When choosing an IT provider, there’s more than the ongoing cost to consider. It’s vitally important to assess their capabilities and determine if they’re a good fit for your business. Here some questions to ask to help you select :
Where are you based? If an IT provider is to be able to give effective IT support (particularly in an emergency), you need them to be in your region.
What services do you offer? Make sure the provider has the specific services you need, encompassing the majority of your specific requirements. Can they support and help you develop the technologies that you already use? It may also be prudent for an IT provider to have partnerships and reselling agreements with the relevant IT providers.
What is your experience and expertise in our industry? The provider should have sufficient, relevant knowledge and experience in your industry including any regulations that need to be considered. Furthermore, does the provider have the appropriate professional insurance?
What is your approach to security? Security should be a top priority for any IT provider, and you should feel confident in their ability to protect your data and systems.
Does the IT provider have Cyber Essentials accreditation? Cyber Essentials demonstrates a clear understanding of and committment to IT security. An IT provider should already have this accreditation and should be able to guide your own business through the process of achieveing Cyber Essentials.
Can you provide references or case studies? This can provide insights into the provider’s work and give you a better understanding of their capabilities if you don’t already know them or other clients that have used them previously.
What is your pricing structure? You should have a clear understanding of the costs involved and whether they offer flexible pricing options.
How do you handle support and maintenance? It’s important to understand their approach to support and maintenance, as well as their availability for any urgent issues that may arise. Are they capable of providing support remotely? Are they prepared to come to your business site?
How do you handle data backups and disaster recovery? Make sure the provider has a solid plan for data backup and disaster recovery, to ensure the availability and protection of your data.
How do you approach project management and communication? You should expect clear and effective communication throughout any project ad the duration of a support contract.
What are your contract and service level agreements (SLAs) like? Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement, including any obligations, limitations, penalties, contract duration or fees.
What is the IT providers technology roadmap and future plans? This can help you understand the provider’s technology focus and future plans, and determine if they align with your own business or industry goals.
Please note, this is not an exhaustive list but by asking these questions (and others), you’ll have a better understanding of the provider’s capabilities and you’ll be better able to make an informed decision when choosing the IT provider that best suits your requirements and budget.
Magikos IT can advise and assist with all of the above. Please contact the Magikos IT Team on 01344 204 019 or email helpdesk@magikos.co.uk
Supplying IT | Building IT | Hosting IT | Supporting IT | Managing IT | Auditing IT | Disposing of IT