Wondering if your current managed IT services are up to par with industry standards? Here are 15 ways your provider may be shortchanging you.
The responsibilities of a managed IT services company are wide-spanning and individual to each business. But on the whole, their job is to monitor, assess, and sometimes even repair your company’s network, software, or hardware.
Here are 15 ways your current provider could be failing you.
1. You Spend A Lot of Time Thinking About IT
Outsourcing IT should allow business leaders to focus on the big picture. But, unfortunately, if you or leaders in your company spend lots of precious time dealing with tech issues, you’re not getting what you paid for.
2. Bad Customer Service
Managed IT services should offer exceptional, meaning prompt and effective, customer support. Anything less could lead to costly issues such as network downtime, which costs businesses millions of dollars every year.
3. Bad Communication
Timely calls and emails, as well as in-house communication if you have IT employees on-premises, should all be non-negotiable as well. Ineffective communication is another thing that can lead to prolonged delays and network downtime.
4. Data Protection Isn’t Priority Number One
Data is king for today’s business, and protecting that data should be the biggest priority for any managed IT services company you hire. The methods you use to protect data, such as encryption, should also meet federal and local guidelines to ensure your business doesn’t incur fines or penalties.
5. Charging Without Delivering
Scalable subscription models are popular, but long-term contracts and pay-as-you-grow rates are also possible in the IT world. Check your agreement to ensure that any new services or features added to your bill are delivered—and actually provide value for your company.
6. Does Not Follow Contract
Speaking of contracts, your managed IT services contract should outline exactly what tasks they’re responsible for and be referenced (as well as updated if necessary) regularly.
If you’re being shortchanged for the money you’re paying or abiding by an outdated contract, update the terms to reflect the current state of your business’s needs.
7. Does Not Understand IT Problems
“IT” is a dynamic term, and the tasks and skills professionals must execute frequently evolve.
Companies or service providers who do not stay updated on the latest security threats and network issues are putting your business at risk.
8. You Deal With Frequent Cybersecurity Issues
A 2020 article in Forbes states that $2.9 million are lost every minute in the global economy due to cybercrime. If hackers, data theft, or other threats seem normal to you, then your managed IT services aren’t doing their job.
9. Using Out of Date Software/Infrastructure
One of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to infiltrate your system and access sensitive data is to use outdated software.
If out-of-date software results from the dreaded vendor lock-in, speak to your IT services about upgrading this or revising the terms of your deal.
10. Proactive vs. Reactive
The best managed IT services companies anticipate what’s coming, whether that be new security threats, network upgrades to increase speed, or otherwise.
If you find yourself constantly responding to threats a little too late instead of being surprised by your IT company’s initiative, it’s probably time to make a switch.
11. Their Remote or Hybrid Offerings are Slim
Millions more people are now working from home in a full-time or hybrid role. As part of your service, the company you work with should offer hybrid IT, or a mix of infrastructure, to help accommodate this switch.
12. They Don’t Offer Managed Cloud Services
The cloud represents the future for many companies, especially those that prioritize mobility. It may not matter for your business yet, but having a team managing your networks and cloud services will save time and money long-term.
Looking at the big picture, proactive measures now to find an IT service that can meet both needs could be a boon for you later.
13. Their Product Doesn’t Fit Your Current Business
Businesses that experience volatile growth, like startups, have constantly changing needs. Therefore, the pricing model for your managed IT services should reflect the current state of your business—not where you were last year or when you first decided to outsource IT.
14. Repair Services Aren’t Included
Hybrid and remote IT services may not be able to fix hardware—but if your IT department is in-house, they should be at least capable of repairing devices when needed.
15. They Don’t Educate About Compliance
Mobility and agility are challenging to achieve in a business where employees aren’t on the same page about best IT practices. Companies that come with the heart of a teacher, or specific modules or opportunities for staff to get on the same page, will benefit your business long-term.
Are Managed IT Services Worth It?
The right IT company is worth the investment. Leaders and employees will save time and be protected from costly threats like hackers and network downtime.
