A reliable and effective IT support provider can drive crucial value for businesses of all sizes, particularly in a global economy that is driven by technology. Whether you are a startup or an established company, by outsourcing your IT to an excellent provider, you can save time, money and stress, whilst driving enhanced value from your technology.
With the complexity of IT and technical barriers to understanding how an IT support provider can drive value, this can be difficult. We’ve created this article to help you to come to make an informed decision that gets the best from your business. Without further ado, here’s 6 factors to consider when choosing the right IT support provider.
Expertise & Experience
Your IT support provider should have deep expertise in the technology you use. For example, for us at Rubicon IT, while we do offer full support for pc users, one of our specialisms is in helping Mac users to get the best out of their IT. More broadly, this means that we have come to support film, television, architecture, and media companies who tend to use Macs to operate.
It’s important to look for a company that has a proven track record of successfully managing IT systems and supporting businesses that are like yours. To gather more information, you can assess their experience with relevant technologies and by reviewing their certifications and partnerships to make sure that their expertise aligns with your technology.
A knowledgeable provider with a background in serving your sector will be better equipped to handle your IT infrastructure, troubleshoot issues efficiently and offer valuable insights for improvement.
Range of Services
You will want to have an IT support provider that can provide and scale its support with your business so that they can meet your potential future needs. This will avoid misalignments or the need to switch to another provider later on. For example, if you’re looking to roll out remote work and home working capabilities, it’s important to ensure the provider can help you to implement these changes and to offer comprehensive remote IT support afterwards.
To do this, assess your current specific needs and ensure that the provider can address them comprehensively. You can also query how they can support your growth plans for the future. From network management and cybersecurity to cloud solutions and disaster recovery, make sure the provider can offer the support you need to keep your business running smoothly.
At Rubicon IT, we offer a full suite of IT support services to businesses, whether they operate on-premises or off-premises solutions, have PC users or laptop users, or have a cloud-based, local or hybrid working set up. In short, we’re a full Managed Services Provider (MSP).
Response Time & Availability
IT issues drag against productivity, efficiency and can compromise security. A fast response time that also solves problems promptly, is crucial to getting value from an IT support provider.
It’s essential to enquire about the provider’s average response time and their availability. An ideal IT support provider should be accessible when you need them the most and demonstrate a commitment to resolving issues in a timely manner.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) outline the terms and conditions of the IT support provider’s services, including response times, issue resolution times and overall performance guarantees.
Be careful to review the proposed SLAs that you receive from different MSP vendors to ensure they match your requirements. Look out for guaranteed uptime, response times, escalation procedures and penalties for breaching the agreement. SLAs provide a basis for managing expectations and holding an IT support provider accountable. However, an excellent IT support provider will have a proactive rather than contractual approach to your business.
A Proactive Approach to Maintenance & Security
Prevention is better than a cure because it resolves issues at their root-cause, before they have a chance to cause harm. The same is true in managing your IT infrastructure, which is linked to security, compliance and getting the best productivity from your business.
You can enquire with potential vendors about their strategies for regular system updates, patch management, data backup and disaster recovery. Additionally, emphasise the importance of strong cybersecurity measures and query about the provider’s practices for threat detection, prevention and incident response. A proactive IT support partner will help you avoid potential issues and ensure the ongoing stability and security of your systems in all areas.
References & Client Testimonials
One of the best ways to check if a potential Managed Services Provider offers a proactive, fast and holistic approach that can get the best for your business, is to ask for references and testimonials from their clients. These clients can tell you how their proactive approach manifests, how it has helped them, and how much of a strategic and tailored service they offer.
References and testimonials will give you a wider picture of the sort of company the provider is and if they are a suitable match. A reliable and reputable IT support provider will have a strong portfolio of satisfied clients who can vouch for their expertise and professionalism.
Conclusion
Selecting the right IT support provider is a critical decision that can greatly impact your business’ success and productivity. By considering factors such as expertise, services offered, response time, SLAs, proactive maintenance practices and client testimonials, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your business needs.
Remember, a reliable IT support partner should be able to provide comprehensive solutions, offer proactive maintenance and security measures, and demonstrate a strong commitment to your success. Investing time and effort in selecting the right IT support provider will pay great dividends in the long run, ensuring a smooth and efficient IT infrastructure that supports your business growth.
IT Support That Makes The Difference: Choose Rubicon IT in Basingstoke
Elevate your business in Basingstoke with exceptional IT support from Rubicon IT.
In the realm of IT support, especially in Basingstoke, Bramley, and beyond, Rubicon IT proudly stands out as the top choice. We take the lead, committed to ensuring that your IT infrastructure not only meets the demands of today but also lays the foundation for your future aspirations, particularly in Basingstoke. Our dedication to providing cybersecurity, management, and cutting-edge technology solutions that can elevate your daily operations and align with your strategic objectives distinguishes us as the preferred IT partner in Basingstoke.
We take great pride in being your proactive and friendly IT support partners, continuously working towards crafting tailored solutions that perfectly match your unique needs and business goals. By choosing Rubicon IT for your Basingstoke-based IT needs, you can have confidence that your IT requirements are in capable hands. Ready to embark on this journey of IT excellence in Basingstoke? Reach out to us today, and we’re more than prepared to assist you!
