We’re living in a technological age, where IT services form the backbone of so many business operations. Managing all of those different services in-house can be tricky, which is why a lot of companies – particularly small and mid-sized firms – choose to work with an IT services provider.
But how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the right provider.

IT Services Provider: A Definition

Let’s kick off with the basics. You might be wondering what an IT services provider actually is, especially if you’ve not worked with one before.
Put simply, an IT services provider (sometimes known as a managed service provider) is a business that helps companies with the management of their IT systems and services. From monitoring networks to backing up data and setting up cybersecurity defenses, they can help in a wide array of ways.
Ultimately, their main aim is to make your business life easier, tackling the technical side of your operations and freeing up you and your staff to focus on other areas. There are lots of benefits to working with these providers, from cost and time savings to stronger security and disaster recovery.

How to Pick the Right IT Services Provider

Perhaps your business is looking to save expenses on IT management and doesn’t want the added expense of hiring a full-time on-premises IT team. Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed with network admin and cybersecurity management. Whatever the reason, an IT services provider can make all the difference.
But it’s important to pick the right one. If you make the wrong call, you could end up wasting time and money, as well as putting your business in a worse position than when you started. With that in mind, here are some key factors to focus on that should help you make the right choice when picking your next IT services provider.

An Experienced Firm

Arguably the most important thing to focus on first of all is finding an IT services provider with experience. That’s not to say that brand-new firms can’t be trusted, but older firms that have already proven themselves tend to be easier with which to work.
Look for a provider with a track record of success. Check out user testimonials for the inside scoop on how well the company works. Ideally, you’ll want to find a provider with experience working with businesses just like yours, so look for evidence that they can handle a company with your size and needs.

Round the Clock Support

Technology doesn’t sleep. Even when devices are powered down and offices are empty, networks and servers can still be active, and problems can arise at any time, day or night. That’s why you’ll also want to ensure that your chosen IT services provider offers around-the-clock support.
And when we say “around-the-clock,” we mean proper 24/7/365 support. Some firms promise to answer calls and deal with issues at any time, but then disappear for hours on end, particularly on weekends. Make sure your provider is ready to help out without delay, whenever you need them, whether it’s in the middle of the day or the dead of night.

The Managed Services You Need

Of course, there’s no point in hiring an IT services provider if they aren’t able to provide the managed IT services your company needs. So, before you start looking for a firm, it’s worth taking some time to list the services with which you need help.
Perhaps you want assistance with cybersecurity, for example, to counter the dramatic rise in cyber-attacks across the globe. Or perhaps you want help with network admin, cloud storage, software installation, or help desk support. Either way, don’t settle for any provider who can’t meet all of your company’s needs.

An Approachable, Professional Team

There will undoubtedly be times when you need to reach out to your IT services provider. Maybe you’ll need to get in touch to ask a question or request a change to your plan. It’s much more pleasant to talk with a provider that has an approachable, friendly, and professional ethic.
A good way to see what kind of attitude a provider has is to give them a call or get in touch via email or message. The best firms should respond promptly and in a courteous and welcoming manner. If something feels “off” about the way a company communicates, or they keep you on hold or fail to respond until several hours later, that’s not a good sign. You may be better off looking elsewhere.

Fair and Flexible Pricing

Of course, no IT services provider will manage your IT services for free. They charge fees for their work, usually monthly or annual payments. But they’re usually a lot cheaper than having your own in-house IT specialists. However, you still need to find the right one to fit your budget.
The best providers tend to offer flexible pricing plans. They’ll be prepared to tailor and customize their offerings to not only suit your business’s needs but also to match your budget. So, before signing any contracts or teaming up with an IT services provider, take the time to find out how much they’re going to charge. Additionally, reach out to them and see if there are ways to customize their plans to fit your precise needs.

Take Your Time to Find the Best IT Services Provider

Overall, the big takeaway should be that you shouldn’t rush in and hire the first IT services provider you find. Instead, take your time, compare your options, and reach out to a couple of different companies to learn more about what they have to offer. Only then can you make a sensible, informed decision on which one works best for you.
If you’re looking for a reliable IT services provider in the St. Joseph or Kansas City area, ProServ is here to help. With years of experience and exceptional IT expertise, we’ve helped many local firms with their IT services, and we can do the same for you. Contact our team today to learn more.