Only work with IT support companies with these must-have traits

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Are you researching IT support companies? Looking for a bit of guidance? You’ve landed in the right place.

Many small- and medium-sized businesses rely on that one team member who’s particularly tech-savvy to overcome IT hiccups. While this may work in some instances, it’s not a sustainable approach.

What happens when that person doesn’t know how to fix the issue at hand? Are you comfortable risking downtime? What happens when that person spends hours and hours on an IT fix? Who takes care of their regular duties? What happens when they spend far, far too long scrolling through online forums looking for a round-about band-aid solution?

For your business to thrive, your team should be 100 percent focused on your goals – on running your business efficiently and serving your customers. And that’s why more and more organisations are opting to outsource their tech mishaps to IT support companies.

In this article, we’ll share four must-have traits to look for when comparing local IT companies. Stop wondering, “How do I know which IT support companies near me are best?” We’ve got the answers.

1. Years of on-the-job experience

First, the IT support company you choose should have extensive experience working with your chosen systems. Whether you use a Mac or Windows computer, a laptop or desktop, they should know exactly how to diagnose and remedy any issue that may arise.

It’s not just the hardware they should be familiar with, either. Their technicians should know their way around the software you use as well, whether that’s Microsoft Office 365 or Google G Suite.

Finally, be sure that the IT support company invests in regular training. Technology is always evolving, and having access to the latest innovations is one of the top benefits of outsourced IT support.

2. No long-term contracts

Some support companies will use long-term contracts – two, three, even four years – to lock you down. But what happens if you don’t get along with them right off the bat? What happens if their level of service deteriorates after the first 12 months? What happens if your business needs change?

You’re stuck, and that can spell serious financial damage.

Further, IT support contracts give you access to a whole host of services and functionalities, but your business might not actually need them. In this case, you’re paying for a bunch of services you don’t need, and that’s wasted funds that could be better spent elsewhere.

It’s worth considering break/fix services instead, as these allow you to pick and choose what you need, when you need it. Only pay for the support you need, and rest easy knowing that if things change, your level of IT support can change, too.

3. Data and cybersecurity expertise

Cybersecurity is a chief concern for the modern-day organisation in Australia. Small businesses are the target of 43 per cent of all cybercrime. Worryingly, more than one in five businesses breached by an attack are so affected that they cannot continue operating.

Protecting valuable business and customer data is critical, especially as threats become more rampant and more sophisticated. Ensure the IT support provider you decide to work with is a security expert that’s dedicated to keeping up with the latest best practices.

4. Proactive approach

We’ve all heard the adage, “Fail to prepare and prepare to fail.” This couldn’t ring truer when it comes to IT support.

Fixing IT issues as they arise is one thing. Taking a proactive approach that helps prevent issues in the future is another.

From robust backups to disaster recovery plans, the best IT support companies utilise industry-leading defence measures to protect your organisation from worst-case scenarios.