Managing technology is a need often overlooked until problems arise. The desire to focus on the front-end aspects of a business can lead to a neglected IT infrastructure. This is a costly mistake and can do irreparable damage to your business. It can be difficult to know how to choose the best IT company for your business, but it’s crucial to your success.
Choosing Your Business IT Company: The Sooner The Better
It’s important to bring in an IT service in the infancy of your business. An IT specialist who understands the needs of your business is an invaluable asset. Here are a few tips to help you figure out how to choose the best IT company for your business:
Define Your Needs
When choosing an IT company, it’s important to assess the needs of your business. For example, have you already established a good infrastructure, or are you starting from scratch? Factors like this will change the scope of service you require significantly. Also important to consider is the size of your business. A large business with extensive technology use will require an equally large IT company to manage it. A mom and pop IT company might be less expensive, but may not be able to handle your needs.
Get Quotes
Look at several IT companies before you choose one. Pricing may vary significantly depending on the size of your business, but also the size of the IT company. You may be able to save money by paying a retainer up front, but if that’s not in your budget a traditional monthly service might be preferable. Once you’ve discussed contract pricing, make sure to get pricing for things not covered in your contract. You never know when you might need an additional service.
Take Your Time
Do not be afraid to check for references and industry certifications. IT companies manage sensitive data and crucial information. They should be willing to provide proof of their expertise and discretion. In addition to customer reviews, schedule meetings with prospective IT companies. Face to face conversations can tell you a lot about a person. Also important to find out is whether you’ll have a dedicated account manager. An account manager acts as an intermediary between IT specialists and you. They should be able to translate the tech-speak of the IT world in a language that you can understand.
Ask Questions
Before you lock yourself into a contract with a business IT company, ask a lot of questions. Find out what the average response time is for service issues, and if you can log service requests online. Ask about the contract terms and whether there’s a penalty for changing those terms in the future. Choosing a good IT company is vital to your business, so take your time and ask lots of questions.
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