Planning to Outsource IT Support Services in 2022? Consider these 5 Factors First

Ten years ago, outsourcing IT and support services were not as common today. Companies were wary of sending an important facet of their business to another company and worried about how to choose the right partner. Today, though, there are so many options that it can be difficult to find the best fit and the best pricing, not to mention the company you'll want to keep working with once you see the value they bring to your business.

The experience of the Outsourcing firm

It is something that only people within your company know, so you have to rely on referrals and reputation. If your company outsources its IT support, perhaps some of your employees can give you insight into which companies they feel are doing excellent. 

Otherwise, it's best to rely on recommendations from other organizations with similar industry requirements as yours. Customer-review sites like Yelp can also help identify outsourcing firms with a strong reputation—but make sure not just to use star ratings but actual customer feedback.

Communication

Choosing a provider with regular contact is vital when outsourcing IT support services. It's also essential to build strong communication habits as an organization. Set up regularly scheduled meetings with your providers and establish clear expectations for how they will communicate, what information they will be presenting, and when that communication should take place. 

It's easy for conversations between outsourced IT support partners to slip through cracks; making sure things are well-documented can help ensure problems don't arise due to miscommunication. Don't be afraid of a few email chains! The more methods of communication you use (and keep on top of), the better informed you'll stay about your organization's support structure—and any potential problems before they happen.

Pricing

There are dozens of variables that decide what an outsourced IT support services provider will charge you, so you need to understand each one before getting into negotiations. You should find out if there are surcharges for after-hours calls or time spent troubleshooting an issue when it's not urgent (or even when it is). Insist on knowing all of your options up front and insist on getting a fixed price for every service, so there aren't any surprises later.

Technology Used

When looking at where you might be outsourcing your IT support services it's important to understand what technology will be used. It makes sense that an outsourced IT support team located halfway around the world is less likely to help with a project involving cutting-edge VR than someone located just down your street. 

Likewise, if your business uses antiquated software or hardware, it may not make sense for a remotely located team member to quickly get up to speed. By understanding what kind of work will need to be done, you can make better choices about what support is needed and how much time should be invested in getting them up-to-speed on new systems and tech terminology.

Services for IT and security

With the frequency of cyber-attacks growing and the risk of cyber-attacks increasing, protecting your information is paramount. Transferring your IT needs to a reputable IT consulting service is of paramount importance in ensuring the accuracy of your records and data.