Knowing the facts about service and support is an important part of selecting the right technology partner.
As a small business searches for a technology support and service provider, not knowing what to look for can sometime lead to an unsatisfactory or a costly choice. Choosing a vendor solely based on a rate is not only unwise, but can also lead to additional costs and frustration and sometimes lose of data.
Supersum strives to provide knowledge to the technologies used today and at the core of our business model, provide information even when we are not the perfect fit. Selecting a IT provider can be the difference between a partner and an expense; knowing what to look for can help a business make a wise decision.
How does a business select the right technology partner?
First and foremost, ask for references.
Selecting a technology provider with a proven track record can save time and money. References can sometimes be the key to your selections process and only takes a few phone calls; a goggle search can sometimes assist in verifying the reference.
Know the basis of your technology needs.
Better understanding a businesse's technology requirements can help match you up with the right provider. Coupled with references which have implements a similar environment can help a business determine if the provider meets your needs.
Be aware of the services you may inquire or are curious about.
As a business grows so does its needs for additional services, understanding the capacity a IT partner has facilitated can help determine if you may outgrow their abilities.
Meet with your selections
First impressions can go a long way. Knowing that you can communicate with your IT provider is important to any business.
Know your annual budget and the different support options available to you.
Understanding the various ways a provider can deliver support, and the different levels normally associated with support services can help determine if your technology provider can fully meet your needs and budget.
There are no stupid questions
Many small business's make the mistake that not knowing enough about technology can lead them to choosing the wrong partner. Asking questions and paying attention to the answers can tell you more than you may think Even if you don't know the answer yourself.
The hourly rate
Basing a decision on a hourly rate can cost more in the long run and switching providers when service does not meet expectation can add to these costs. Avoiding these situations is as simple as asking the right questions and getting the answers you are expecting from the start. After all, a rate is sometimes based on the experience of the provider and the efficiency in which a problems can be solved.