No matter your industry, reliable and efficient IT systems are vital for increasing productivity, unlocking new business opportunities, and adequately protecting your data. For this reason, it’s essential to work with the right IT support provider you can find.
However, picking the right IT support company is complicated, especially when faced with so many different options.
In this article, we explore how to choose a qualified IT service provider that is capable of helping your business achieve its goals.
The key attributes your IT support provider should possess
When seeking out a potential IT service provider in Ireland, consider the following traits:
Industry experience
The right IT support provider should have experience in your specific industry. A provider familiar with your industry will understand your industry’s specific challenges and have the necessary knowledge to develop customised solutions to address them.
You can find out whether a provider has relevant experience by checking customer reviews, as well as perusing their website to gain a better understanding of their client base.
Reputation
Choose a provider with a good track record in the industry, as this will show demonstrable customer satisfaction. To understand the provider’s reputation, start by reaching out to current clients who can give you an honest assessment of the provider’s services.
You can also read online reviews from other customers. These will provide a good idea of the company’s trustworthiness and ability to deliver quality services.
Proactive maintenance
According to the Irish Computer Society, IT downtime costs European businesses an average of €73,644 per year. To avoid these losses, you need an IT support provider who is proactive in maintaining the quality of your technology and preventing problems before they occur.
The best IT support providers use a range of solutions to proactively maintain the quality of your infrastructure, such as monitoring systems, backups, and patching. These proactive practices will ensure your IT systems are always in tip-top condition to support employees’ productivity.
Reliable support services
The IT support provider you choose should be reliable when you need them most. Make sure they offer speedy and prompt technical support to address issues before they affect your business operations.
During the initial consultation, ask the potential provider for a report showing their response times – a reliable professional won’t hesitate to provide you with one.
Strategic planning
An ideal IT support provider should be able to develop plans that meet your organisation’s both current and future needs. They should work with you to understand your business goals and craft a strategy that aligns with them.
For instance, they should understand the technology your business must invest in to align with ongoing trends and should support your short- and long-term plans without hidden fees.
Dedicated help desk and onsite support
Some tech problems are more serious and challenging to resolve remotely. To avoid costly delays, you should choose a provider that offers onsite support. Your IT provider needs to have enough technicians to come to your premises immediately and check your infrastructure.
Besides onsite support, your provider should offer help desk services such as email, chat, and phone support. This way, employees can quickly contact the IT team whenever they need assistance.
Innovative spirit and willingness to adapt
A good IT support team should continuously strive for innovation, given that technology is rapidly changing. Look for a provider who is up to date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
Your preferred IT support company should be able to anticipate technology-related issues that may affect your business operations and provide solutions to address them. They should also be willing to adjust their services as your organisation evolves.
Your IT support provider must be a cultural fit
It’s essential that the provider you choose shares similar values and has a compatible work culture with your organisation. Pay attention to how their team communicates during the initial consultation. They should come across as helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly.
Ensure they understand your organisation’s culture and goals before signing a service agreement. A provider who isn’t aligned with your values can lead to costly errors and damage your relationship with your employees.
The inclusion of cyber security services
As cyber threats continue to increase, the provider offering IT support in Ireland must have a comprehensive strategy for protecting your systems from cyber-attacks. A recent report shows six in ten Irish small and medium businesses experienced a cyber attack in 2022, including phishing scams and data breaches.
To ensure your organisation is secure from data breaches, choose a provider that includes cyber security services in its package. Ask the potential provider about their strategy for protecting your systems, and ensure they can provide the latest security solutions.
Calnet IT Solutions is the only IT Support provider your business needs
If you’re looking for an IT support provider that can give your business everything we’ve discussed, then Calnet IT Solutions is that provider.
Our team has two decades of experience providing IT support to small and medium-sized Irish businesses. Customer service has always been our priority and we attribute our 98% customer retention rate to our rapid response times and personable, proactive support service, as well as our expertise.
We will empower your staff with the most reliable and proactive IT support services, so you can focus on what matters: your business.
Contact us today and find out how we can be the only IT support provider your business will ever need. Don’t forget to also browse our blog and resources for the latest insights about the IT world.
