Putting IT Support Out To Tender? Here’s What You Need to Know

In a world where businesses rely on computers, an IT infrastructure that you can stake your business on is a must if you expect to make it big. Unfortunately, most in-house IT solutions can be very pricy and difficult to manage.

IT support isn’t something you can simply opt out of. And finding the right partner that can guarantee smooth operations and reliable crisis management prove to be difficult. If you’re looking for IT solutions or are considering hiring an IT management service, it is important to know that there are three types:

1. Break-fix support

The break-and-fix support system is exactly what the name stands for. If your IT systems break, they will fix it. This is a good option if you’re running on a limited budget since it doesn’t provide ongoing monitoring services. What it will do is offer you the repairs and maintenance you need whenever your operating systems go bust. That way, you could get back to business as fast as possible.

2. Managed service support

The priciest of the three options, it works more like a partnership between two companies – you and the IT partner you’ve chosen to manage your systems. Not only does managed support provide 24/7 monitoring and regular system maintenance. It can even go so far as to suggest tips for optimizing. Some support systems will try to provide cost-savings solutions and IT roadmaps for keeping your infrastructure up-to-date.

3. Pay as you go

It’s often confused with the break-fix support system but “pay as you go” is more like the budget version of a fully managed service support. Unlike managed service, associated charges are usually either fixed price or hourly.

Pay as you go services may or may not include system monitoring, and can be limited to an as-per needed basis, depending on the provider.

Questions To Ask A Potential IT Partner

By now, you should have an easier time picking the right service for you. Once you’ve made a choice, however, you will have to ask them some important questions.

1. What services do you offer?

It’s important to know exactly what sort of services are offered by your selected IT provider. Different companies will have their own roster of services available at varying rates. Knowing which ones are essential to your company’s day-to-day functions, and how much they cost should help you decide if they’re a perfect fit.

2. Do you specialize in a specific industry?

This is a question that a lot of companies tend to overlook whenever they’re on the lookout for IT management services. But you should ask your chosen provider if they have any specializations. If they happen to specialize in the same niche as your company, then you’ve found a perfect fit! If they haven’t, ask them if they’re flexible enough to meet your needs.

3. What innovations can you bring to the company?

This is probably a hit-and-miss. But if you’re opting for a managed support service, you have to know if taking them on board is going to be advantageous for your company in the long run. This will also let you know if they have a plan of action, or if they’re just going to be a break-and-fix disguised as a management support system.