The managed services market in America is continuing to grow! Namely, the industry has grown due to the changing landscape of IT infrastructure. For example, more businesses are switching to remote work models.
Outsourcing to an IT solution
provider could improve your operation efficiency by 45 to 65%. It might reduce
IT expenses by as much as 45% as well.
Not sure which IT company to hire?
Here are 10 tips that can streamline your search.
With these tips, you can work with
an IT provider prepared to accomplish your goals. With their help, you can
boost productivity, cut costs, and expand your business.
Select the best managed IT services
available with these tips today!
1.
Outline Your Needs
In order to find the right
managed IT services for your unique business, take the time to consider your
unique needs first. Complete a comprehensive needs report to
determine where your business is lacking.
Then, you can determine which IT
services are a priority and which might benefit your business further.
There's no such thing as a
"one-size-fits-all" IT solution. Using this approach could waste
money and slow your team's progress. Instead, you need to find a customized
plan with your distinct needs in mind.
For example, perhaps more of your
employees are utilizing a work-from-home model. You'll want to make sure they
can access the files they need remotely. You might want to consider cloud
computing services or using VoIP.
Outline any changes that have
occurred within your company over the past year. Then, determine if there are
IT services that can help your team look forward.
Pinpointing potential weaknesses can
help you find opportunities where IT solutions can become a strength. Instead
of letting your company lag behind, you can find ways to get ahead of the
competition.
Consider talking to your employees.
Ask for their feedback and determine where you can make improvements. Speaking
with your team can help you make more informed decisions before you hire an IT
provider.
2.
Consider Consultations
If you're not sure exactly what your
team needs, that's okay. Look for an IT solution provider who offers
consultation services. They can assess your current infrastructure to create a
technological roadmap.
Then, they can help you determine
which managed IT services you'll need to accomplish your goals.
A consultation could also help you
determine what hardware and software you need.
You can reach out to the team at empist.com to
get started.
Otherwise, you might make decisions
that waste your time and money. For example, you could spend money
updating software for programs your team no longer uses.
Instead, consider a consultation to
make smarter, cost-effective decisions.
3.
Plan to Scale
Before interviewing an IT provider,
take the time to consider your company's future needs. Look for an
IT company that can scale with you.
They should have the ability to
match your rate of growth. Make sure their services will expand as your company
grows.
Otherwise, determine if there are
any limitations you'll need to consider.
4.
Look for Experience
The US tech industry reached 12.1 million employees a few years ago. The industry grew by 2.3 million people
year-over-year, too. Not every IT specialist has years of experience offering
IT services, though.
Before choosing an IT provider,
determine how long the company has operated. Consider how many clients they've
helped within that time.
If you need specific IT services,
consider how long they've offered those services, too.
It's important to find an IT
provider with years of relevant experience in the industry. These teams will
have an easier time supporting your business.
A new IT company, on the other hand,
might still need to get its footing. For example, they might suffer from daily
operational issues. Perhaps the team doesn't know how to work like a well-oiled
machine yet.
Choosing a team with years of
experience will help you feel more confident in their abilities.
5.
Determine the Team's Size
It's also important to consider how
many specialists work for a single IT company. Determine how many technicians
are on staff. Then, ask how many clients they're currently supporting.
Make sure the team employs enough
technicians to handle their daily workload. Otherwise, you could wait hours (or
even days) for IT help. During that time, your customers and employees might
get annoyed.
Instead, find an IT company that
already has a large, talented team of experts in place.
6.
Explore Their IT Services
Take the time to consider the
managed IT services each company offers. Make sure their services align with
your concerns, needs, and goals.
For example, cybercrime affects
businesses big and small every day. Choose an IT company that offers
cybersecurity services. Determine exactly how they intend to protect your
company from an attack.
Explore the company's services to
ensure they offer everything you need under one roof.
7.
Determine Response Times
Ask each company about their
response times. How long will you need to wait for help? Make sure their team
is prompt and can offer immediate assistance.
Otherwise, long wait times can
impact your team's bottom line.
8.
Read Client Reviews
Read customer reviews for each IT
solution provider on your list. Find a company other businesses already trust.
Steer away from any businesses that have a weak reputation.
Look for any common, recurring
complaints, too.
9.
Ask About Trends
Before choosing an IT provider, make
sure they're up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Try to find a
provider who always tries to get ahead in their industry.
They can apply the latest trends
to your business, allowing you to get ahead of competitors.
10.
Compare Costs
Gather estimates from at least three
different companies on your list. Make sure to get an itemized list of the
services they offer. You never know what you might need in the future.
Then, compare your notes. Don't
choose the cheapest provider. Instead, find a team you can trust to accomplish
your goals.
Select
the Best: 10 Tips for Finding the Best IT Solution Provider
Choosing an IT solution provider is
easier than you might think. Use these 10 tips to streamline your search. Then,
partner with an experienced provider you can trust.
With their managed IT services, you
can set your business up for lasting success.
Searching for more tips? You're in
the right place.
Check out our latest guides today
for more.
