Finding the right IT provider for your business can be a daunting task. You’re quite literally putting company and client information in the hands of the provider you choose, so it’s important to make sure they have the right expertise and experience with your industry.
If you don’t select a provider carefully, you could be left with inadequate services, sky-high prices, or even worse—data breaches that leave your clients vulnerable. To avoid all of this, you’ll need to take the time to research local IT providers and choose one that best meets your needs.
Here are a few key criteria you should consider when selecting your provider:
Well-Built Reputation
This decision should be met with an adequate amount of research. Start by checking out reviews or ratings of the provider on sites like Google and Yelp. If possible, talk to professionals in your industry who have worked with IT providers previously—there’s nothing like a first-hand account from someone you trust.
It’s also worth noting that a well-built reputation is often indicative of several other positive qualities such as quality customer service, availability, and overall security concerns. This just may be the reason you find your perfect local IT match.
Backed by Reviews
Read through user reviews to get an idea of how responsive and accurate the service is. Not only is it important to check customers’ reviews and complaints, but how the local IT provider responds to them—this speaks volumes as to how they handle customer issues.
For example, if customers have had a negative experience and are met with silence or neglect, or blatant denial, this may be a sign that they might not take customer service seriously.
Industry Experience
If you’re in a technical industry such as healthcare, finance, or engineering, it’s essential to ensure that your IT provider has experience in the same field. This is because they’ll need to understand the specifics of your industry and its regulations, as well as work with you to customize services to fit your company culture.
Industries like healthcare require specific compliance regulations. Without any awareness of how to cater to them, you could violate critical laws and regulations—which can have serious consequences.
Proper Certifications
The last thing you want to do is hire a provider that doesn’t have the right certifications. Proper certifications will ensure that they are up to date on the latest technology and able to provide quality services. Here are some to look out for:
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
- CompTIA A+ Certification
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Transparent Communication
There’s nothing worse than signing a contract with someone who rarely communicates. It’s important to have clear and transparent communication with your IT provider for them to be able to meet your needs.
When a local IT provider is handling your technology solutions, they’ll need to be able to answer questions quickly and accurately to ensure that all issues are solved promptly.
So, if you find yourself with an IT provider that is not open to communication or has trouble responding within a reasonable amount of time, it may be time to look for another service provider.
Your Best Local IT Provider Is Telewire
Now that you know how to identify the best IT provider, it’s time for you to make a decision. At Telewire, we take pride in providing our customers with superior customer service, custom-tailored solutions, and top-notch security.
We have worked with some of the world’s biggest companies to deliver quality service and solutions that meet their needs. Our team is experienced in diverse industries, making us the perfect choice for any business looking for reliable local IT services. Contact us today to find out how we can help your business!
