Choosing an IT Support Provider that ticks all the boxes for your business is a long, yet important task. With so many choices and competitive offerings, it’s hard to know which provider will truly suit your needs and has your business objectives at the forefront of their services.
The following steps are intended to guide you through the key considerations you’ll need to make before your business partners with an IT support provider. Read on to start your journey!
It’s important to know where you currently stand in terms of IT, before enquiring or going for tender. Managed Service Providers will need to have an outline of your current digital landscape before providing you with an accurate quote and further advice. This can include things such as:
– How many endpoints your business has (computers)
– What area(s) your business operates in or number of offices
– Whether you have a current IT Provider or internal IT Manager
– Which tools or services you currently have in place (email security, internet phone systems etc.)
You should identify any weak areas in your current environment, such as legacy hardware or outdated software. It’s good practice to make a priority-ordered list of areas you wish to improve, through recruiting an IT partner. It’s also wise to ask yourself; what do I want my business to gain from having an IT partner? Will you need 24/7 IT support or perhaps you’d like to reduce CAPEX costs as much as possible. These are things that an IT support provider like us can fulfill for your business.
Continuing from our last point, you’ll need to consider what specific needs your business requires, so that a successful and effective partnership can be made. For instance, some businesses already have an IT Manager and only need to outsource services such as Backup & Disaster Recovery or Managed WiFi.
Additionally, you may want to start the process to gain your Cyber Essentials Plus qualification or perhaps leave some space in your budget for Staff IT Training.
Here at BCS, we tailor our services around your needs and offer two flexible plans to support this; IT Support Core & IT Support Complete. Our Core plan is suited to those businesses that need assistance with their current IT infrastructure and do not require out-of-hours assistance. Our Complete plan is packed with everything a business requires from an IT standpoint, as well as access to our 24/7 award-winning helpdesk.
Regardless of which plan you are on, both offer a unique and first-class service for your Kent business.
If you’re looking for an IT Support Provider, the chances are that you are either unhappy with your current service or you are considering outsourcing your IT for the first time.
As a business owner, you may be wondering which services are essential to your business, and which are worth investing in for your particular industry or business model. Here’s a rundown of some core services we offer, that are a good measure for the industry standard:
– Managed Cyber Security (Firewall, Email Security)
– Internet phone systems (VoIP)
– Compliance Consultancy & Training (Cyber Essentials, PCI-DSS)
When researching for your ideal IT Partner, there are key things to look out for to ensure their services are top-notch. It’s important that they have achieved certain accreditations to make sure they operate ethically and handle data according to GDPR laws.
IT Accreditations
Cyber Essentials Plus is a must-have when it comes to finding a reputable IT provider. It means they are secure enough to work with government bodies, and also has the infrastructure in place to make your own Cyber Essentials certification possible.
Other accreditations worth mentioning are ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) and MSP 501 ( a global ranking of the most prestigious managed service providers – we’re one of them!).
Technical Awards and Certificates
It’s great if an MSP provides evidence of technical competency with certifications such as Microsoft Associate and Expert or CompTIA qualifications. Particularly for Cloud Computing, you’ll want to look out for Azure expert qualifications also. Regarding Cyber Security, it’s extra brownie points if they have an individual who is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – good thing we do!
Client Testimonials
If an IT provider openly shares client feedback, it’s always a good thing. Take some time to read Google Reviews and check their social media channels to see if they post about what their customers are satisfied with.
At BCS, we understand that effective communication and prompt response times are essential in providing quality IT support. By evaluating how easy the process of raising a ticket is and response times, businesses can ensure they choose a reliable and efficient MSP.
Our industry-leading 24/7 helpdesk delivers a 15-minute Service-Level Agreement (SLA) as standard, meaning we will call you back within 15 minutes to start working on your issue. With accessible communication channels, such as our customer portal and out-of-hours emergency line we are dedicated to ensuring the smooth operation of your business, with minimal downtime.
When it comes to IT support services, partnering with a provider that has experience in your specific sector can make a significant difference. At BCS, we understand the importance of industry-specific expertise, which is why we offer tailored IT support services designed to address the unique challenges and requirements of different sectors, including:
– SMEs
By seeking tailored IT support for your sector, you can gain a competitive edge, streamline your operations, and stay ahead of technological advancements specific to your industry.
Here at BCS, our tailored IT support services, backed by our expertise in various sectors, allow our clients to harness the power of technology to drive growth, efficiency, and consistent success. We cover the whole of Kent, and with our IT experts on hand 24/7, you’ll be sure to mitigate downtime and stay secure even during public holidays and seasonal office closures. If you’re ready to grow your Kent business, we’re only a call away on 01843 572600.
Choose the right IT Provider for your Kent business with BCS
