Choosing the right IT services company is crucial for the success of your business. When evaluating external IT services companies, you need to make an informed decision based on factors. These factors include the range of services, the response time and availability, the cost, and the often overlooked culture fit.
This article will walk you through the different types of IT support and how to choose the best fit for your business.
What is the difference between Managed IT and IT Support?
The choice between Managed IT and reactive IT Support depends on your business’ IT needs, internal capacity, and budget. Both types of services have their place in the business world. Some businesses may benefit from a combination of both services, depending on their IT infrastructure and support requirements.
Managed Service Providers Brisbane
Managed IT Services take a proactive and comprehensive approach to IT management, covering everything from infrastructure maintenance to strategic planning and security. They are typically structured as ongoing, subscription-based services.
IT Support Services Brisbane
IT Support Services focus on addressing immediate technical issues and provide reactive assistance when problems arise. They may be used on an as-needed basis and can vary in scope and pricing.
Brisbane Managed Services
Merit Lineal is an Andfer Technologies client who initially needed reactive IT support, and then chose ongoing Managed IT Support. This Brisbane business was experiencing stability issues with their IT system. Four networked PCs were constantly crashing and the point of sale iPads were not working.
Owner Charlie Scuderi needed urgent help. Andfer diagnosed the hardware and software issues and then fixed for the Microsoft and Apple hardware and software conflicts. New Ubiquity hardware was also introduced to improve the IT network.
Customised Managed IT Support
Andfer now provides customised managed services support which includes remote monitoring, software updated, on site maintenance checks, and sequential updates of new hardware. Andfer has also supported the growth of Merit Lineal’s contactless ordering and delivery system.
“Andrew and the Andfer Team are a blessing. We just could not have maintained market share, or expanded into online sales without their reliable IT support”, Charlie Scuderi said.
15 Things to Look for in an IT Support Company
It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your requirements and expectations before entering into a partnership with an IT services provider.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select an IT services company that aligns with your business goals and can effectively support your technology needs:
1. IT Services Expertise
Look for a company like Andfer Technologies with a proven IT track record. Assess their expertise in your specific industry or the technologies and systems you use. Industry-specific knowledge can be valuable.
2. Range of IT Services
Ensure the IT services company offers a comprehensive range of services that match your needs, from network management to cybersecurity, cloud services, and help desk support.
3. IT Support Response Time
Ask about their response time for critical issues and their availability for support. This is important, especially if your business operates outside regular business hours or has a global presence.
4. Business Scalability
Consider whether the IT services company can scale its services as your business grows or your IT needs change. They should be able to adapt to your evolving requirements.
5. IT Security Practices
Ask about the IT provider’s cybersecurity measures. For example, how will they protect your data and systems from cyber threats? And will your client’s data be safe?
6. IT Technical Certifications
Check if the IT professionals employed by the company hold relevant certifications from reputable business, such as Microsoft, Acronis, and AWS.
7. Customised IT Support
Ensure that the IT services can be customised to meet your unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
8. IT Status Updates
Communication is crucial. The IT services company should be responsive and provide regular updates on the status of your IT systems and projects. Also look for transparency in pricing, contracts, and service delivery.
9. Disaster Recovery and Backup Services
Ask about the IT provider’s disaster recovery and data backup solutions. A robust plan for data protection is essential.
10. IT Remote Monitoring and Management
Find out if the IT provider can offer 24/7 remote monitoring and management of your IT systems to proactively identify and address issues.
11. IT Services Cost
Understand the pricing structure and how it fits into your budget. Ensure there are no hidden fees, particularly for long term manager IT support.
12. IT Compliance and Regulations
Check if your industry has specific compliance requirements, such as Privacy Act for secure management of patient health information. Then ensure the IT services provider has expertise in meeting these requirements.
13. IT Services Cultural Fit
A good cultural fit can lead to better collaboration. Consider the compatibility of the IT services company’s culture with your business’ values and work style.
14. IT Remote Support
Determine whether the IT services company has a physical presence near your location for onsite support as needed. Also determine when remote support is a good fit for your business.
15. Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Review the SLAs the IT company offers. SLAs outline the level of service, response times, and resolution times you can expect. Ensure they align with your business expectations.
Client Reviews of Brisbane Managed Services
One of the best ways to determine if a managed IT support company is the right for your business is by reading the reviews from current and past clients. These reviews will provide insights into their experiences with the IT services company.
For example, Andfer Technologies provides bespoke IT support for Brisbane businesses such as the McDowall Family Medical Centre. Practice owner Dr Norris Chern called Andfer Technologies in to fix a range of hardware, software, and networking issues.
This medical practice had a range of issues including an ageing computer server that was running out of space, out of date clinical software, and intermittent Wi-Fi coverage.
Cloud Service Solutions
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) standards for running a general practitioner service have been upgraded since the practice had last had a major IT service. There were also mandatory IT requirements set by the Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) for regular cloud backups of patient records.
As a solution, Andfer Technologies installed Microsoft 365 office business software across the nine computers. A new Microsoft 2022 server was also installed in the office for local system backups, and Acronis cloud backups were set up for off site data protection.
Wi-Fi Office Solutions
Andfer then enhanced the Wi-Fi network with a new cabling and installation of a centralised Wi-Fi access point. This solution eliminated black spots in the medical practice. Staff can now share patient data on a secure network without signal loss.
Clinical Software Upgrades
On the medical front Andfer also worked with Best Practice and other clinical software vendors to ensure the practice’s computers were updated.
“Andrew and the Andfer Technologies team are always provides helpful and prompt service. Andfer has successfully upgraded the computers in my medical practice, fixed WiFi blackspots, set up mandatory cloud backups, and ensured my clinical software is up to date. I am very happy with the result”, Dr Chern said.
