How To Determine If You Need to Find a New Outsourced IT Support Provider

Scott Starost • Apr 17, 2017

Outsourced IT support is quite common these days. It provides business owners with an affordable and effective way to keep their networks up and running. It also takes the stress out of making hiring decisions, especially when a business is still small and growing. If you’ve hired a Managed Services Provider or outsourced IT company, you should take the time to evaluate their performance occasionally. Here are some ways to determine whether your provider is doing its job effectively.

Does Your Company Experience Downtime?

One of the best ways to gauge the performance of an outsourced IT support company is through your company’s downtime. Your IT team should do everything within its power to ensure that your company experiences as close to 100% uptime as possible. If your servers are crashing, halting your office staff from working, or there are recurring issues reducing productivity, it’s time to look for another provider. For example with today’s technologies, businesses should not be impacted during working hours do to updates or by server crashes. If your provider isn’t keeping your company operational during business hours, it isn’t utilizing the latest technologies.

How Long Does It Take Your Support Provider to Respond?

When you have a problem, chances are good that the first thing you’ll do is call or message your IT support provider. After all, even a slight hiccup in the system can create problems and have a tremendous impact on your revenue. It is reasonable to expect that your problems will be resolved quickly when they do occur. If your current IT company takes too long to respond to support requests, that’s time and money out of your pocket. Your computer support company should respond quickly, and if you find yourself waiting for long periods of time, it’s time to find another partner.

Do they request monthly IT calls and quarterly meetings to provide overall status updates?

In any given month, a lot can happen from a technical perspective. A great Managed Service Provider or technology support company will want to speak with you monthly and meet with you quarterly in person. These monthly calls are ideal to make sure both sides of the partnership are on the same page and share expectations for the next month. It’s ideal to review support requests for the past month along with feedback on the services provided. These are some of the key performance metrics to discuss. The quarterly in-person meetings allow for review of upcoming projects, adjustment of services and an opportunity for your IT Support Provider to share what new technologies are available to benefit your business.

Does Your Chosen Provider Advise You or Upsell You?

Finally, it’s important for you to analyze whether your current outsourced IT support provider truly has your best interests in mind, or whether it’s simply out to make money off your business. Your provider should advise you and provide details about products and services that can benefit you the most, not simply sell you services that won’t benefit you to make more money. A good outsourced IT company will be able to present you with a bundle of services that makes sense for your unique needs, so if you feel like your company is upselling you instead of advising you, it’s time to make a switch.

Your outsourced IT support provider should be just as dedicated to your company as your on-site employees. They should offer you the products and services that can benefit you, and they should be there when you need them – not when it’s convenient for them. If you feel like your support provider is letting you down, it’s time to make a switch to a provider that truly cares about your success.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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