You know how important it is to choose an IT service provider you can depend on. Your business relies on the expertise and abilities of an IT pro so you can keep your company sailing smoothly.
But here’s the truth:
Choosing an IT service provider isn’t easy. If you make the wrong decision, it could affect your ability to serve your clients and cost you hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars in the long term.
Before you hire an IT managed service provider, make sure they possess these five critical qualities:
1. Responsiveness
One of the biggest benefits of managed IT services is that you don’t have to take care of issues yourself.
When problems arise, you want to feel confident that your service provider will respond quickly so business can keep flowing.
The last thing you want to do is have to deal with problems you’ve hired the IT company to handle simply because they’re not moving quickly enough.
2. Availability
Though you don’t work 24 hours a day, you likely expect your business to work around the clock. This also means your IT services provider will need to be available at all times to solve problems and provide a seamless operation.
Computer networks don’t take vacations or holidays. It’s in your best interest to find a provider with open availability so you’re never waiting long for resolution.
3. Mentoring
The best IT service providers aren’t just providers. They’re also guides and mentors to keep you informed of the industry and help you make educated business decisions.
Reputable IT service companies will sit down with you to help plan your technology needs for the short and long term.
They may recommend annual budget and planning meets to help you save money and project your ongoing needs.
This extra mile helps you become more informed about your business’s IT needs and infrastructure, which can help you plan accordingly moving forward.
4. Ongoing Security Testing
IT security isn’t standing still. The features you use to protect your network today may be outdated within a year.
IT service providers stay on top of the industry through proactive, ongoing security testing and implementation. They maintain up-to-date systems and deploy the best security practices on your behalf to protect your business and its clients.
Don’t be afraid to ask prospective providers how they maintain your network’s security. It only takes a single incident to demolish your company’s reputation.
5. Disaster Recovery
Weather-related events, vandalism, or network security breaches can all affect your ability to serve your customers.
How can they help you restore your data? What can you do to mitigate your risk the future?
In the event an issue does occur, you’ll want to understand how the managed service provider helps you recover from it.
Ready to Hire an IT Service Provider?
The above five qualities of an IT service provider aren’t the only hiring criteria to consider, but they give you a solid starting point.
The most important objective is that the provider meets your organization’s unique needs. Putting your company’s goals first makes outsourcing seem more like an in-house extension of your business.
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