5 KEY FACTORS TO FIND THE PERFECT IT PARTNER FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Businesses today face many challenges: rapid changes in technology, the scale and complexity of cyberattacks, increasing compliance requirements, changing business needs, …
It is no surprise that IT has become increasingly important in the business field to work more efficiently and solve problems. But IT is a very broad term. It includes developing and managing systems, networks, databases and websites, cyber security, cloud services, ...
Business owners depend on well-qualified IT personnel to help them face all these challenges, but recruitment and selection is a very time-consuming, costly and complex process. Even more so today, due to IT labor shortages.
Therefore, most small and medium-sized businesses prefer to outsource their IT to a third party instead of assembling an in-house team of IT specialists.
A successful business depends upon many factors and choosing the right IT provider is a crucial element to help you streamline operations, minimizes security risks and significantly reduces the time for research, development and implementation of critical IT projects. The partner you choose should be an excellent advisor to your organization's current and future technology needs.
So how do you make this important decision to choose an IT partner?
This article lists 5 key factors to find the perfect IT partner for your organization
1. IDENTIFY YOUR COMPANY’S TECHNOLOGY NEEDS
Whether for IT or other services, the first step in selecting a partner for your business is to know what you need.
Create a clear plan and clarify your IT goals and budget; this helps set expectations for your potential IT partner and guarantee a perfect match.
2. WEIGH YOUR REQUIREMENTS AGAINST THE SERVICES OFFERED
Not every service provider will fit your organization. Depending on your requirements and the service providers' specializations, there may well be a mismatch.
Many IT service providers specialize in a particular technology environment such as Windows or MacOS, Google Workspace or Microsoft365, IT helpdesk or networking. That's why the first step - identifying your technology needs - is so important. Once you know exactly what services your company needs, you can narrow down the list of possible partners.
Your IT partner should be able to meet your service requirements and preferably be able to manage all your IT needs. Even if they don't have the expertise in-house, they should have partnerships that allow them to meet your requirements. Your IT management becomes a lot easier and your IT operations more efficient if the IT provider can coordinate with the various vendors.
3. CHOOSE PROACTIVE OVER REACTIVE SERVICE
The reactive or "break-fix" model will always be part of any IT partners services.
Something will always break down and need repair, but your IT providers should not limit themselves to that. The goal of your IT partner should be to prevent problems from recurring. So, when you present them the problem, they should not only fix the problem, but also be able to suggest ways to prevent the problem in the future.
When evaluating potential IT providers, ask them about their approach to technology support and troubleshooting methodology.
A good quality IT partner is not limited to solving technical problems. They can also help educate end users about cybersecurity, application usage, compliance, etc.
4. VERIFY THAT SECURITY IS A PRIORITY
In recent years, IT service providers have become prime targets for cybercriminals looking to scale their attacks. The last thing you would want is a data breach through your IT partner who was supposed to protect you in the first place. So, you need to verify that your IT service provider has best-in-class security measures in place.
When evaluating a potential partner, ask about their internal security practices and how they manage data privacy and client interests.
Look for an IT partner with compliance certification, such as ISO27001:2017. This is an indication of their commitment to data security and you can rest assured that your organization is in safe hands.
5. LOOK FOR CLEAR, SIMPLE AND FLEXIBLE PLANS
Avoid service providers that offer complicated subscriptions and contracts that leave room for hidden costs and fees. Also keep in mind that your organization's IT support needs will change over time.
CONCLUSION
IT is a vital and integral part of every company, and your IT partner will have a huge impact on your business. You will need a skilled IT service provider to help you overcome the many technical challenges you face and help you avoid the pitfalls of poor IT practices.
Want to outsource your company's IT, but haven't found the ideal IT partner yet?
Get in touch and perhaps we will end up in IT together.