As a senior leader within your organisation, you already know how crucial technology is for achieving your goals. But have you considered the strategic importance of having an experienced and professional IT support provider in place?
You’ve no doubt experienced some level of downtime at work even if it was just your internet dropping out. The frustration across your workforce when this happens is huge and the lost minutes or even hours of work can be seriously detrimental to your business. Imagine if the issue was related to a new system implementation, a failed upgrade or – worse – a cyber security breach.
In this article, we're going to dive into the reasons why a professional outsourced provider is an absolute game-changer for businesses like yours, especially if you have a team of around 30 or more.
Enhanced operational efficiency: As your business scales and evolves, so do its technology requirements. An effective IT strategy ensures that your systems, networks, and software are up to date, optimised, and fully operational. IT experts constantly monitor your infrastructure, addressing any technical glitches or bottlenecks quickly. By minimising downtime and maximising uptime, adequate support should enable your employees to work efficiently, allowing you to stay focused on your core business objectives.
Proactive problem resolution: With the ever-evolving IT landscape, issues can arise unexpectedly, posing risks to your business operations. A reliable IT strategy should adopt a proactive approach, continuously monitoring your systems to identify potential vulnerabilities before they escalate into critical problems. By implementing robust security measures, performing regular system audits, and providing rapid response times, your chosen support provider should mitigate the risks of cyber threats, data breaches, and system failures, ensuring your business remains secure and protected. With increasingly more cyber-attacks hitting the headlines, we all know the damage a cyber-attack can cause to your reputation.
Strategic IT planning: IT support isn’t just about fixing stuff when it breaks. It’s about having a strategic vision for your technology infrastructure. That’s why IT experts work hand in hand with your management team, taking the time to understand your unique needs, pain points and goals. With this invaluable insight, they create a tailored IT roadmap that aligns with your long-term vision. Staying ahead of the game and implementing the right investments and upgrades, ensures your technology keeps pace with your business growth.
Scalability and flexibility: As your business expands or encounters unforeseen challenges (we’ve all been there; remember 2020!), having a scalable technology strategy is essential. A reliable IT partner can accommodate your evolving needs by offering flexible solutions tailored to your organisation’s size, industry, and budget. From expanding your network capacity to integrating new software applications or adapting to remote work environments, a competent team will provide the necessary expertise and guidance to keep your business agile and adaptable.
Access to expertise: Let’s be honest, managing IT internally can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have an entire department dedicated to it. That’s why outsourcing is often an attractive option. You gain access to a team of experts armed with the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. They’ll help you make informed decisions about your IT investments, while freeing up your internal resources to focus on what you do best: running your business.
In a world driven by technology, it should and can be your secret weapon for unlocking business success. By investing in reliable support, you can supercharge your operations, stay ahead of the game, and adapt to a changing business landscape.
Great, so now you know what you need; how do you find it?
What to look out for when choosing an IT provider
When it comes to picking your technology partner for your business, you want to find a partner who's reliable, efficient, and keeps your systems secure. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. But we've put together some of the key things to look for when choosing the right fit for you.
Heritage and experience: You’ll want to go with a provider who has longevity and knows their stuff. Look for a company with a proven track record and years of experience in the industry. This shows they can handle whatever technology challenges come their way and provide consistent support over time. Also, be confident in asking any potential providers to reference any long-standing business relationships that may have benefitted from their service and are willing to attest to their credibility.
Expertise and specialisations: Consider the IT provider’s expertise and specialisations. Do they have experience working with businesses in your industry? It’s important to choose a provider who understands the unique IT needs and challenges of your sector. Look for professionals who have certifications and qualifications in areas like widely-used hardware and software, network management, cybersecurity and cloud computing, which can be backed up with published case studies.
Accreditation and partnerships: Accreditations and partnerships can give you a sense of the IT provider’s quality and credibility. Check if they hold certifications from reputable organisations or industry-specific bodies. Certifications like Microsoft Gold Partner, Cyber Essentials and ISO certifications show their commitment to maintaining high standards and staying up to date with the latest technologies.
Range of services and cost: Look at the range of services the IT provider offers. You want to make sure they can meet your current and future needs. Do they provide comprehensive support, including proactive monitoring, help desk assistance, system maintenance, network security, and strategic IT planning? Can they advise you on your strategic IT roadmap? Having a provider that offers a wide range of services ensures they can support your business as it grows and evolves. We’d also recommend comparing a few quotes from a few different providers. If cost seems low, make sure you are comparing the services and products on a like-for-like basis to avoid incurring hidden costly extras.
Responsive support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Timely and responsive support is crucial when you’re facing IT issues. Find out about the IT provider’s response times, support availability (24/7 if needed), and how they handle critical problems. Reliable providers usually have their own Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that outline expected response times and resolution procedures. Look for clear communication channels, escalation processes, and a dedicated account manager for a smooth support experience. Watch out for the limits of providers with only a small number of senior specialists – experience really is a must
Client testimonials and references: Don’t forget to check out what other clients are saying about the IT provider. Read testimonials, case studies, and ask for references from current or past clients. This will give you a sense of their customer satisfaction levels, reliability, and whether they deliver on their promises. It’s also helpful to reach out to other business owners in your network for recommendations and their personal experiences.
Choosing the right provider is a big decision that can have a major impact on your business’s success. Take the time to research, investigate, ask questions, and compare options – it will save you time and money in the future. A strong candidate will be a valuable asset, ensuring your technology infrastructure is in good hands.
At Nexus, we recognise the significance of our role as your technology partner and the impact we can have on your future success and growth. With 25 years’ experience, a range of services to suit your needs, all backed up by recognised accreditations and testimonials, we’re a trusted partner your business can rely on.
Call our team now on 01392 205 095 and let’s discuss your needs.
Not sure if you need to change providers? Read our 5 signs you’ve outgrown your IT supplier article.
