Recent research published by Harvard Business Review suggests that only 23% of US businesses operate independently of digital technologies.
Digital transformation is infiltrating every sphere of business today, and it’s evolving quickly, too.
As an average business owner, can you guarantee you’re up-to-date with the best technologies for your business? Is your business protected from the latest cyber threats, and do you know what to do when something goes wrong?
Unless you can afford to employ a full-scale IT department and keep your team updated, your best bet is to hire IT support services to keep your tech in the best shape possible. Here’s how to choose the best solution for your business.
Decide Which IT Support Services You Need
Every business uses technology in several areas of its operations. You’ve probably got a business website, email, social media accounts, and a host of software to stay on top of your daily requirements.
Naturally, the smaller your business, the lesser your IT support needs. So, make a list of all your security and operational requirements before you set out to find the best IT support provider.
Do you need full-time support, or would a pay-as-you-go or on-demand service suit you best?
Do You Need a Local IT Company?
Nowadays, most IT support takes place remotely. Yet, there are some instances where you might want a Las Vegas service provider.
If your IT support company will assist you by providing cloud hosting or VoIP, their servers must be nearby. Otherwise, you may experience quality issues.
Some GDPR laws can impact your data storage methods, too, especially if you work in a regulated sector like legal or financial services.
Start Your Search Online
Since you’re searching for a tech company, it makes sense to work with one that’s savvy in the ways of the World Wide Web. Try a search for local providers and then check out each of their websites in turn.
You can glean a lot of information from a good website, such as location, customer reviews, and services offered.
Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few top contenders, it’s time to take your research a step further.
Experience Is Key for IT Companies
Head to the About Us page for more information. This page may highlight how many years of experience the company’s employees and owners have in the field of IT support.
Although an IT certification is always a good recommendation, experience helps them anticipate potential issues faster. It also places them in a better position to service older types of software.
While there are many excellent recently formed IT support companies, years of experience indicate that they deliver a level of service that’s ensured their ongoing success.
When it comes to experience, it’s also a good idea to investigate how long they’ve been handling the services you require. IT is a vast industry incorporating many areas of expertise.
For instance, if cybersecurity is your top concern, you must choose a company with many years of threat management under its belt.
If you can’t find all the information you need, call them to discuss any questions you have. If you’re happy with the outcome, schedule a meeting to discuss your needs in detail.
Interviewing an IT Support Team
Whether you’re conducting your interview remotely or in person, there are a few things you must find out at the outset. These include:
Pro-Active Vs Reactive Approach
The break-fix way of doing things is an old-school, outdated IT approach. Waiting until something breaks before you ask for help results in unnecessary downtime, stress, and losses.
You must hire an IT support provider who’s committed to monitoring your systems, so they remain operational at all times.
The best IT support services will ask many questions about your existing IT infrastructure, and recommend a proactive solution for you based on their observations.
They might suggest some initial upgrades or changes to your system to help improve its efficiency or bring it in line with the latest industry standards.
The Right Tools for the Job
Make sure the company has the tools you need to stay online and productive. Remote monitoring and management tools are essential for effective IT support.
Another important consideration is a fail-safe system for backing up your data every day and keeping it secure against all modern-day threats.
Your customers will soon notice that your service never falters once you’ve got around-the-clock support. This can only enhance your customer relations and help you grow your business.
When your customers know their data is safe with you, it helps increase their confidence in doing business with you. Nowadays, every IT company should offer 24/7 support and monitoring.
Scalability and Pricing
When you’re getting started in business, you won’t need an all-the-bells-and-whistles IT solution. So, look for a company that offers low-level, affordable services to start with.
They should also offer a wide range of services you don’t need right now but may want in the future. The potential to upgrade when you’ve been working with a support company for a few years is much better than having to find someone new.
So, keep your future goals in mind when interviewing IT support companies and discuss them with each one to make sure they can service your long-term needs.
It’s difficult to place a value on IT services, but you should still compare quotes from at least three companies before you decide on one.
Be sure to go through their contracts carefully to ensure that a cheaper quote doesn’t skimp on some aspects vital to your business.
Move With the Times in a Technology-Driven World
IT support services help you save money, reduce stress, eliminate downtime, and improve your customer service. It’s a service that pays for itself several times over.
Are you dedicated to maximizing every aspect of your business? Browse our blog for more useful business tips and information on related topics.
