So you’ve found an IT company in Chicago that you want to work with.
Are you sure they’re going to deliver everything you need?
While it’s certainly frustrating to have to do some homework before you sign an agreement, it’s vital that you make sure all your needs will be addressed before you make it official.
Even though you may have a contract that states and governs the managed services, your contract may still lack significant details – it’s better to check now and consider moving on, instead of finding out you’re not covered after you’ve locked in to an agreement.
Take a careful look at the agreement before you sign and double check your coverage by asking the following questions…
1. Will You Keep Me Secure?
An important part of any IT service is proper digital security. To ensure you are safe from cybercriminals, the right computer services company will offer comprehensive IT security measures, including:
2. Will You Provide Infrastructure Maintenance And Administration?
IT services aren’t just about dealing with the user-facing issues, like email, software, and other applications.
You also need a Chicago IT company that can support the foundation of your IT – the infrastructure.
That’s why any IT company in Chicago that’s worth working with will offer the following key services:
3. How Does Your Helpdesk Work?
The Helpdesk is a key part of IT services – it’s where you and your staff will go with any and all issues they encounter using IT.
That’s why you need to determine how their support process works…
4. Will You Monitor My Network?
If you’re paying for fully managed services from a Chicago IT company, then you want to make sure they’re taking care of your entire system – that includes the network.
Network monitoring is a critical part of IT support, especially given any network vulnerabilities that can disrupt your network. Whereas most solutions have the provider monitoring every area of your system, you’ll want to ask them if they also cover…
5. Are Your Services Scalable?
Ideally, your organization and staff are growing.
What will happen if you need to add five new computers? IT services should grow as you do. You don’t need to understand all the intricacies of cost optimization, cloud services, and scalability, but you should know what it will cost in terms of money and time when your company begins to grow.
Be sure to ask questions about colocation and virtual infrastructures.
6. Will You Keep My Data Backed Up?
Data loss is a reality in the modern business world, which is why a viable data backup solution is so important.
Find out how your Chicago IT company handles backups – if the provider does use the cloud, you’ll want to know:
7. Do You Offer New Technologies?
You don’t want to miss out on the latest and greatest in IT innovations. The Chicago IT company will be able to give you the advantages that come with the most recent applications of cloud technology.
Cloud technology, when properly implemented and supported, will allow you to minimize your hardware, scale easily, and gain access to your data when and where you need to.
8. Do They Provide Strategic Consulting?
You need to be able to provide your full attention to the work you’re doing, not your IT. IT consulting services should give you expert guidance and ensure you’re always making the best investments and decisions to guarantee a long and successful future for your operations.
9. How Do You Handle Renewal/Termination Of Service?
There’s always a chance that you’ll find managed services in general, or that Chicago IT company, in particular, isn’t right for you. Or, the opposite could happen – you’ll be perfectly satisfied with the services and will want to renew them.
That’s why it’s smart to know how the renewal/termination process will work ahead of time:
10. What Are Your Standards of Quality?
Make sure you find out about their staff’s qualifications and certifications.
The right Chicago IT company should be able to provide you with information regarding the certifications held by their staff and relay how these will meet your needs. Similarly, check which Partner Certifications and Technical Specialties do they hold. Ask, for example, if they are certified on Apple devices or Microsoft solutions if that’s what you use. Also, ask if they can provide you with the latest hardware and software products at the best price.
Furthermore, do they require continuous training of their IT techs? This is the only way to ensure technicians have the most recent certifications.
You should also know how long they have been providing technology services. They should have a minimum of three years of experience in the service, support, and solutions you require. Likewise, it’s good to know how big of a business they are – if they are a small company, you’re more likely to be high on their priority list.
However, larger Chicago IT companies typically offer a broad knowledge base and capabilities. Plus, their available resources may be more expansive. You must weigh the benefits of each and decide which is best.
Overall, be sure to ask your Chicago IT company to explain how each service component will be delivered to your organization – this process is all about eliminating variables. The more you know, the less likely you’ll be surprised or disappointed.
Like this article? Check out the following blogs to learn more:
Do Managed IT Services Cost More Than The Break/Fix Model?
Outsourcing IT Makes Sense for Small Businesses: 7 Reasons
Are You Prepared? Your 9 Step Local Business Disaster Recovery Plan
Protect Your Business Now With Our Cybersecurity Must-Do Checklist
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Infiniwiz is an IT Support and IT Consulting company based in Chicagoland, Illinois. We provide Managed IT services across the Chicago Area. Cities we serve include City of Chicago, Schaumburg, Rosemont, Rolling Meadows.
