Juggling day-to-day operations and worrying about IT can be a business owner’s worst nightmare. But what if there was a way to free yourself from IT headaches and focus on what truly matters – growing your business? A Managed Service Provider (MSP) could be the answer. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to choosing the perfect IT service provider for your specific needs, ensuring top-notch security, reliable systems, and on-going support to take your business to the next level.
Questions to Ask Potential IT Service Providers
Before diving headfirst into a partnership, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure the IT service provider aligns with your company’s goals. These questions will explore their expertise, responsiveness, and security protocols.
- Does their company have experience servicing your industry specifically?
- Is the IT company able to work with and support your onsite technology team?
- Can this managed IT vendor provide a business continuity plan?
- Will the potential provider do routine checkups?
- Can their company support the technology your company currently has in place?
- What is this IT company’s approach to cybersecurity?
- Do they have a detailed process for onboarding new customers? If significant work is required up front, what is the upfront cost?
- Are the solutions of the potential provider scalable? What is the policy for on-demand support?
- Does their company offer unique, proprietary solutions?
- Can the IT Service Provider package your service into one monthly bill?
- What will your company get in return for the investment?
By having a clear understanding of their capabilities, you can feel confident you’re choosing a partner who can effectively safeguard your data, optimize your systems, and become a trusted advisor. After receiving answers to the questions above, compare them to the needs of your business to ensure they match.
IT Service Provider Red Flags
When partnering with a managed IT service provider, there are many things to take into consideration. Below is a list of potential warning flags to be aware of. If you come across an IT service provider that uses these tactics, you may want to consider other options.
Lack of Focus on Relationship and Business Continuity
Many providers do not have a focus on creating a long term relationship. A minimal relationship with your IT company can result in slow communication, or sometimes, no communication at all. If you have an onsite IT team of your own and are looking to supplement their efforts so that they can focus on proprietary solutions for your business, you need a provider that can step in and fill multiple roles in a time of need to ensure business continuity.
Pushes Service Contract Without Examining Your Business
Companies sometimes promote service contracts without understanding your environment. This can lead to overspending and underutilization. Your IT consultants must evaluate your needs before recommending service contracts.
Offers a Basic Bundle
Find an IT service provider, like Keystone Technology Consultants, who understands your business and its needs. Many suppliers offer conventional packages. You may not obtain all the services you need and may pay for services you don’t utilize.
Responds Only as Needed
Many IT service companies just respond to problems as they happen. Which in turn, makes them seem uninterested in your business. It might be frustrating and cost you money, so you want to look for an IT service provider who regularly checks in.
Observes Vulnerabilities
Many IT service providers wait until vulnerabilities are discovered before delivering a solution. They do this so they can sell you emergency services. To avoid this, look for a 24/7/365 proactive service provider. This implies they’re always monitoring your systems for possible problems to solve before they arise. This will save your business time and money.
Technical Jargon
To make things easy, you want to find a service provider who explains things simply. They should aid you with IT questions and decisions, not confuse you. If your potential provider can not communicate effectively with you, they might not be the right fit.
No Upfront Work to Fix Existing Issues
Many Managed IT companies will not fix existing problems when taking on a new customer. When this shortcut is taken, the result is that the same challenges crop up over and over, costing you more in the long run. If the provider you’re considering takes an “as-is” approach to your current IT environment, you may want to find an IT partner who will put in the work upfront to proactively clean up existing problems, not just put out the fire when something breaks.
Unintegrated, Inflexible Solutions
Find a service provider that can integrate seamlessly with your present systems. Providers with incompatible technology can bring about complications for your business. Ask your potential provider about flexibility and system integration. If they can’t help, you might consider looking elsewhere.
CONTACT KEYSTONE TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS
You can expect a comprehensive range of IT services from us at Keystone Technology Consultants. Our skilled staff provides managed IT services and 24/7 help desk support. Learn how we can help your company by contacting us today.
