As a business owner, you may have a love-hate relationship with technology. While you understand its importance to your business, a mishandled software upgrade may cause your network to go down for some time, which can cause you to lose potential income. Hackers might try to exploit a vulnerability in your network.
A managed IT service provider can avoid these problems. But how do you choose the best IT service provider for your business? Here are some characteristics that you should consider.
The Relatability of The Managed IT Service Provider
You want to work with an IT service provider that offers business IT services. There are specific concerns that affect businesses and their networks. One of those concerns is cybersecurity.
Businesses of all sizes are the primary targets of cyberattacks. This is because of the data stored in their systems, from customer email addresses to credit card information. One of the most common causes of cyberattacks according to the Federal Trade Commission are security leaks in a network. IT Governance reports that more than 528 “security incidents” have occurred so far in 2023, resulting in more than 451,000,000 total “breached records.” The healthcare, education, and technology industries see the most cyberattacks and data breaches. Additionally, PacketLabs reports that around 800,000 cyberattacks occur annually, and about every 39 seconds a business’ infrastructure becomes the target of a cybersecurity threat. The average cost of cyberattacks on businesses and individuals is around $137,000.
You want to work with an IT service provider that understands the special IT needs of your business. Many service providers offer different IT services depending on the business’s needs.
Accessibility of The Managed IT Service Provider
Another important characteristic to look for is the service provider’s availability. How easy is it to get in contact with the service provider? How quickly do they respond to your questions? Your ideal IT service provider should make it easy for you to reach out to them.
It’s common for service providers to offer a 24/7 customer service line in case an emergency happens outside of their hours of operation. You should be skeptical of a service provider that is difficult to reach. It might be a reflection of what to expect in the future.
Long-Term Solutions for Your Business
You should also consider working with a service provider with long-term solutions for your business. An IT service provider may easily solve your system’s issue once. But a top-notch IT service provider can provide long-term solutions for their clients.
Instead of providing temporary fixes to your IT issues, you want to work with a forward-thinking provider. They should suggest a practical plan that can benefit your business’s IT services in the future.
Setting up a long-term working relationship with a service provider can save your business more money in the long run.
A Strong Track Record
You also want to work with an IT service provider with a proven track record of success. Like everything else around your business, you want the best quality. You want the service provider you’re working with to have the right expertise.
In particular, you want a service provider with the right knowledge and experience for your business. Your ideal service provider should understand IT in operations like yours.
If possible, ask the service provider for a list of referrals. A service provider who hesitates to give this information might throw up a red flag. It can also help to read the reviews from the service provider’s website and other online sources.
Customized Maintenance and Support
Providing customized support is another characteristic that you should consider with your IT service provider. Your provider should not offer a one-size-fits-all approach to your IT services. Even if you work in the same industry as another business, it doesn’t mean you will need the same IT services.
Every business requires different IT needs. Your service provider should work with you and offer services that cater to your business’s needs. The provider should also suggest services that promote productivity and growth for your business.
A Spirit of Collaboration
Another important characteristic is the ability to partner with you. While the IT service provider knows about IT, this is not a dictatorship. You don’t want to work with a difficult service provider who does not explain relevant tech issues. Work with a service provider who will communicate with you.
Being on the same page regarding your IT needs will make the working relationship easier. Your IT service provider should listen to you and consider and address your specific business tech needs and concerns.
Consideration of Costs
Contrary to what some business owners believe, working with an IT service provider is not expensive. Many IT services can actually cut costs for businesses by implementing affordable cloud-based solutions. These services can help businesses store large amounts of data without using costly devices or storage methods.
An IT service provider should not offer any service your business will not use or benefit from. You want to work with a provider actively looking to reduce costs for you.
Well-Rounded Solutions
You also want to work with a service provider who provides a range of services.
Many issues can affect a business’s network, including the following:
- Data breaches
- Software malfunctions
- Environmental issues
- Link problems
- Cybersecurity
- Incorrect bandwidth setting
- Poor VoIP quality
- Slow networks
An IT service provider can provide services that address these issues. Your IT service provider should consult you and discuss your IT concerns. This should help the provider better understand what you need.
A Proactive Mentality
Last but certainly not least, you want an IT service provider who can help you prevent problems in the future. Service providers don’t just take care of problems as they appear. You can work with a service provider to help you prevent IT issues. Your ideal service provider should offer solutions that can protect your IT system for the present and the future.
Schedule a Consultation Today with An Experienced IT Provider
Running a business is not easy. Between the daily tasks, ensuring you have the right people in the right positions, and dealing with clients/customers, you should not have to worry about your IT services. Contact an experienced managed IT service provider today to discuss your company’s needs.
