Not every business leader is pleased with his or her IT managed services provider.
Some IT companies provide outstanding IT managed services, while others only aggravate their clients.
A partnership with a lackluster IT consultant firm is more than frustrating - it's also risky for your business, since information technology is such a huge part of doing business these days.
To make sure you choose an exceptional IT management company, follow the tips we've gathered below.
Red Flags: IT Consultant Warning Signs 1.
Poor follow-through.
If a certain IT management company doesn't follow up on your business inquiry, they probably won't provide very good service down the road.
2.
Undue emphasis on free consultancy.
"Free system check-up!" It's an enticing line, right? However, an IT consultant who dangles this carrot before your eyes is often looking for a way to sell you on unnecessary services or software.
To get objective, expert IT advice, look for an IT consultant who is upfront about service charges.
3.
Lack of interest in your business.
To provide the best technological solutions for your organization, it's important for your IT consultant to understand your business.
Like a diligent job candidate who thoroughly researches her or his potential employer, a dedicated IT consultant is willing to research your company, your competition and your industry.
Exceptional IT management can create a competitive edge for your company - as long as your IT consultant is gung ho about such "internal" matters.
Characteristics of a Superior IT Management Company You probably already have a vetting process for selecting new vendors.
As you research IT management options, keep the following traits in mind - these are attributes every excellent IT management company shares.
1.
Exceptional education, certifications and experience.
Obviously, the ideal IT management company will have a strong portfolio of work, a significant educational foundation and prerequisite certifications for the IT systems they tweak.
As you select an IT partner, ask about experience, education and certifications.
Request customer testimonials if none are provided.
As an example of how IT certification works, if you use a Microsoft server, your IT management partner should be certified with Microsoft products.
2.
Strong communication skills.
Your IT systems will work better if you have a positive communication style with your IT consultant.
Ensure that you can communicate well with your IT partner.
One thing to avoid is an IT consultant who uses a lot of technical jargon; you want someone who can explain his or her ideas in layperson's terms.
3.
Consistent IT consultant assigned to your account.
You won't have to spend as much time explaining your situation if a certain consultant is linked to your account.
4.
A plan B (and C, and D).
As you vet vendors, ask each IT management company what they would do if your IT service representative wasn't available.
Inquire into their response procedures for IT emergencies.
Keep in mind that your IT consultant will be the one who gets lagging systems back up and running.
A strong IT partner will appreciate that downtime means lost income and will therefore be willing to jump to your aid in an emergency.
5.
Strong protection for your company's intellectual property.
IT is an intimate part of your business.
Ask each prospective IT consultant about his or her perspective on IT security and what steps will be taken to protect your information.
Some IT companies provide outstanding IT managed services, while others only aggravate their clients.
A partnership with a lackluster IT consultant firm is more than frustrating - it's also risky for your business, since information technology is such a huge part of doing business these days.
To make sure you choose an exceptional IT management company, follow the tips we've gathered below.
Red Flags: IT Consultant Warning Signs 1.
Poor follow-through.
If a certain IT management company doesn't follow up on your business inquiry, they probably won't provide very good service down the road.
2.
Undue emphasis on free consultancy.
"Free system check-up!" It's an enticing line, right? However, an IT consultant who dangles this carrot before your eyes is often looking for a way to sell you on unnecessary services or software.
To get objective, expert IT advice, look for an IT consultant who is upfront about service charges.
3.
Lack of interest in your business.
To provide the best technological solutions for your organization, it's important for your IT consultant to understand your business.
Like a diligent job candidate who thoroughly researches her or his potential employer, a dedicated IT consultant is willing to research your company, your competition and your industry.
Exceptional IT management can create a competitive edge for your company - as long as your IT consultant is gung ho about such "internal" matters.
Characteristics of a Superior IT Management Company You probably already have a vetting process for selecting new vendors.
As you research IT management options, keep the following traits in mind - these are attributes every excellent IT management company shares.
1.
Exceptional education, certifications and experience.
Obviously, the ideal IT management company will have a strong portfolio of work, a significant educational foundation and prerequisite certifications for the IT systems they tweak.
As you select an IT partner, ask about experience, education and certifications.
Request customer testimonials if none are provided.
As an example of how IT certification works, if you use a Microsoft server, your IT management partner should be certified with Microsoft products.
2.
Strong communication skills.
Your IT systems will work better if you have a positive communication style with your IT consultant.
Ensure that you can communicate well with your IT partner.
One thing to avoid is an IT consultant who uses a lot of technical jargon; you want someone who can explain his or her ideas in layperson's terms.
3.
Consistent IT consultant assigned to your account.
You won't have to spend as much time explaining your situation if a certain consultant is linked to your account.
4.
A plan B (and C, and D).
As you vet vendors, ask each IT management company what they would do if your IT service representative wasn't available.
Inquire into their response procedures for IT emergencies.
Keep in mind that your IT consultant will be the one who gets lagging systems back up and running.
A strong IT partner will appreciate that downtime means lost income and will therefore be willing to jump to your aid in an emergency.
5.
Strong protection for your company's intellectual property.
IT is an intimate part of your business.
Ask each prospective IT consultant about his or her perspective on IT security and what steps will be taken to protect your information.
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