What To Look For In An IT Provider

Posted: 3rd August 2020

Technology moves at a rapid rate but not all IT providers move with it. If you find that IT limitation is standing in the way of business growth, it might be time to look for a new support provider who can enable your plans and drive your business forward with you.

Of course, switching IT provider can be a daunting thought and, we understand why. That’s why we’ve pulled together these top tips:

5 things to consider when looking for an IT provider:

#1 Experience

We recommend you look for an IT provider that gives you access to a team of experts. You may come across a provider who can also install you a new security system, build you a website and offer to walk your dog at lunch – don’t go there. You know what they say about Jack of all trades. With a team of experts to call upon, next to nothing will be off-limits when it comes to your IT capability to build your business.

And it’s not just about growing your business, it’s also about protecting what you already have with a strong cyber security strategy. With cyber crime increasing at a rapid rate, we strongly recommend you consider the level of cyber security consultancy and protection an IT provider can offer you – basically, you want the best when it comes to this.

If you’re a small business considering sourcing an external IT provider for the first time – take a look at how an IT support contract can benefit your business.

#2 Structure

Gone are the days when having an ‘IT guy’ to call upon when your emails are down is enough. These days, tech is the driving force behind most businesses, and you need an IT provider who can support that. Your ‘guy’ may be the best at what he does but what happens in his absence? Downtime is money, and if your IT support is unavailable to assist, the result could be damaging.

When you find an IT provider you’re interested in, make sure you check out the entire team: Look for leadership, structure and a range of expertise.

#3 Reputation

While switching IT provider may be necessary from time to time, building a lasting relationship with a provider will bring many benefits, so be sure to do your research before you take the leap.

Don’t be afraid to ask about their current client base. Not just how many clients they support, but how long they have worked with them. You can even ask for contact details to speak to a couple and ask about their experience with the provider you are considering.

#4 Investment

This is a big one for us at Jupiter IT and one that can be hard to find: An IT provider that not just jumps into action when you call with an issue but one that is proactive and invested in your business. From proactive monitoring of your systems, to suggestions of improvements to help grow or improve your cyber security.

A successful business is one that embraces new technologies and trends, whether it be VoIP telephone systems to modernise daily operations, Cloud services to enhance data security, or digital workspaces and communication platforms to encourage flexible and collaborative working.

Whatever your vision, run it past them; if they don’t get excited with you and feed you even more ideas, it’s safe to say, you need a level of support they do not offer.

#5 Price vs. Value

When you’re comparing quotes, be sure they are like-for-like. Some IT support contracts only cover callouts when an issue arises. Whereas a comprehensive contract effectively gives you your own IT department with proactive monitoring protection, cyber security services and IT consultancy as part of the package.

Spending that little bit more can make all the difference. Not only are you covered for any day-to-day issues, but you gain peace of mind that the responsibility of the security of your network and its data is in expert hands.

What could I expect from a Jupiter IT support contract?

Jupiter IT Is More Than IT Support – It’s IT Consultancy

We make switching IT support provider easy; we handle all the communication with your current provider and ensuring a seamless transition.

If you’d like to learn more about our unique IT support contracts, give us a call; we’ll give you a free audit of your systems and a rundown on how we can make your IT better. 

“Our previous provider was taking days to resolve issues. Moving to Jupiter IT was painless and we have seen a massive improvement in service, which in-turn has improved the service we deliver” – Allenby Commercial