Whether you’re a small business or large enterprise, increasing the stability of your IT infrastructure should be considered a priority. Fortunately, there are lots of companies out there that offer IT leadership in a managed service environment–but don’t make the mistake of thinking they are one and the same.
Before you evaluate and finally select the best managed IT services provider for your business, here are five things to consider:
1. Round-the-Clock Monitoring
Your service provider must offer 24/7 monitoring because anything can happen even when you’re not in the office. Don’t even consider candidates that don’t offer that kind of service. Potential candidates should provide you a guaranteed emergency response time, so you can determine how soon you can get help whenever your business needs it.
Additionally, your chosen company should have the ability to automate the management of your entire IT infrastructure–including servers, workstations, routers, networks, devices, and firewalls, to name a few.
2. Reasonable Pricing
Although cost should never be the deciding factor when selecting a managed IT services provider, the reality is that it’s still very important. Your business cannot be profitable if you spend more on service plans than what is needed.
Compare plans from trusted IT companies. Choose a provider with predictable pricing so you have an idea of how much you’ll be paying monthly.
3. Flexible Contracts/Plans
Businesses constantly evolve and so does technology. Tech innovations change quickly, so you don’t want to be tied up in an annual contract with your managed IT provider. You must have the flexibility to switch providers or plans in case your needs change, or if you’re no longer satisfied with your current IT company. Look for a potential partner with month-to-month service plans.
4. Credibility and Proven Track Record
Take a look at each candidate’s team or teams. How many team members do they have? What certifications have those experts earned? How many years has the service provider been in business, and do they have experience working with a business similar to yours in size?
All startup companies can claim to provide reliable managed IT services. But without a proven track record to back up any of those claims, evaluating their capacity can be difficult. Aside from experience, make sure to only consider providers with employees bound by strict codes of confidentiality and ethics.
5. On-Site Assistance
On-site visits are necessary when it comes to the maintenance of your IT equipment and hardware. By engaging with your managed IT services provider face-to-face, you can discuss the changes that can be done to improve your operations. This also lets you talk about tech advancements and how they can aid your company in the future.
The managed IT services provider you choose can positively or negatively impact the performance of your business. Thus, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate each potential partner to make sure they are capable of meeting your organization’s unique needs effectively.
By following the above tips, you’re sure to have peace of mind knowing you have the best managed IT team working 24/7 to keep your business secure and productive.
