How to choose the right IT support provider for your business

Businesses have never been more reliant on technology to deliver their products and services to clients and customers.

How dependent most have become is illustrated by what happens should that technology fail.

Unless companies have a sound back-up plan in place, the damage to profits and reputation risks being significant.

Having a trusted and reliable IT support company can ensure businesses are protected against IT failure.

Knowing how to choose an IT support company that meets your requirements and can be relied upon is essential.

What to look for in a good IT support company

There’s more to choosing the right IT support provider than finding a service that fits your budget.

Your preferred choice should have industry knowledge, a comprehensive service offering, and the flexibility to grow and develop with your business.

There are key factors that can be helpful when considering how to choose an IT support company for your business.

These include:

Industry expertise

Many IT support providers specialise in particular industries while others are more generalists. When you’re looking for a provider, it can be advantageous to find one that has experience working with similar businesses. They will understand specific challenges, technological requirements, and regulations that impact your sector.

A good example of where a sector-specific provider would be beneficial is in healthcare due to its unique requirements in terms of technology, and because it has to operate within a strict regulatory framework.

Service level agreements

The Service Level Agreement (SLA) sets out the level of service you can expect from your potential provider. This should detail the scope of support you will receive, response times, and the overall responsibilities of the provider to your business. Ensure the proposed SLA meets the needs of your business and sets out the amount (and type) of support required.

Scalability

Your IT needs are likely to grow and develop together with your business. This means it’s essential to partner with an IT support company that provides a scalable service. Whether you’re adding new employees, expanding your digital infrastructure, or opening additional locations, your IT support should be able to adapt.

Monitoring and support

Your IT support company should be proactive at monitoring your systems, identifying and fixing potential issues before they have a chance to cause downtime. This reduces the risk of data breaches and system failures, or just a slowdown in performance.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity should be a high priority for any serious business, and the right IT support provider ought to have robust measures in place to protect data and systems. As well as providing antivirus software, data encryption, and secure firewalls, they should also offer threat detection and a rapid incident response.

A good reputation

Before you commit to an IT support provider, it’s essential to investigate what other companies are saying about them. Look for case studies, client testimonials, and online reviews, particularly from businesses who have similar requirements to your own. You should also investigate what types of certification and credentials they have.

Customer service

The company should be accessible with defined communication channels with their clients. Your company must know who to contact when there’s something that needs to be discussed, or in the case of an IT emergency.

Cost

While cost should never be a sole determining factor when choosing an IT support company, it is an important consideration. Prices can differ considerably, so finding a balance between the level of support provided and budgetary considerations will inevitably be part of your decision making.

Bearing in mind these key factors is important when considering how to choose the right IT support company.

How to find the right umbrella company as an IT contractor

If you work as a contractor providing outsourced IT services to companies, making the most of the freedom it offers to choose the projects you want to work on, then being employed by an umbrella company is worth careful thought.

Of course, not all umbrella companies are the same, and choosing the right one for you is essential.

That’s where Umbrella Tracker can help, and we understand it can feel overwhelming when you look at the landscape.

Our team has helped a growing list of IT contractors to compare fully vetted umbrella companies across the UK.

Informed by years of experience operating in the contracting marketplace, they understand the importance of finding a payroll solution that suits their individual requirements.

If you’re new to contracting, and want to understand more about how umbrella companies work, then our blog post ‘What is an umbrella company?’ is the perfect place to start.

After reading it, why not call us by dialling 0203 026 3303 or complete an online form to request a free comparison today.