There’s no denying it: managing your data in the face of the fickle tech world is daunting when you’re not necessarily an IT expert. Cybersecurity spending, in particular, is projected to exceed by $1 trillion from 2017 to 2021, and due in no small part to outsourcing for managed IT services. If you have a growing business that deals with data, you’re likely thinking about hiring professionals in information technology services yourself. Make sure you’re choosing wisely. Like hiring any service outside of your immediate business, managed IT can have its pitfalls. Recognize these common challenges and know how to fix them.
Finding a managed IT provider that has a good reputation and record.
If the potential provider you’re negotiating a contract with cannot provide evidence of a good record of past service, run. Ask these questions and get satisfactory answers before you sign with them:
- Can I have a reference list to check?
- Have you worked with companies like ours before?
- What long-term growth have you accomplished for your clients?
- Have you had any challenges with companies like ours in the past and successfully addressed them?
Getting strategic planning that is personalized and forward-thinking.
If your provider is managing multiple businesses, it may be difficult to receive the personalized attention your business deserves. Work with your provider to make sure there is a plan in place that accounts for upgrading your infrastructure and software throughout the next 12-24 months. If your provider is not accounting for growth, their contract may not be worth the investment.
Communicating and holding your provider accountable.
If you’re not receiving consistent reports from your provider that show their promised efficiency and productivity for your company, there’s an issue. Schedule consistent check-ups with your provider and hold them to their word. Any good managed IT provider knows it’s their job to make your IT go smoother, not make it more complicated for you.
Disconnect between your business personnel and your provider.
If you find there is a big disconnect such as a lack of understanding about your company and its goals on your provider’s part, or a lack of understanding about your provider’s actions on the part of your company, consider working a mediator of sorts into your budget. Some would argue that (especially with large businesses) managed IT works best when collaborating with an in-house IT team. If you can hire one or two IT-savvy people who are also experts in your company to be direct lines of communication to your managed IT provider, you’ll have smoother communication and better opportunities for growth.
Remember, managed IT solutions are there to make your company’s data management go smoother, taking more off your plate. Communicate openly and be vigilant. You don’t have to know anything about IT to recognize when an IT services company is being run effectively. Hold your IT services to the same standards you hold your own business and you shouldn’t be disappointed.
