You needn’t suffer a bad service from your IT support provider – changing supplier is easier than you think.
Often businesses put off changing an inadequate IT supplier as they think that moving IT providers will result in downtime and months of their new provider ‘getting up to speed’ with their hardware and software systems. In our experience this isn’t the case, and a seamless takeover is easily achievable.
We’ve put together a helpful guide to remove these perceived ‘barriers’ when changing supplier.
Some common complaints that customers have had with their previous providers are listed below, if any of these issues sound familiar, then we are here to reassure you that changing IT supplier can be very straight forward.
- “They were always slow to respond to problems and we kept having to chase them”
- “We were rarely able to contact them by phone”
- “We outgrew them and they couldn’t cope with our demands”
- “They were bought out and the customer service level dropped – we lost that personal touch
- “Their charges weren’t transparent and there were always hidden costs”
Most business owners think that moving IT providers will be a daunting, difficult and costly experience, but then find it’s actually a lot simpler than they imagined. The most common fears we hear from business owners before they move IT companies are;
Will there be downtime of computers and IT services?
IT companies usually manage the IT services and subscriptions on behalf of their clients, but essentially it’s the client that is paying and therefore owns the solutions. An IT company that is experienced in taking over from previous IT providers will already have a new client check list to follow. The check list ensures that all relevant services and solutions are investigated ready for transfer of ownership before the change in suppliers takes place.
How do we know if the new IT provider will be better than the last one?
An IT service provider that is confident with its services will have no problem in offering a free trial to new customers to prove their strengths. We recommend trialling a new IT support company before signing into a contract with them. In addition, a reputable IT provider will have a loyal client base, and should have no difficulties in providing testimonials from other local businesses.
Surely it will take weeks for the new IT Company to get up to speed with supporting us?
The IT infrastructures of most businesses are built from the same design, this design may change as the business grows and specifications change, however, an experienced IT engineer will be able to investigate, document and manage even the most complex of IT systems within a short space of time.
Won’t the handover be really expensive?
Unless a new IT solution requires investing in, simply moving IT providers shouldn’t be expensive. The migration plan will take place and then a seamless transfer of services and support carried out.
What are the security risks involved when moving providers?
There are no security risks involved in moving IT service companies, as long as the new client check list is followed and all top level usernames and passwords are documented. Thesetop level accounts can then be modified to ensure only the new provider and the relevant key staff are informed of the changes and continue to have access to company systems.
For more helpful tips and advise on changing your IT provider please visit our guide or contact us directly at info@fenton-it.co.uk or 01903 786287.
