When it’s crunch-time and you have a server down or can’t log into your computer, you need assistance, fast. Having a reliable and quality IT service provider can make the difference of a sale going through, a customer gained or lost, or even overall employee satisfaction. These days, with technology running seemingly every aspect of the modern world, nothing is more frustrating or hindering than when a technological issue slows you down.  Use these tips below to make sure that you are making the best and most educated decision when choosing an IT service provider.

Experience and Certifications

This can be a simple way to see how advanced or knowledgeable a company is before you pay for their services. Certification programs are offered by most technology vendors to companies or professionals who service their products. By reviewing with a company what certifications their employees have and how often they are renewed, you can get a general idea of the skill level and dedication the company has to ensure quality IT service. In addition, since the world of technology is constantly updating and advancing, it is essential for your IT support company to stay up-to-date on the latest programs and trends. By asking a company if they have an ongoing budget for education, as well as asking if their employees are cross-trained in different systems, you can better judge how well-rounded their employees are, and therefore how much help they will be in different situations.

No Long-Term Contracts

Long-term contracts are never ideal, especially with a new company that you are trying out. As much as slightly lower rates can seem tempting if you’re in a longer-term contract, you do not want to be “stuck” with a company that you are not truly happy with, receiving sub-standard IT service. In addition, your company needs can change over time. Avoiding long-term contracts can allow you the freedom to stay with a service provider that truly is a good fit for you and your company, paying for only the services that you actively need each month. Ideally, look for a company with month-to-month contracts with an out clause of 30 to 60 days, giving you full freedom to only pay for what you need, and only pay for work that you are satisfied with.

Guaranteed Response Times/SLA Agreements

Service Level Agreements (or SLAs) should be outlined clearly in your contract with your IT service company, clearly stating their commitment to a response time from when you submit your request, as well as what happens if this time frame is not met. Keep in mind, most SLA’s refer to the time it takes for a company to respond to the request, not necessarily fix the problem. As each IT issue can vary greatly, it is not realistic or honest to commit to a standard time frame for all issue resolutions. If a company gives a standard time frame for the completion of all requests, this is a red flag that the company is dishonest, as this cannot be feasible consistently.

Proactive Services

While a large part of IT service revolves around fixing technological problems, the best IT support comes with additional proactive management. By offering regular meetings to review and plan your business’ needs, a good IT service company will help you to choose the right tools and preventative measures to keep your office affairs running smoothly, reduce downtime, and make sure that your employees are working at their highest potential. In addition, proactive solutions can help reduce future bugs and errors. Company goals should be discussed and put into consideration for future technological planning and IT service.

Data Security Expertise

Cyber security threats are constantly evolving, and this is an area that a good IT service technician needs to be up-to-date on. Every company should be protected to the highest extent, as the ramifications of a security breach can be monumental. If your IT service company is not up to speed on the latest security measures, they cannot protect you in the best way possible. In addition, if you are in a regulated industry, your IT service provider needs to be aware of that industry and how to make sure your company is compliant. By asking a service provider the right questions regarding how they handle and stay up-to-date with cyber security, you can determine if this company will give you the protection you need.As technology grows and encompasses the world around us, our tech support must grow with it.