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When you’re looking for a managed IT company near you, there are certain criteria to consider that will ensure quality service and support. From experience and expertise to competitive pricing, these essential elements will help you find the right managed IT company in your area.
Research the Managed IT Company’s Level of Experience.
It’s important to research the level of experience of any managed IT company you’re interested in working with. Ensure they have a solid track record and industry expertise, as well as strong customer reviews and references from companies similar to yours. This will help you get a sense of their level of knowledge, the quality of their service, and how reliable they really are.
Additionally, find out what certifications the managed IT company holds, as well as any accreditations that prove their capabilities. This will give you some insight into how well the company can handle your IT needs. Make sure they are up-to-date with the latest technology, too. This can be very important in keeping your systems secure and running efficiently, now and in the future. Finally, pay close attention to how communicative and accessible the IT provider is during your initial conversations. Are they able to answer all of your questions clearly and promptly? These points should all help you decide if this managed IT company is the right fit for you.
Ask for Proof of Expertise.
Ensure that the IT company you choose can demonstrate proven experience in dealing with the types of challenges your business is facing. Ask for contract samples and references from past jobs, including details on whether they can satisfy your needs, how they solved complex problems, and if they achieved positive results. This will give you a good overview of their quality of work and portfolio track record.
In addition, it is also important to have a conversation with the managed IT company’s staff to gauge their expertise. Ask them direct questions about their experience and problem-solving skills, as well as whether they have any certifications that would enable them to deliver advanced services. They should be able to definitively answer your queries, showing that they are knowledgeable about their products and services and will be reliable for the long-term.
Look at their Service Offerings and Capabilities.
When selecting a managed IT vendor, it’s important to make sure they have suitable service offerings and capabilities for your business. Check that the company offers the services you need, such as remote monitoring, disaster recovery, and cloud storage and services. Additionally, ask if they offer any extra customized capabilities specific to your industry or business. If not, can they customize an offering for you?
Before you commit, review the provider’s portfolio of services to determine whether they have the required skills, experience, and technology to help your business. Look at their success in helping organizations similar to yours. Check their certifications and customer service levels. Are they certified to securely deal with sensitive data? Do they have resources like a Help Desk or 24/7 support? All in all, having access to these types of resources can be essential when selecting a managed IT vendor for your business.
Related Article: Managed IT Services – What Are They?
Review the Managed IT Company’s Support Resources and Guidelines.
A key thing to consider when selecting a managed IT company is to review the company’s support resources and guidelines. Does the managed IT services provider have a predetermined list of problems and solutions, or can it customize its service to your business needs? Also, ask about the team’s response time when an issue arises and how long it will take to resolve it. Lastly, find out if they offer 24/7 customer service or only have limited availability.
Consult with Some of Their Clients Firsthand.
Before selecting a managed IT services provider, speak to some of the organization’s current and former clientele. Ask questions about their experience with the company, such as what their services were like overall and whether they would recommend them. It may even be beneficial to inquire about any problems or issues that arose during use, so you can get an understanding of how those conflicts were handled. Doing this can help you determine if the managed IT services provider is an ideal fit for your organization and its needs.
Conclusion
Jumping into a managed IT company without fully understanding their service availability and reputation could result in not only unexpected monthly charges, but also assumptions being made with regard to what is being handled and what isn’t. Our Buyer’s Guide to Managed IT Services offers additional information that will guide you through how to choose a managed IT company.
Want a customized solution based on your needs? Not quite sure where to go from here? Let the experts at Ford Office Technologies give you a hand at 1-800-633-3673 or by emailing info@fordtech.com
