You’ve decided to hire a managed IT service provider to handle some or all of your IT support needs. The challenging part right now is figuring out which IT support company is best for your business. We both know that there are many different IT Services Toronto to choose from. In the 35 years that Accent Computer Solutions has been in business, we’ve seen a lot of IT companies come and go as the IT market has changed. When there are so many possibilities, how can you compare them? How can you tell which is better for your business?
We’re available to help you. The question of “How do I choose the best IT support company for my business?” can be answered with the help of these ten suggestions.
- You gain from their alternative IT support agreements
There are many different types of IT support arrangements in the world of outsourced IT. The offerings are organized differently by each IT business. Check to see if the services they offer match your expectations.
With a fully managed or all-inclusive IT support agreement, the outsourced supplier assumes the role of your IT department. With this kind of fixed-fee contract, the provider manages your IT, letting you concentrate on other tasks while being sure that your technology is taken care of expertly.
If your company has an internal IT employee or department, you’re definitely searching for a co-managed IT support arrangement. With a fixed-fee co-managed agreement, the outsourced provider collaborates with your IT team, adding extra expertise to difficult problems and relieving them of routine tasks so they may concentrate on higher-level tasks.
In either case, the contract should be drafted to be advantageous to both you and the IT company. You desire dependable and secure technology, and fixed-fee IT support contracts make this the aim of the IT industry as well.
It’s in the IT company’s best interest for you to have troubles so they can charge for additional services if the agreement isn’t to your advantage, such as with time blocking or monitoring contracts. You would undoubtedly prefer doing business with a company that puts money into your success as opposed to making money off of your problems.
- Your staff is made up of a sizable and varied group of qualified IT support specialists
In today’s corporate IT environments, expertise in cyber security, networking, support, cloud computing, systems administration, and other areas are necessary. The number of qualified IT professionals you have on staff should be sufficient for them to handle any issues your environment may present. (And that there are enough of them to help if multiple workers are having a difficulty at once.)
Some IT vendors strive to handle everything with a small staff, which forces employees to wear many hats. Ceos can also be lead engineers, and help desk workers can also be salespeople. Your supplier is therefore concerned with other issues when you need help. You will obtain the best service possible when working with a company that allows its employees to focus on their tasks.
How will you evaluate their credentials?
Ask about certifications and further education. Because technology changes so quickly, it’s important for companies to foster a culture where learning never stops. Certifications such as Microsoft MS-900, comptia Network+, and comptia A+ (among others) show knowledge of the foundations of IT support. Certifications in further technologies that they commonly support, such as Azure or watchguard, are to be expected.
- Your relationship is actively handled to improve your use of technology
Any IT support company can fix computers, but IT is much more than that, as Marty Kaufman demonstrates in his book Do IT Right: It’s Not Just About the Computers.
Instead of only keeping your business going, technology should also assist it expand. You can count on your IT support provider to help you increase the effectiveness of your use of technology, adhere to your technology plan, recommend improvements, and carry them out.
You should meet with your Client Success Manager and Technology Advisor frequently (weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on how quickly your business changes) in addition to discussing support-related concerns. At these meetings, you should realign your business goals, assign resources, and report on results.
At it support Toronto, this is known as the IT Results Cycle. With this proactive approach to IT administration, you can use technology to your benefit while ensuring that everything runs smoothly and securely.
- They are aware of the business models that work best for the services they provide
IT companies invest years perfecting their processes and systems, and they know who will benefit from their specialized services. But what they’ve created might not be your best option. The service could be more than you need if there are too few people. Additionally, the service or knowledge may not be sufficient if you are more complicated than their typical client.
A seasoned provider of IT Support Toronto will be aware of the types and sizes of businesses that will benefit most from their offerings and will be honest when they aren’t the right fit for you.
You should get the feeling that they “get” your business as you talk about your needs and the services they offer. They know how to support you in the ways required by your organization, they are familiar with the fundamental operations of your business, and the solutions they offer are tried-and-true.
- They’ve previously worked in your field
Your experience with a provider who is knowledgeable about your industry will be significantly different. They will be knowledgeable with your industry’s compliance needs, typical difficulties, job demands, means of earning a living, and potential applications of technology.
Think of yourself as a medical institution. Your goal is to see as many patients as you can while still giving them the greatest care and protecting the confidentiality of their data. An IT provider with experience in the healthcare industry can help you by offering support catered to your unique needs.
You should look for an IT service provider who is knowledgeable about NIST and CMMC compliance if you work in the DOD supply chain.
Take Charge of Your Business Technology with the Aid of an Outsourced IT Support Company
After reading the top ten recommendations for choosing an IT support company, you can utilize this knowledge to make an educated choice during the selection process. Are you curious about how Accent stacks up against other IT support companies? Find out if we’re a good fit for your firm by calling us to chat with one of our IT specialists.
