Choosing An IT Support Company
As your company grows, it is often worthwhile to outsource some tasks. This will leave your employees with more time to focus on the core tasks of your business to help in the growth. One of the aspects you should outsource is your IT support, but you need to be careful when choosing a support company. Not all IT support companies are equal, and the first one you find may not offer the services that you need.
1. Access At Any Time
When looking for an IT support company, your primary criteria should be 24/7 access. Business can be unpredictable, and you do not want an IT support company that is not available when you need them. If there is a problem with your systems after regular business hours, you need a support service that will help you immediately.
Having to wait for the next day can cause severe problems for your business. If the IT company you are considering is not willing to commit to a 24/7 access service, you should reconsider working with them. You should also avoid any company that is vague about the access hours.
2. Advanced Remote Monitoring
This remote monitoring will not only check that all your systems are online and working correctly. They can also track the wear and tear on your hardware. This will provide you with an advanced warning regarding equipment replacements and the potential of failure.
The remote monitoring system being used should also scan your systems for viruses and other intrusions. This is vital because more small and growing businesses are under attack from cyber thieves. When you have remote monitoring, the intrusion can be identified quickly and steps taken to limit the damage done by this.
3. Different Support Levels
The amount of support your business needs will be different from any other business. This is why you have to look for an IT support company that offers different support levels. Most companies will list the support services and levels on their website, but you might have to set up a consultation with them to get the full information.
When considering the support levels, you need to consider what your business needs. Do you need the top tier support offered by the provider, or will a lower-level work? This will be based on the size of your business, the systems you use, and your budget.
Different support levels will have different costs, and you have to weigh this against what you get. There is no point in paying for the top support if you only use a fraction of what is offered. If your business does expand in the future, you can generally scale up your support. Most businesses in cities like Chicago and New York look at monthly contracts. You should only look for a long-term fixed contract if you have a larger company and know your needs will not change.
4. Fast Response Times
While 24/7 access and remote monitoring are important, there is no point if the IT support company has slow response times. The response time for the company should not be confused with the resolution time. Response time can be guaranteed, but a reputable IT support company in big places is like Chicago, Il will never guarantee a resolution time without first assessing the problem.
If the company you are considering offers a guaranteed resolution time as part of their service, you need to reconsider working with them. These companies might cut corners to achieve this time, and that is harmful to your systems. If the company offers a guaranteed response time, you do not have to worry about working with them.
Ideally, you will want as fast a response time as possible. This will ensure that any issues with your IT systems do not have a severe impact on operations. Of course, you will need to be realistic regarding your expectations. One of the factors that can impact the response time is where the IT support company is and how long their technicians will take to arrive at your office.
5. A Dedicated Consultant
When you look at the services offered by the IT managed services Chicago company, you need to consider who you will be communicating with. You want to talk to someone new every time you contact them because this will improve Uptime and faster deliveries of your services and goods.
The consultant will get to know your business and understand your technical needs. They will be able to help your business grow and find IT solutions that benefit your business. If someone new has to look at your account each time you have an issue, you will not be able to get these benefits.
6. A Dedicated Phone Number
The last thing you want when you have an IT failure is difficulty getting in touch with your support provider. This is why you need to have a dedicated telephone number. Ideally, you will want a direct number for your dedicated consultant. However, if you are calling outside of regular business hours, you also need a dedicated number for support.
Some IT support companies offer multiple contact channels. While this is helpful, you need to consider if they will work for your business. Having a live chat function may seem ideal, but will you get the support you need from it.
Choosing the right IT managed services in Chicago is vital to the ongoing success of your business. The company you choose should offer the support level you need and the access you require. It would be best if you also looked for a company that provides a dedicated consultant and telephone number for you to use.
