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When choosing the best IT support provider for your business, look for a trusted advisor that can help you grow your business. Don’t just look for someone who’ll ask if you’ve “tried turning it off and on again.”
At first glance, you might think an IT support provider’s only job is to put out fires and help you keep the lights on. There’s certainly an element of that. You obviously need to look for a provider with a reputation for being dependable in a time of crisis. You also need one that is able to provide the level of support your business demands.
Yet a great IT support provider isn’t just reactive. They’re also a proactive IT solutions company. They help you get on top of your immediate technology issues, so things run more smoothly. They then work with you to focus on your IT strategy and long-term needs.
An IT support provider: the big picture
When evaluating IT companies, look for a provider prepared to take the time to truly understand your business – both where you are today and where you’re heading.
A support provider naturally needs a proven track record supporting your current and future technology stack. However, looking to the future doesn’t just include your technology roadmap. That vision must also extend to your wider business strategy.
To make the most from your IT support provider, you want more than a supplier. You want a partner – a trusted advisor – that will help you use technology effectively to achieve your business goals. The idea is to make technology a business driver rather than just a cost centre. The right technology can also act as a force multiplier to help small and nimble businesses up against larger rivals
Look for an IT companies that ask about your business challenges and where they can help solve your pain points as well as boost productivity. One that understands that technology serves the business and not vice versa. Beware of providers that are primarily focused on what they can fix and what they can sell you.
Plan for the future
You need an IT support provider that can help you embrace new technologies while also making the most of your existing investments. This means they need to be capable of supporting your legacy in-house systems, but still have their finger on the pulse of new technology such as the cloud and managed services.
You also need an IT solutions company that appreciates the fact you need to evaluate return on investment (ROI) when making purchasing decisions. One that considers product life cycles, scalability, security and interoperability to ensure today’s investments continue to serve you well into the future.
Your business needs an IT support provider big enough to handle all your requirements and who has expertise in your sector. However, they should still be responsive to your needs rather than treating you as an afterthought. Be wary of vendors that want to lock you into long-term contracts. Also, beware of those that offer Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages. They are freely admitting they prioritise some clients over others.
There’s no shortage of IT companies out to make a quick buck at your expense. It’s important to do your research when looking for a trusted business advisor to guide your business through the challenges that lie ahead.
