Top Questions to Ask an IT Company When You’re Looking to Switch
Every business needs a reliable IT infrastructure, which is why it’s important to choose the right IT partner. Whether you’re looking for managed IT services or repair-and-fix solutions, finding the right tech provider can transform your operations.
If you’re thinking of switching to a new IT company, you’ll want to ensure that you’re making the right choice. With this in mind, take a look at these top questions to ask an IT company when you’re looking to switch:
1. Do You Offer Remote and On-Site Services?
Modern technology means that many issues can now be resolved remotely but there are times when a site visit is required. If you’re working with a local business, such as a Chicago IT company, be sure to confirm that they’ll arrange site visits when they’re required. Additionally, you’ll want to check how quickly an engineer can be dispatched to your workplace and how long it will take for issues to be escalated.
An issue that can only be resolved on-site could mean that your systems are severely affected until a resolution is found. Due to this, it’s important to choose an IT company that can offer a comprehensive and swift service.
2. What ISN’T Included in the Contract?
Companies will be quick to tell you about all of the things that are included in your contract but it’s arguably more important to know what isn’t included. This will give you an idea of the costs you could encounter if problems with your infrastructure arise in the future. It will also help you to compare quotes from different IT service providers so that you can find the most cost-effective solutions for your business.
3. Is There a Minimum Contractual Period?
If you’re using ongoing services, you’ll typically pay on a monthly or quarterly basis. However, you’ll want to know whether you’ll be tied in for a specific amount of time before you sign up. Some IT companies have minimum contractual periods of six or 12-months, whereas others allow you to cancel at any time. If you want to retain your freedom, opt for a contract that doesn’t have a designated minimum period.
4. What Are Your Specialties?
To maintain or upgrade your infrastructure, you’ll need input from a variety of tech professionals. From software engineers to network architects, it’s important to ensure that your potential IT partner has the in-house expertise you need to optimize your tech setup. Be sure to ask IT companies what their specialties are and whether there are any services they don’t offer or systems they don’t work on before you decide if they’re right for you.
Finding the Right IT Partner
As so much of a company’s day-to-day operations are reliant on its IT infrastructure, it’s essential to find the right partner for your business. By talking to multiple firms and asking informed questions, you’ll be able to gain the information you need to determine which IT company can provide the best service and make sure that any money you spend is money well spent.