Seven Simple Steps to Choosing the Right IT Provider
Posted on January 30, 2012
Written By: Caitlyn Young
When choosing an IT provider it’s important that your chose one that you feel comfortable with and that will build a proper business relationship with you and your company. Researching different companies would be the client’s best option, don’t just choose the first one you see online. This IT provider must prove to you as the client that they know what their doing, they offer the client the best prices for their services, and they are willing to 
work hard for you and your company to get the job done. Outsourcing your IT needs can save your company both money and time. Therefore weather you’re looking for remote backup, application sharing or convenient help desk services it is important to keep these 7 strategies in mind.
1. THEY’RE A TRUE IT SERVICE PROVIDER—NOT JUST A HARDWARE/NETWORK VENDOR.
The purpose of an IT partner isn’t to sell you computer hardware—although they can and probably will offer you technology solutions for purchase. Instead, an IT service provider should focus on providing solutions that are right for you. Solutions tailored to your environment and your people.
When you begin discussing an IT project with a potential new IT partner, don’t let yourself be pressured into buying hardware right away or implementing major changes to you current infrastructure. Make sure the IT provider listens carefully to your needs, makes realistic and relevant recommendations, and is truly focused on helping you run your business better through the strategic use of IT. If, instead of doing this, the IT provider offers you a special, limited-time deal to buy a hardware package right away, you’ll know it’s time to look for another partner.
2. THEY HAVE A LOCAL PRESENCE.
Mobile phones and the internet have made our world smaller. They’ve opened up new markets for even the smallest businesses. And they’ve enabled us to tap into the minds of experts located thousands of miles away.
In this environment, you may wonder why the location of an IT partner matters. Don’t forget that a certain percentage of IT problems still require hands-on attention. When one of these problems arises, you’ll be glad you chose an IT partner that has an office in your area.
3. THEY HAVE BUSINESS SAVVY IN ADDITION TO TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE.
You’re not looking for an IT partner that simply knows which of today’s leading technologies works best. You’re looking for a strategic partner that can help you use technology in ways that make your business run more efficiently—and more profitably.
As you evaluate potential IT partners, make sure they understand exactly how your business works. Don’t let them overwhelm you with tech-speak. If they use too much jargon, don’t be afraid to ask, “Can you simplify that for me?” Another useful question is: “How will the technology you’re recommending have a positive effect on my business?”
Technology-for-technology’s-sake won’t benefit you in the long run. Challenge your IT provider to become a true partner in your business.
4. THEY’RE RESPONSIVE TO YOUR ISSUES.
When you’re looking for an IT partner, technical skills are only part of the equation. Responsiveness should be just as big a consideration—if not bigger. Granted, you can’t expect your service provider to address each problem instantly. But they should be able to clearly lay out their standards for responsiveness, and then meet those standards consistently.
Every minute that a technology issue prevents you or one of your employees from working is a minute that your business is losing money. When you’re shopping for an IT provider, look for a partner that can be responsive to the degree your company requires—no matter what.
5. THEY CAN TAP INTO VALUABLE PARTNERSHIPS TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.
You can’t expect your new IT partners to be experts in every kind of technology. But make sure that they have enough high-quality partnerships to deliver on just about any need you could possibly have.
A good IT consulting firm will be able to tackle a wide variety of issues and projects by either deploying their own staff or tapping into the resources of a partner. Either way, you’ll be taken care of, and you can leave the burden of staffing to them.
Ask potential vendors to list their capabilities—and those of their partners—in detail. Consider all your current and future needs, and then choose a company that can work seamlessly with its partners to meet them all.
6. THEY’RE WILLING TO FORM A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU.
Here’s another reason why it’s best to choose an IT provider that has a local presence: you’ll want your new partner to develop an intimate understanding of your network.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should avoid companies that perform remote support. In fact, remote support can save you money and help get your issues resolved more quickly. Even if your IT provider is located down the street, they should offer you remote support whenever possible, instead of coming on site and charging premium fees. Research has shown that roughly 80% of all trouble ticket issues can be solved remotely.
But it’s the other 20% of issues—the major ones—that will make you glad you chose a local provider that gives you lots of personal attention. When your systems are down, you want to be able to rely on someone who knows your network inside and out, and who can show up to save the day as quickly as practical.
7. THEY PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS.
For small businesses like yours, there’s no such thing as “one-size-fits-all.” So if an IT consulting firm only provides products and services based on a strictly predetermined menu, they’re probably not going to be a good fit.
Your IT provider should be flexible to the unique needs of a small business. Choose a provider that’s willing to customize a service plan for you, in terms of both pricing and level of service. For example, if your company has only a handful of computer users, it may make sense to pay your IT provider by the hour. On the other hand, if you’re supporting a dozen or more users and have more frequent needs, it will be much more cost-effective to operate on an unlimited-service basis at a flat monthly fee.
A good IT provider will be willing to work with you to find the best service plan for your specific situation. Infinity Network Solutions would be happy to do just that.
Choosing an IT provider is not as easy as people may think. Outsourcing your IT needs can save your company money, time and other resources, however it is important to do your research when choosing the right fit for your company. Following theses 7 steps will help allow you to pin point exactly what to look for in an IT provider and what you should expect after hiring this company.
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