Questions to ask a potential new IT services provider

Choosing the right fit when outsourcing your IT is crucial. Not all IT service providers are equal, and making the right choice is vital to meet your specific needs and receive top-notch service.

While the temptation to opt for the lowest-cost provider is real, remember that quality often aligns with price. Cutting corners on costs may lead to security vulnerabilities, slow service, and persistent problems. When selecting an IT service provider, consider their experience and specialization in catering to businesses like yours.

Here are some questions to ask potential IT service providers:

• Industry Expertise: Have they worked in your field?  If you need specific expertise, you’ll want to know they have the experience to deliver.
• Maintenance and Assessments: Will they provide routine checkups and network assessments?  Technology is constantly changing, and your systems need to keep up.
• Compatibility: Can they support your existing technology?  For example, if you’re working with both Mac and Windows devices, integration can be complicated. 
• Scalability: Are their solutions scalable to grow with your business?  If you’re in growth mode, you want them to accommodate new users and data needs easily. 
• Day-to-day Support: How do they provide helpdesk support to your team?  You’ll want to know if it’s easy to request help, what hours they’re available, and how quickly your issues will be resolved.
• Billing Convenience: Can they consolidate your services into one monthly bill?  Some providers offer all-in pricing on a per-user basis which makes it easy for finance and for budgeting. 

After gathering answers to these questions, compare them against your requirements to ensure they align.

Red flags

Here are some red flags to watch out for when considering an IT service provider:

Immediate Service Contract: Beware of providers pushing for a service contract without assessing your IT environment first. This can lead to overspending and underutilization of services. Ensure you get a proper evaluation before committing.

One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Avoid providers who offer a standard package without considering your unique needs. You could wind up covering the cost of unnecessary services.

Break-Fix Service Model: Some providers only respond to issues as they occur, which can be frustrating and costly. Seek proactive providers who monitor and fix potential issues before they become problems.

Reactive Approach: Be cautious of providers who wait for vulnerabilities to be exposed before offering solutions, resulting in costly emergency services.

Technical Jargon: Opt for providers who communicate in plain language you understand, are willing to answer your questions, and assist with IT decisions.

Incompatible Solutions: Ensure your provider offers flexible solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing systems. Incompatibility can cause issues down the road.

Partnering with the right IT service provider means access to a wide range of services, from managed IT solutions to helpful and friendly help desk support. Our TotalCare Managed IT has options for all business types and sizes.  Reach out if you’d like our answers to these questions.