Guiding You To The Best Of It Support Services

By Author: Daniel Parker
Total Articles: 17
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Selecting an IT support and service provider can be real challenging at times. With number of players in the market, it is easy to be bewildered. There are so many factors IT managers have to consider to find the right partner.



Are you here for the same business in line? If you want to ensure the best fit for your company’s IT infrastructure, make sure you follow these guidelines.



Do the IT support company have the right business focus?


It is the most important criteria by far. Do you know if the IT service provider really understands your business model? Do they know how your company works, how do you serve customers, what your customer needs and how important it is to maintain a spontaneous, effective IT system?


Make sure your provider talks to you in business terms and clarify all terms and regulations well before. You must make him understand the issues your employees face on a regular basis and the outcomes you want to achieve from the whole process. There is no need to mention software, hardware or specific technologies ...
... that you were using. Let your IT support partner realize your needs first and then find technologically viable solution. He must explain the proposals that you can easily understand.


Is the company a cultural fit to your one?



Remember, you have to think beyond nuts and bolts of a business operation. It is expected that IT service and support team will visit your premises, deal with your employees and if needed, train them on new software and hardware application. This requires a suitability factor between the recipient and the provider. IT support company needs to be tactful and patient while bringing changes in existing IT system, no matter how technically literate your employees are.



Weigh the quality of proposals:

Decide if you are in need of new IT system, an ongoing IT service and support or contractual service. You want the provider to send you written proposal outlining the approach they recommend best for your company.



Next step is to review the proposal.



Is the proposal easily comprehendible? Can you understand from a general business person’s point of view? Is there proper explanation of all the technical terms? Are the prices clearly mentioned in it? Do you feel confident for the price you will pay to your IT partner? Are you sure that it excludes hidden extras? Can you compare the given price with other competitors?



How do you reach at competitive price without compromising on quality and trustworthy service? Is it possible to find any third party reference to gauge the proposal?
Take time to think on all these essential parameters.



Gauge the expertise:
A good IT support company generally offers a wide range of services that include – networking solution, server backup system, email and mobile communication, storage services, offsite support, VoIP telephone systems, accounting and operational support and more.



Optimize balance between price and value:


There is an old saying: Buy on price or buy twice. If you compromise on quality just to get a flat-bottom rate, you may end up incurring major loss.



Look for accreditation:


Is the IT support company a Microsoft certified partner? Has it got high-profile accreditations from reputable third parties? Certified firms are known for their consistency, reliable skills, knowledgeable consultants and reliable brand value.



The other two important criteria are location of the company and the size of IT support team. Make sure you get all these IT support services in the best interest of your company reputation.



About the author: Daniel Parker is an ex- IT support consultant and a technology writer. He has been writing about IT support Swindon for a long time. If you want to hear more about his experiences, pay a visit to http://www.software-systems.co.uk.