Outsourcing your IT support: What to consider

Factors to consider when finding IT support.

Many businesses are online nowadays. This online business can be eCommerce or finance, and many of them let you open an account with them, Of course, it goes without saying, sites that do this need to provide a level of support to go along with the added functionality. Many businesses manage to provide a good level of customer support, but what about when IT support is needed, both for your customers and within your business. You should consider outsourcing your IT support.

Having strong IT support for your SME is important for your success. Outsourcing your IT support, rather than having a team for it, can be easier and more affordable. It also means you won’t have to keep on top of the latest software, as others have more expertise.

The benefit of outsourcing an IT partner is huge, however, you still need to be careful when choosing. As with all aspects of business, you need to thoroughly research beforehand.

Consider these factors when outsourcing your IT support.

Plan out what you will need.

Before you approach any IT companies, make sure you have a detailed plan of what you will require. This will help you find the right support. Having a clear plan will enable you to move forward swiftly when your find the right IT support. Many IT companies will provide bespoke support, so they will be able to cater to your company uniquely.

Accreditations

Taking personal experience into account, you may be looking for companies that use a particular software or service. Make sure that you discuss this beforehand with a provider, they will tell you which software’s they use. They can also inform you of what accreditations they have.

Longevity

Given the current climate, IT businesses appear all the time. Many of these new companies may seem appealing, however, it would be wiser to choose an established company. An older company would have more experience with clients and with software. They would be able to other professional advice on software and cloud-based technologies.

Location

Nowadays, remote working is becoming the norm, especially with any IT-based position. However, it is still valuable to find an IT company that is local. Sometimes you may require a face-to-face visit if the issue can not be solved remotely. However, this is much less of an issue.

On the other side of things due to almost everything now being cloud-based. If the need to have a face-to-face meeting doesn’t matter, then that opens a lot more companies up as an option.

Management systems.

A technical management system is pretty typical for an IT provider to support a client remotely.  Providers many have developed their own, but one with a third party option can be just reliable.

Additional support

A strong IT provider will offer additional services beyond what is expected. This can be expertise in offering advice or recommending new products. It could also be providing you with ways to further reduce costs for your business.

Business reports

Within your business, it is standard for your teams to provide periodic reports. The same can be said for your IT provider. They should also notify you of any issues promptly and offer solutions.

Contract

See what kinds of contracts and packages they offer, and then compare these to other providers. Thoroughly research these beforehand, and then commit to a choice. A minimum contract is a good starting point if you are unsure of a service. This provides you with their service for a shorter period of time to see if it is right for you.

Case studies and reviews.

Check to see what other clients have to say about an IT provider. These can usually be found on the provider’s website but might also be elsewhere. See what people feel about their service. These can act as references and proof of excellence.