offer recommendations on how to improve technology usage and assist the client in choosing new hardware and software when needed. Regular meetings should be held to discuss the business priorities and how they have changed over time, as well as resource allocation and results.
Industry Experience
Talk with each service provider being considered to learn whether they have experience in the company’s industry. Business owners might feel this is not of great importance. Still, this knowledge will ensure that all IT tasks remain compliant with regulations and that providers are familiar with common issues that businesses within the industry face. This knowledge also becomes of help when purchasing new technology, as the provider will know what works best for those in the industry. A medical practice, for example, will not use the same technology as a manufacturer. The IT support team’s experience will help determine which programs benefit the company most.
Onboarding
Business owners are familiar with the challenges associated with onboarding a new employee. These challenges will also be seen when onboarding a new service provider. Ask each IT support provider how they handle this process. How do they learn more about the business and its needs? This process should balance the company’s immediate IT support needs with its long-term goals. If a provider cannot share information about its onboarding process, it is best to look for a different company.
Many other factors should be considered when choosing an IT support provider. For example, business owners need to ask about the support providers’ security measures that are in place. If it doesn’t take its security seriously, why should a client? Ask for references, and learn how support tickets are handled. Every business owner should ask as many questions as needed for them to feel comfortable with their choice. If an IT support provider is not willing to answer these questions, continue with the search. They are not the right fit
