Find out what IT companies do, when it is worth deciding to outsource IT, and what criteria to pay special attention to.
IT service providers – who are they and what services do they offer?
IT service providers are companies that provide IT support, usually related to the operation, development and security of technological infrastructure. There are several types of providers, ranging from traditional outsourcing companies that take over specific IT processes or entire IT departments, to dedicated IT consultants who are responsible for consulting and project support.
The “typical” services they offer include: technical support and helpdesk for users, server and network infrastructure management, implementation and maintenance of security systems, software implementation, hosting and cloud data storage, backup and data recovery, as well as monitoring and optimisation of system performance.
When and why should you choose the services of an external IT provider?
The biggest benefits? Definitely savings, but not only in terms of money, but also in terms of time, energy and human resources. Such a provider offers you access to specialist knowledge that would take many years to build up on your own. In addition, it offers scalability, allowing you to increase or decrease the scope of services depending on your needs.
This type of outsourcing is worth considering if:
- Your company is growing and needs flexible IT support.
- your current IT department is unable to keep up,
- you are struggling with problems that you cannot solve,
- you need dedicated support for a single project (e.g. infrastructure modernisation).
How to find the right provider? Criteria for selecting an IT company.
As you may have guessed, this is a process that requires a methodical approach. We recommend taking the following steps.
#1 Types of contracts
- Subscription model (most popular). This involves paying a fixed monthly fee in exchange for a specific range of services.
- Time & material model, in which billing is based on the actual work performed.
- Hour packages, where you purchase a specific “package” of hours to be used within a given period.
The contract with the IT provider should also specify their responsibilities, response time and service availability.
#2 Scope of cooperation
Consider what you really need support from your IT provider for. We recommend starting with an audit and analysis of your current IT infrastructure, which will allow you to take into account all the systems, applications, devices and licences used in your organisation. Clearly defining your expectations will help you find the provider that best meets your needs.
#3 Qualifications and experience
A reliable IT service provider is one that can boast relevant market experience, a rich client portfolio, successful projects, and… proof of their competence. Certificates are indispensable in this area. We recommend paying attention to both those that apply to the entire company and those held by individual specialists.
In addition to these, check what technologies they work with on a daily basis and whether they serve companies in your industry. The latter can be a huge advantage. A provider who knows the realities of your business will understand your needs much faster and propose appropriate solutions.
#4 Reputation and credibility
You can measure these issues on several levels.
- Firstly, by analysing references, case studies and reading the opinions of existing customers (on business cards, social media, etc.). A credible company will certainly not hide them!
- Secondly, by verifying the financial stability and overall condition of a potential partner (e.g. employment structure, business history, ownership changes, etc.). Needless to say, a company on the verge of bankruptcy is not a very good choice.
#5 Security
This is an absolute priority. Pay attention to: compliance with the GDPR in terms of personal data protection, customer data protection procedures and processing rules, physical security (access to the server room, monitoring) and digital security (data encryption, backups, testing).
A potential supplier should be 100% transparent with you on these matters. If they are hiding something or avoiding answering your questions, this should give you pause for thought.
#6 Supplier location
Admittedly, thanks to the internet, this is not as important as it used to be, but for some organisations it is still an important consideration. There are usually two options to consider. You can choose to work with:
- A local supplier who is on site and easy to meet with. The catch? This will severely limit your choices, and as a result, you will have to make certain concessions regarding, for example, the scope of support or prices.
- An external supplier (domestic or foreign) who can provide broader technological expertise (important for demanding and unusual projects), greater resources (crucial when time is of the essence), and additionally, support in multiple locations (important if your company has branches in different places).
#7 Method of operation
When it comes to IT support, flexibility and responsiveness to problems are essential. Therefore, check how the company organises technical support and, above all, whether it is available 24/7. A good provider is one who can quickly adapt to the changing needs of your company and remains in constant contact with you (reports).
Are you looking for a professional IT provider for your company?
Choosing the right IT service provider does not have to be difficult. Provided you know how to approach it and what to pay special attention to. If you are looking for professionals you can trust, remember that our company has been providing comprehensive IT support for years, including to organisations such as yours. Feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to provide you with all the necessary information.
