IT support is important to your business and every business with a view to grow and thrive. Choosing an IT provider can be a daunting task, it is a decision that can define a business. With an IT provider that compliments your work ethic and image for the future of your company, you can achieve your targets and exceed them. If your IT provider doesn’t align with your image, it can for all the best intentions have a derogatory effect on the development and day-to-day running of the business.
It is difficult to be sure that you pick the correct IT provider, there are many different companies on the market claiming to provide the best service. With the way that people work changing dramatically over the last 50 years, this has impacted our use of facilities and the way they support us working. The changes will continue, and the rate of change will only increase in the coming years with the advancements in technology and connectivity. To transition into this new age as productively as possible your choice of IT provider should be on the top of your to-do list.
Finding a provider that is tailored to you
Depending on your IT demand ensuring that the provider has the skills, experience and capacity to support you effectively before signing up is important. Consider the following questions to determine whether a provider offers a service that is right for you.
Does the provider have extensive knowledge of my industry?
There are many different reasons why a provider knowing your industry is advantageous to you. Every business is affected by GDPR, a body of legislation that regards data protection. Your provider should help you meet your obligations under GDPR and any other regulations you are subject to.
System familiarity
Familiarity with the systems and processes common to a business in your sector will make the early processes of getting to know the provider faster and easier. They should be familiar with or at least know the system you use, they will understand quickly what is important and what isn’t. They will be able to go one step further and propose solutions and proactive measures to assist with the running of the business.
Have they worked on any projects before? If upgrades are on the horizon it's worth finding a provider that has expertise in the relevant areas. Some providers with existing partnerships with vendors may get you a good deal!
Some IT providers can talk the talk but can't quite walk the walk when it comes to your IT support. To be sure you are making the right choice, get in touch with a current or previous customer of the provider. Try to find a customer from your sector and ask them what they think and if they have confidence in the provider. If the Provider is as good as promised then they shouldn’t mind giving you contact for a reference.
Contract length
Don’t sign a 12-month plan with a barely capable IT provider! Many of the better-managed service providers (MSPs) will give the offer of short term contracts, the good providers are confident the customer will stay without obligation because the standard of service is high.
Will the effort be made to get to know your business?
The best IT providers will make a conscious effort of getting to know your business on an individual basis as opposed to a number on a spreadsheet. Many will use phrases like “we get to know your business personally” and “you’re important to us” but a few questions to ask yourself as to whether a provider values their relationship with you as a client are as follows.
Does the provider have longstanding clients? If the answer is yes then odds are they are doing a good job for those clients, putting in the effort and providing the service promised.
Does the provider offer a dedicated point of contact? This means you will get your own assigned support specialist that is in charge of your account. They will get to know your business inside and out and will (if effective) get familiar with your team and yourself. It is in the best interest of your support specialist (account manager) that you get the most from your system, they want you to stay a customer with them and earn a commission from your retained service.
Do they speak your business language? There are IT professionals that only exist in the realm of technology, for a commercially successful business this kind of IT specialist is no good. What is needed in your IT profession is one with business knowledge also, a professional capable of arranging your technical solutions whilst relating those solutions to the business, financially and operationally.
Keeping these tips in mind when deciding on an IT provider will put you in good stead to picking the best one catered for your business model, helping you stay secure and use your IT solutions to their maximum capabilities.
IT infrastructural needs? Look no further!
We are Datek Solutions, the IT infrastructure specialists, we get to know your business ensuring we can offer the best fit for your business with our dedicated IT experts, look no further for your IT needs! We're here to help!
We're Datek Solutions
Since 1998 we have been managing IT support, solutions and strategy for a range of clients. We have won awards for our excellent customer service and pride ourselves on being transparent. What you see, is what you get.
What makes us different? We don’t use a one-size fit all approach. We get to know your business and everyone in it, what it needs and how we can support you to give the best solutions at the best possible prices.
Above all this, we are committed to keeping it simple for you. If there’s a solution that your company needs, or you already have and it’s essential we support it, we make sure we know everything there is to know about it.
Contact us on 01753 540000 or email us at contactus@datek.co.uk.
