5 Critical Questions to Ask Your IT Service Provider

All companies, no matter how big or small, should have a reliable IT Service Provider. IT Service Providers offer affordable IT services, manage your networks, and help strengthen your business’s data security. Unfortunately, not all service providers are built the same. To find a provider who will meet your needs, ask them these 5 critical questions before you hire them.

1. How long will I have to wait for a call back?

Even with most IT Service Providers working remotely, they should still be monitoring their phone lines during what is considered regular working hours. Their team should be available for the usual 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. period and ideally return call back requests within a maximum time frame of two-four hours.

Furthermore, they should also offer after-hours emergency services for clients who work 24/7. These two options would allow the clients who require round-the-clock service the opportunity to access their services whenever the need arises.

2. Does the IT Service Provider listen to all of my concerns and explain everything in a clear way that I can understand?

A professional IT Service technician is trained to listen to all your concerns and queries patiently. They should address them and explain the process and solutions to your problems in an easy and uncomplicated manner. They should never make you feel like your queries are ridiculous or a waste of time.

As a client, your problems should be their problems and you should be their first priority. This is customer service 101 and is just as important for an IT Service Provider as it is for any other business.

3. Does the IT Service Provider consistently offer new ways to improve my network’s performance, or do they wait until a problem has already occurred to offer solutions?

A good managed service provider will schedule frequent and regular meetings to review their clients’ IT operations. They will also be proactive in finding ways to cut down on operational costs and boost overall performance and efficiency.

They should also anticipate any potential or existing problems before they escalate into something more damaging. A good IT Services Provider takes this initiative because it protects both your networks and their reputation.

4. Do they complete projects on time and on budget?

A competent and professional IT Service Provider will always set clear terms, conditions, budgets, and deadlines. They should include a cushion period of time or safety net budget in case of a contingency. As well as allow themselves reasonable time to complete the project as well as give you a clear idea of when you can expect the project to be completed.

5. Do they keep you informed with regular reports on the status of every machine on your network, data and software updates, and the strength of your data’s security?

For any IT Service Provider that’s worth hiring, the number one priority is the safety, security, and health of their client’s network.

It’s not enough to merely ensure the data security of the client’s businesses and resolve technical or operational issues. They must give their clients the same information so that they can rest easy knowing that their business’s security is taken care of while they live, work, play, and sleep.

What about you?

Does your experience with your current IT Service Provider measure up to the above answers to these questions? If not, call us today to discuss your options.

With a history of excellence in the development and deployment of information technology solutions, MicroAge Kingston is here to take care of all your IT wants and woes.

Whether you need a simple consultation or regular ongoing IT services for your technology infrastructure, we are here to help. At MicroAge Kingston, we are committed to your vision and we will work with you to achieve the best results for your business. Contact us today for your complimentary consultation.