Most businesses require the services of an IT support company. Outsourcing some or all elements of IT provision is a cost-effective way of navigating the complexities of data protection, organisational efficiency, and software optimisation. However, not all IT support companies offer the same level of proficiency.
Here are a few things to look out for in order to make the best choice.
1) Accreditations & Certifications
Accreditations matter in any business. They offer reassurance, quality control, and are an important marker of the industry standard. Within a changing economic and cultural climate, this means that accreditations are particularly crucial.
There are several gold star accreditations to look out for in an IT support company. These include quality management (ISO 9001), information security management (ISO 27001), and – increasingly important – ISO 14001, which relates to environmental responsibility.
Clients require ISO 27001 assurance for peace of mind and legal compliance, while quality management makes a significant difference to the customer experience.
2) ADISA Certification
Any business with a computer needs to be very careful about data protection. So does the IT support company. The Asset Disposal and Information Security Association (ADISA) accreditation is one of the most failsafe certifications for guaranteeing that information is handled correctly. Many organisations are starting to expect ADISA as a standard, and all good IT support companies should have the certification. In the GDPR era, data security is something that should never be ignored, especially by a support provider.
3) Partnerships
Any IT support company that is serious about its service will ensure solid and valid partnerships. Microsoft and Apple are key partners, although any successful technology company can be a useful ally.
- When an IT support company is endorsed by a partnership, clients benefit in several ways. Firstly, the company has access to specialist support and training. This helps to troubleshoot problems and gives a strategic advantage when upgrading software.
- Secondly, partnerships offer reassurance about professional credibility. Major players such as Microsoft will only endorse partners that they are confident will professionally represent their brand.
4) Reviews
Reviews have always offered useful insight into organisational performance. IT support companies are a cost-effective solution because they work closely with a select client base. Often, this is based in the local area. This is because good IT support companies offer a range of on-site and urgent services, and therefore tend to operate within a radius that enables a 24/7 response.
As such, local networking and local reviews are an excellent window into the truth. These can be matched with company portfolios, and the professionalism of the initial chat. Support companies that offer genuine, comprehensive support will often have strong feedback.
What Next?
To understand whether your IT support company can fully provide for your unique requirements, the best place to start is by having a chat with one of our advisers. Call 0333 900 9050 today!
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