Considering Changing Your Managed IT Provider? Here’s What to Consider (and Why You Need One if You Don’t Have One Already)
Whether you’re looking to change managed IT providers or are new to IT support, choosing the right provider can have a big impact on your business. With technology becoming more integral to operations than ever, managed IT support can help businesses improve efficiency, security, and scalability. In this post, we’ll cover key factors to consider when choosing a provider, including essentials like email hosting, antivirus, cloud backup, telephone support, and more. Plus, if you’re not currently using managed IT services, we’ll explore why it may be the best investment for your business.
For Businesses Without a Managed IT Provider: Why You Should Consider One
If you’re currently handling IT tasks in-house or on an ad-hoc basis, you may wonder if managed IT services are really worth it. Here’s why they often are:
- Enhanced Security: Cyber threats are a real risk for businesses of all sizes. A managed IT provider can ensure you have robust antivirus protection, firewall configurations, and security policies in place, protecting your data and your clients’ data from breaches.
- Proactive Maintenance: Without managed IT, you’re likely working reactively—addressing problems only after they’ve disrupted your operations. Managed IT providers work proactively, identifying and resolving issues before they cause downtime, which keeps your business running smoothly.
- Scalability: Managed IT providers can scale their services as your business grows, adding users, storage, and security features as needed. This means you avoid the time and expense of purchasing new systems or software every time your team expands.
- Expert Support: Rather than trying to troubleshoot issues yourself or rely on a generalist, managed IT providers give you access to IT experts. They have the knowledge and experience to support a range of IT needs, from network security to cloud solutions and more.
Key Considerations When Changing or Choosing a Managed IT Provider
If you’re looking to change providers, or if you’re new to managed IT, it’s essential to choose a provider who meets your business’s unique needs. Here are some key considerations:
1. Email Hosting and Security
Email is a core communication tool for any business, and it must be both secure and reliable. When evaluating a provider’s email hosting services, look for:
- Security Features: Protection against spam, phishing, and malware is essential. Ensure the provider offers email encryption, multi-factor authentication, and spam filtering to keep your communications secure.
- Reliability: A provider should offer at least 99.9% uptime to ensure minimal disruption to your email services.
- Scalability: As your business grows, you’ll likely need more email accounts and storage. Confirm that the provider can accommodate this growth smoothly.
- Compatibility: Whether you use Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or another platform, your IT provider should be able to support and integrate your chosen system.
2. Antivirus and Endpoint Security
An effective antivirus solution is critical to prevent data breaches and protect your business from cyber threats. Here’s what to look for:
- Comprehensive Protection: Your provider should offer antivirus solutions that go beyond basic virus detection to protect against malware, ransomware, and phishing.
- Centralised Management: Look for solutions with centralised control that allow easy management and monitoring of all devices connected to your network.
- Automatic Updates: Antivirus software should update automatically to provide ongoing protection against the latest threats.
- Reporting: The ability to access threat detection and mitigation reports helps you keep track of security incidents and maintain peace of mind.
3. Cloud Backup and Data Recovery
Data is one of your business’s most valuable assets, so reliable cloud backup and recovery solutions are essential. When reviewing options, consider:
- Backup Frequency and Automation: Regular, automated backups reduce the risk of data loss and save you time.
- Easy Data Recovery: Check that the provider offers quick and effective recovery options for anything from individual files to full system backups.
- Compliance and Security: Ensure the provider’s backup solutions comply with relevant regulations and protect data through encryption, both during transfer and in storage.
4. Telephone Support
Access to knowledgeable support via phone can make a big difference when issues arise. Here’s what to look for in telephone support:
- Response Times and Availability: Many providers offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing response times. This is especially important during business hours to ensure minimal downtime.
- In-House vs Outsourced Support: In-house support teams are generally more familiar with your specific setup, leading to faster, more personalised assistance.
- Tailored Support: A dedicated team or representative familiar with your business setup can often resolve issues faster and provide more targeted support.
5. 24/7 Support Option
For some businesses, out-of-hours support is crucial, especially if you operate outside standard business hours or have remote staff. Check if the provider offers 24/7 support and consider:
- Cost vs. Coverage Needs: Evaluate how often you’ll need after-hours support and if 24/7 availability aligns with your business needs and budget.
- Incident Resolution: Ensure the provider’s after-hours team is skilled and empowered to resolve issues without escalating them, which can save time and reduce downtime.
6. Ability to Tailor Services to Suit Your Business
No two businesses are exactly alike, and your IT needs may differ from others in your sector. A managed IT provider should offer flexibility in tailoring services. Look for:
- Flexible Packages: Some providers offer tiered service packages, but the best providers can tailor solutions to avoid unnecessary costs and only include the services you need.
- Sector-Specific Experience: Businesses in industries like hospitality or healthcare may have unique compliance requirements or specific operational needs. An experienced provider will help ensure you’re fully supported and compliant.
- Scalability: As your business evolves, you’ll need IT services that can adapt with you. Choose a provider who can scale their services and support as your team grows or your business pivots.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a new managed IT provider or partnering with one for the first time is a significant decision, but it can yield tremendous benefits. A quality IT provider will help you improve security, ensure business continuity, and offer tailored solutions that support your unique goals. If you’re currently handling IT in-house, managed services can relieve your team of day-to-day technology management and allow you to focus on your core business.
Whether you’re switching providers or just starting with managed IT, remember to consider key factors like security, support availability, and the ability to tailor services. With the right provider by your side, you’ll have the IT foundation necessary to keep your business running smoothly and efficiently.
