At Unified Technology Solutions, we know that most of you, as business owners, would rather run your business than deal with computer issues. Computers are an integral part of how your business operates. Your work and data depend on them, and when something stops working, little gets accomplished.
Most of us are fairly adept at using our laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones to generate information and communicate. When harder issues come up, though, you need an IT specialist. If hiring full-time IT staff is not the right fit for your organization, what should you do?
One solution, if your operation can support it, is to have someone on staff as a go-to person for IT questions. They can help with basic issues and act as the contact point when you need outside assistance. It is also important to have a reliable IT company you can reach when the problem needs more expertise.
So what should you look for when choosing an IT support company?
Easy access
This should be a basic requirement when you choose an IT support company. You need to know how to request help, what response to expect, and who will follow up. Over time, that communication helps build a working relationship and trust.
If you run your own business, you probably do not work only from 9 to 5. Ask how each provider handles normal requests and after-hours emergencies. At UTS, our system automatically confirms receipt of a new ticket within five minutes. During business hours, a technician reaches out within one hour to start work. After-hours support is available for emergencies under your agreement.
Our technicians prefer to take an active role and find issues before they become problems. We monitor covered computers and systems so we can spot performance and security concerns before they interrupt your work when possible. Ask a prospective provider what it monitors and how it will keep you informed.
Different levels of support
You need an IT support company that can offer the right level of service for the size of your business, your budget, and your requirements. At UTS, we offer different levels of managed support. Ask what each proposal includes so you can compare what you are actually buying, not just the monthly price. Before signing, check the limits and exclusions in each IT support proposal.
For example, if you have an in-house IT person, you may want an outside team to complement their work. If you don’t have an in-house IT person, consider whether you need ongoing outsourced IT management or only occasional assistance. Then check how remote and onsite support, monitoring, security, backups, and after-hours work are handled in the plan and agreement you choose.
Ultimately, you need an IT support company that understands your business needs. It should support your work alongside you, understand your workflow, and look for ways technology can make your business more effective.
When you choose an IT support company, look for evidence from other clients that its support is reliable and trustworthy. Check its reputation and ask for references from organizations similar to yours in size, industry, or technology needs. Ask those references how the provider communicates, handles problems, and follows through.
The right IT support company understands that whether your laptop, network, or server is down, the interruption costs you time. If you are comparing providers in Vero Beach or elsewhere on the Treasure Coast, review our managed IT services and contact UTS to discuss the support your business needs.