How to Find the Right Managed IT Service Provider for Your Business

When looking for an IT service provider for outsourced tech support, it’s crucial to remember not all IT service providers are the same. You need to find one that understands your specific needs and can offer you the best possible service.

There are a lot of IT service providers out there and it can be tempting to go with the cheapest one. However, you get what you pay for in most cases. Inexpensive providers frequently provide lower-quality services, which can lead to costly problems in the future.

Keep in mind that when selecting an IT service provider for your business, it is critical to consider their experience with or specialization in serving companies like yours.

Questions to ask before partnering with an IT service provider

Here are a few questions to ask a potential IT service provider before partnering with them:

  • Do they have experience servicing your industry specifically?
  • Will they provide routine checkups and network assessments?
  • Can they support the technology you currently have in place?
  • Are their solutions scalable?
  • What is their policy on on-demand support?
  • Do they offer proprietary solutions that you can’t find with other providers?
  • Can they package your service into one monthly bill?
  • What will you get in return for your investment?

After you’ve acquired answers to all these questions, compare them to your requirements. Make sure they meet your desired criteria.

Six IT service provider red flags

If you notice any of these warning signs when talking to a potential IT service provider, it might be time to consider other options:

  1. Pushes for a service contract without first assessing your IT environment

Many companies will push for a service contract without taking the time to understand your specific environment. This can lead to overspending and/or underutilization of services. It is vital to have an IT consultant help you evaluate your needs and make recommendations for service contracts.

  1. Offers a standard package right away

Find a provider who takes the time to understand your business and what you need from them. Many service providers will offer a standard package right away without taking your needs into consideration. This can be a problem because you may not get all the services you need and may have to pay for services you don’t use.

  1. Reacts to issues as they arise (break-fix service model)

Many IT service providers still use a break-fix service model, which means they only respond to problems as and they arise. This can often make it seem like they don’t care about your business. At best, it can be frustrating; at worst, it can damage your bottom line.

  1. Waits for vulnerabilities to be exposed

Some IT service providers wait for vulnerabilities to be exposed before offering a solution so that they can sell you a few more emergency services.

Always look for a proactive IT service provider who’s ready to help you 24/7/365. This means they are constantly monitoring your systems and looking for potential issues so they can fix them before there’s any problem. It can save you time and money in the long run.

  1. Speaks in technical terms you don’t understand

It is always better to find a service provider who takes the time to explain things in simpler terms that you can understand. They should be able to answer your questions and help you make decisions about your IT. If they can’t do that, then they are not the right service provider for you.

  1. Provides rigid solutions that do not integrate

It is critical to find an IT service provider that can provide a flexible solution that integrates well with your existing systems. Technology that doesn’t integrate with your existing systems can cause problems down the road. Ask your provider about their flexibility and how well their solutions will integrate with your current systems. If they can’t provide a satisfactory answer, it may be best to look elsewhere.

When you work with an IT service provider like Claritech, you can expect a wide range of services that will benefit your company. Our expert team can help you feel at ease since we provide everything from managed IT services to 24/7 help desk support. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can assist your company today.

To learn more about excellent IT services, click here to download our eBook titled “How to Choose a Reliable IT Services Provider for Small Businesses.”

Free Internet Access? Don’t fall for this one

Free Internet Access? Don’t fall for this one

One of the popular internet scams that has been doing the rounds since 2017 is the one about “Free Internet”. This scam seems to resurface and somehow manages to claim quite a few unsuspecting victims. Here’s how they catch you.
    • Ads are created on Google, Facebook, popular search engines and social media platforms advertising free internet hours.
    • The ads look professional and show up on general searches and on social media when surfing. This offers a sense of validity.
    • Once you click on the ad, you will be taken to their website, where you will be asked to perform an action, such as
    1. Filling out a form with your Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
    2. Sharing your credit card information, and though you will be promised that your card won’t be charged, you may end up signing up for something or subscribing to a service for which your card will be charged later.
    3. Sharing a few email IDs or phone numbers–basically contacts with whom you will be asked to share the message in return for free internet service.

How to stay safe?
As always, remember no one offers something for free. Whether it is free internet access or tickets to a concert, if it is something of value, then you will be expected to provide some value in return. Steer clear of offers that seem too good to be true. If you receive a message from someone you know and trust, please let them know that their link may be a problem. No matter what, don’t open a link from anyone if you aren’t entirely sure the links are valid.