IT services are crucial to the smooth running of any business. Here at Texaport, we don’t believe in leaving anything to chance – our IT support is entirely bespoke, tailored closely to your business model and practices, and our people are proactive and innovative in their approach.
It can be challenging to find the right support for your business, so with this in mind, we have come up with a list of the essential elements that you should look for when choosing an IT support company.
Experience
Any company you select should have significant experience in the field. You will be entrusting the running of your IT services to this company, so it is a good idea to do some research into their history and staff to see if you are happy with the extent of their experience.
An excellent place to start is the business’s website, where you will usually find a brief history of the company and its founders. Once you have reviewed this, you can look further on professional websites such as LinkedIn to see their employment history and background.
It may also help to discuss with some of the companies you are considering so that you can get a feel for how experienced and knowledgeable they are.
Location
While many IT companies operate successfully as remote workers, it can help ensure that there are offices placed nearby, should your business require in-person assistance. As a business with an office in Edinburgh, Texaport is ideally placed to provide excellent care to local businesses.
While office visits may be unavailable until the coronavirus pandemic is under control, it is a good idea to visit a business’s premises before making your final selection. A tour of a business’s offices can help you get an idea of their general practice and professionalism.
Accreditation
Choosing an IT support company with accreditation from recognised governing bodies can ensure that you find the best standard in service. There are many different levels of certification that an IT support company may possess, so it is worth looking into the different types to ensure that you are comfortable with the level of accreditation.
Here at Texaport, we are accredited to the highest standard, with particular emphasis on cybersecurity. Get in touch today to discuss our accreditations further and find out how we can benefit your business.
Skills & Knowledge
A high level of skill is essential for the IT support business that you choose. You should ensure that the company you select has the knowledge and skills that your business will need in its day to day running. It is also essential to find a business that is comfortable and capable of staying up-to-date in the ever-shifting world of IT.
When approaching an IT support business, it may help to prepare a list of questions and examples of work you may need to see if they have the skills to suit your business. It would help if you also considered asking for more detailed information on the experience, backgrounds and abilities of their employees. This should include details of qualifications and training that their staff have completed.
Range
The range of services provided by a company is essential, as is their ability to grow and change with the constant innovation that the IT sector experiences. Some of the most vital services include cloud data storage, cybersecurity, and internet connectivity services.
A good IT support company will do more than provide a variety of services. We here at Texaport offer all of these services along with bespoke consultation services to ensure that you are running your business’s IT to the best possible efficiency. This allows your business to work at maximum capacity, saving you time and money.
Cost
As with any business expenditure, the cost is vital to consider when selecting an IT support business. It is crucial that you avoid trading quality for a low price. IT systems are the beating heart of many companies, so you should spend as much as you are able.
You should ideally balance cost and quality. It is not a good idea to choose the cheapest IT support you can find. Instead, make inquiries to multiple businesses to get an idea of the cost you will be looking at and the quality service you can expect to receive.
Reputation
As a business, you will know that the customer experience is crucial to success. This is no less true with IT support providers. Therefore, you will be looking for a business with an excellent reputation among customers and other industry leaders. It may help to request case studies and testimonials from previous and current customers to ascertain the business’s reliability.
You could also consider doing some research into the company online using review aggregator sites such as Google and Trustpilot, which will give you an idea of customer experiences with the business. It is essential to take everything you may read online with a grain of salt, but such reviews can help get a feel for a company and their operation.
Security
Cybersecurity has never been more critical. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated every day, so finding a business with the skills to deal with these threats is essential. Cybersecurity should be an ongoing, ever-evolving practice for the company you choose.
It will also be essential to select a business that had robust GDPR policies in place. The business you choose will have access to sensitive business data, so you will need the peace of mind that the company you are working with has your information secured.
Availability
It may help to find a business that you will have access to when you need them. This should, at a minimum, include availability during standard working hours, and depending on your needs, up to 24/7 accessibility.
The availability of a company is something you should discuss with a business when you reach out to them. It will help to let them know your business’s specific working hours and how often you operate out of hours. It is crucial to be able to contact your IT support whenever you need them, as IT issues left unresolved can cause significant disruption to a business.
COVID-19 Secure
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many elements of our lives. The rise of remote working and focus on hygiene are just two critical takeaways from the past 12 months. You should ensure that the business you choose to run your IT support is fully compliant with the Government’s best practices for keeping COVID-safe.
We pride ourselves in having a robust and efficient COVID-19 policy, meaning that the safety of our customers, staff and associates is our top priority. We operate with strict hygiene and social distancing policies in place to ensure safety at all times.
The Bottom Line
Selecting your next IT support company should involve careful consideration and research. It is essential to make the right choice and leave your business in professional, capable and expert hands.
Texaport has all that a business in Edinburgh and the convenience of a local office to give you the peace of mind you deserve. With an excellent range of services provided by professionals with extensive experience and knowledge, there’s no better place to place your trust than with us. If you’d like to know more, you can contact us here.