How to Find the Right Local IT Company: 4 Key Considerations

Choose ButtonWith the rise of cloud computing, mobility, big data, and other major shifts in the tech world, an increasing number of businesses have turned to external support and service providers for help with IT. For example, a Techaisle survey found 90 percent of small to midsize businesses in the U.S. either already use or plan on using external service providers for cloud assessment and/or implementation.

However, finding the right local IT company to support your business can be challenging. When you’re reviewing local IT companies, here are some factors you should consider to ensure you pick the best option for your organization.

1. Their network operations center (NOC). When you’re selecting a managed IT service provider, you’re entering into a long-term business relationship with that company’s IT professionals. Be sure to visit and tour their NOC and review it thoroughly. Many managed service providers outsource their help desk or higher level support to another organization that’s out-of-state or even overseas.

2. Automation and efficiencies. It’s crucial for all businesses to drive down ticket and response times. Make sure that you keep the following things in mind when considering potential IT support providers:

  • Observe simple elements such as centralized ticketing and monitoring.
  • Note whether network operations professionals complete their work efficiently.
    • For example, some IT firms have 1-2 monitors on each tech’s desk, while others have 3-4. The 3-4 monitor setups allow employees to operate more efficiently and reduce ticket times.
  • Find out what the next steps are if a ticket needs to be escalated. Does the service provider escalate it to an internal team member who’s a subject matter expert on the issue at hand, or do they wait to send it to someone at a client site?

3. Onsite dispatch. When you’re evaluating potential local IT companies, it’s also important to consider the details of how they handle onsite dispatch, including the following:

  • If you need onsite dispatch, what does that process look like?
  • Are there any guarantees to get onsite dispatch?
  • Does it involve any additional fees?

4. IT road mapping and consulting. Every business needs additional assistance when it comes to determining the best course of action for their IT environment’s current and future state. The right local IT company can gain an understanding of your business needs and outline a strategy to assist you. Before you decide on an IT service provider to craft your IT road map, you should ask yourself these questions:

  • Is your assigned technical account lead also your IT consultant?
  • Does the sales person or account executive also play the role of CIO?

If you’d like more information on how outsourcing your IT to a managed service provider can benefit your business, contact us at Stratosphere Networks by calling 877-599-3999 or emailing sales@stratospherenetworks.com. Our expert team can help you determine the technology support plan that meets your unique needs.

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