So you’ve decided that your business can benefit from having the support of an IT managed service company. How do you choose the right support partner for your business, out of the many potential options?
Generally speaking, you want to choose a service provider that contributes to your business success. In the IT world, this means choosing a company that can help you increase:
There are certain characteristics that a managed IT service provider should have to help you with the above. Here’s a list of the main things to check when comparing IT companies.
IT support is an incredibly vast field, which means not all companies have expertise in every area. At the same time, different businesses need support with different things. Once you’ve decided which aspects of IT are key to your business operations, ask providers for their areas of expertise to see if there’s a match.
Having said that, cyber security, backups, and disaster recovery should be offered by default. Getting expert support in critical areas can help boost efficiency and productivity, so you can reach your goals faster.
Specialist knowledge and experience are important, and the best way to confirm that an IT company is reliable is checking their site for testimonials and for evidence of training and qualifications. Look for testimonials or reviews that highlight specific aspects of the support received. Badges or certifications also add credibility, especially if they involve partnership with major IT corporations, like Microsoft or HP.
An IT support company that is committed to great service and to continual development can help your business move forward more efficiently and with greater security.
The IT world can be a scary one for those who aren’t IT professionals. There are always new terms popping up, and when there’s a problem you want to understand exactly what’s happening without being confused by technical jargon.
When comparing local managed IT service providers, pay attention to their attitude right from the initial enquiry. Do they ask questions about your needs, or do they mainly talk about their services? Do they explain their services in plain English? Do you feel comfortable asking questions?
All this sets the basis for a solid relationship and ensures you can trust your service provider to support you in your business growth plans.
The last point to check is whether the company in question is available when you need it. For example, if you run an e-commerce site, you may need to have support 24/7. If you need multilingual assistance, you’ll want to check this is available too. Working with an IT partner that’s ready to help you when needed will reflect on your business reputation and contribute to stronger customer relationships.
At TMB, we’ve been providing managed IT service for more than 30 years. Visit our website to learn more about our expertise, or call us – we’re always happy to answer your questions.
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