Technology is the backbone of many businesses today. There are a wide array of services and products offered and handled online and via the internet, as well as other devices. It seems that the reliance on IT is growing with each passing day. How would you function if the system “went down?” Would you be able to conduct business if you could not access certain software, files or databases? These are some of the things you should think about when outsourcing to a professional IT Consultant firm like M&H Consultants.
Here are ten important questions to consider when you are looking for an IT Management Company.
- What Exactly is Included in Your Contract? For example, ask what comes with your monthly or annual contract? Does it include emergency calls or are those “extras”? Ask to specify invoices and what is being charged. The last thing you want is extra charges for services you thought were covered.
- Ask About Response Times. While some technical issues may not be an emergency and can wait for the IT management company to return your call, other times issues may be an emergency. Does the IT company guarantee a response time? Do they have priority calls? A written guaranteed response time should be standard.
- How Accessible is the IT Consulting Company? Many issues arise during normal working hours. Unfortunately, many times emergencies or problems occur at night or over the weekends. Is there a 24/7 call help line?
- How Advanced are the Technicians? IT technicians, many times, will have cross training expertise that allows them to service many different types of problems. Ask questions about the level of training for technicians.
- How Proactive is the IT Consulting Company? While it is great to have a technician on call and ready to help at all hours, it is also necessary to have a team of IT techs letting you know about the newest software and hardware being released. Ask if there will be technicians looking out for your best interest.
- Do they Offer Training for your Employees? Good technicians are trained to have the ‘heart of a teacher’ and will take time to answer your questions and explain everything in simple terms.
- How Often and Thoroughly are they Monitoring your System? A remote network monitoring system watches over your network to constantly look for developing problems, security issues and other problems so your IT company can address them BEFORE they turn into bigger problems and network downtime.
- Does the IT Consulting Firm Provide Reports and Documentation? For example, all software and applications have licensing and legal documentation. Is this something the consultant will be dealing with? Does the management company keep detailed records of what has been done and plans for the future?
- How Many Technicians will Understand your System? Having more than one technician know the ins and outs of your system will help if someone is on vacation or happens to be sick.
- Are the Technicians Familiar with (and can they support) your Unique Line of Business Applications? Any computer consultant should own the problems with all of your line of business applications.
Categorised in: Computer Support, IT Consulting Services