As many companies seek to outsource their IT provider today, the challenge in finding an IT service provider in today’s economy is less about finding one and more about choosing one. There are plenty of IT service providers that offer a range of services and capabilities—from managing installation and hardware to implementing and overseeing a company’s cybersecurity. Thus, to find the right provider, one that’s reputable and reliable, companies will need to do some research. As much to find out about the company they are considering as what IT services are required of that company.
Third-party IT services have found a niche in today’s economy. It’s less likely or practical that a small-to-midsize company will have their own IT personnel in-house. It’s generally more cost-effective to outsource the job than have a full-time person or persons onsite. In reaching out to a third-party IT service, a company needs to know their IT service requirements. Be in the market for a managed IT service provider, referred to as an MSP, one that provides a defined set of information technology services to its clients. Make sure the company has the expertise and capabilities your company needs, along with experience, certifications and any specializations your company requires.
When approaching an MSP to assume the responsibility for providing your company with certain IT services or functions, here’s a few things to consider beforehand:
1. Establish Your Needs
Before a company contacts an IT service provider it will need to know what MSP responsibilities are required of that company. The first step is to identify and document what function the MSP is to provide. Don’t waste money on all-in-one IT providers when you may only need a communication solution. Establish what your needs are first and then look for an MSP that fits.
2. Experience
Technology requirements can vary exceptionally between industries. When searching for an IT support company, inquire about the type of experience that they may have with your industry. A company experienced in supporting the travel industry would not likely have the tools to support one in the construction industry. Ask if they provide service to other companies related to your industry, too, and if they are certified in any applications or technologies that your industry specifically requires. The MSP you hire needs to be familiar with your server, software and workstations to be effective.
3. Location
When outsourcing IT services, choose a local MSP. Though you may find a better deal from a faraway provider, you are not going to receive the same level of service a local provider offers. The ability of that provider to respond quickly if a system crashes or a firewall is breached should be an important consideration in a company’s needs. If you need onsite services, upgrades, or repairs it’s likely an MSP far from your offices will be hiring a local third-party provider that your company should have considered in the first place. For example, a local company installing your network may have an organizational method that harnesses multiple cables or wires into specific single bundles for easy identification and access. Knowing that organizational system, rather than having to figure it out first, can help to resolve the issue(s) much quicker.
4. Credentials
One important way to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable IT service provider is to look for its certifications and partnerships with IT manufacturers. IT company partnerships with Dell would be of little service if your company is on an Apple network. A reputable IT service provider would have taken the time to be certified in managing systems and hardware from major manufacturers like Apple, Microsoft, Dell, and HP. In addition to the provider, that company’s personnel should each hold certifications of their own. Be sure to inquire for a list of their current certifications and partnerships.
5. Pricing
When considering an IT service provider, consider companies that offer monthly fixed-fee pricing, not those that charge a monthly charge plus hourly rates for onsite repairs or service. Many IT providers offer a variety of services in their service plans—setting up cybersecurity, firewalls, protecting email accounts, backing up files, onsite visits for upgrades and repairs, and overall network management solutions. A growing business may need to upgrade or expand upon its cabling and wiring to improve its network. Proper cable management is important for basic functionality, systems performance, and for allowing easy maintenance and servicing of those systems.
In finding a reputable IT service provider look for one that can meet your company’s IT requirements. An MSP can offer an array of services from systems management to hard wiring networks. With ever expanding technology, it’s important that systems and networks are managed and organized for best performance, which includes the physical hardware and capabilities to harness multiple cables and wires into single bundles. This is where companies and IT service providers can benefit from Heli-Tube® spiral wrap for their cable management solutions.