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The most common reasons for switching IT companies are cost, performance, and service and the average business switches IT companies every 3-5 years.
You have been working with an IT support company, freelancer, or managed service provider for a while, and you genuinely like them. They are great people who have been there for you in times of need.
However, lately, you have been feeling that there is room for improvement. Your IT systems should be more aligned with your business, your employees shouldn’t have to deal with persistent unresolved issues, and your fairly new computer has been getting slower every day.
Even on good days when everything seems to be working fine, you have a lingering feeling that the IT in your business could be better. The thought of what might happen on a bad day, like a server crash or a ransom ware attack, is unsettling.
But it doesn’t have to be this way, and you know it. The problem is, you’re not sure how to make things better. You feel stuck with your current IT Company because you don’t want to ruin a personal relationship, or because they have full access to your network. The idea of switching to someone else without starting from scratch is daunting. But rest assured, you’re not alone in this.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive step by-step guide to smoothly and effectively switch your IT support provider. We’ll address the reasons for dissatisfaction, reviewing your current contract, and timing and logistics.
When assessing your reasons for switching IT support companies, it’s important to consider the specific issues and concerns you have with your current provider. Clear communication is crucial in any business relationship, and if your current IT support company is lacking in this area, it can lead to frustration and misunderstandings.
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Before you decide to cut ties and run, give your current IT support company the chance to address the issue. Schedule a meeting with them and have an open and honest conversation about your concerns. Be specific about any experiences that have made you uneasy about the state of your IT. This discussion may lead to improved support from them, or it may confirm that it’s time to make a change.
Regardless of the outcome, there are three potential reasons why you may not be satisfied with your current IT support company.
This is not necessarily your fault, but it may not be entirely their fault either. Your relationship with your IT support company should be a partnership, where they understand your business in order to provide the best solutions. They should be proactive in asking about your business, but you should also reach out to inform them of any changes in plans or needs. Communication is a two-way street, but the good news is that this is a fixable problem.
When you meet to discuss your concerns, establish clear expectations and deliverables. Agree on the specific issues that need to be addressed and set timelines for finding solutions. Any IT support company that is a good fit for your business will accept this constructive criticism and work towards getting things back on track. If you do not see a resolution within the agreed-upon timeline, it is likely that you are dealing with one of the other two problems.
Has your business grown significantly since you started working with your IT support company? It’s possible that they may no longer have the resources to adequately support your needs.
Has your business or your IT support company’s business changed? It’s possible that the specific type of business you have may no longer align with the type of business they specialize in. These situations can occur over time or may have been a problem from the beginning. In either case, it is time to consider moving on.
I wish this reason didn’t exist, but the reality is that there are subpar IT companies out there. If they consistently fail to meet their obligations and show no effort to improve the relationship, it becomes clear that they are not a good fit for your business. If this is the case, it is best to make a swift exit. However, before doing so, follow the next steps.
You have already met with your current IT Support Company and tried to work things out, but it’s clear that you need to make a change. Now, it’s important to determine if your contract specifies the timeline for switching to a new provider.
If you don’t have a contract with your current IT support company, you can skip to Step 3. However, if you do have a contract, it’s crucial to read it carefully. You may even want to consult with your attorney. At Innovative, we have reviewed contracts for some of our future clients to ensure they don’t overlook anything important.
Here are the key things you need to confirm:
When it comes to contract expiration and renewal, the ideal time to start looking for a new IT support company is three to six months before your current contract ends. This may seem like a long time, but keep in mind that the decision-making process can take a while. Here’s a breakdown of the time you may spend:
It’s also important to consider that your new IT support company may need some overlap time (typically 2-4 weeks) with your current provider. This allows them to work together and access important resources such as your
Most likely, your current contract requires a 30-day notice period. Failure to provide notice may result in automatic renewal for another full year. Therefore, it’s recommended to finalize your new contract about six weeks before your current one ends. This allows for a two-week window between contract execution and your final 30 days with your current provider.
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Who holds network information and access?
Now, let’s consider who holds the network support information and access. If you have all the necessary passwords and information that your new IT support company needs to access your network, you may be able to give notice to your current company sooner.
However, if your current IT support company set up your network and created passwords for critical applications that you don’t have, they hold the keys to your network and data. In this case, the quality of the relationship becomes important.
If the separation is amicable, you can likely give notice to end your contract at the same time your new company starts. Your old company will provide you and your new provider with all the information needed to take over the management of your network. On the other hand, if you anticipate a more hostile separation, it’s advisable to start your new IT support company’s contract before your old one ends. It’s important to note that it is illegal for your IT support company to withhold passwords and network access from you or your new company, although it has happened in the past.
In theory, you may be able to terminate your contract if your current company is in breach of any terms. However, this may require legal intervention and could take a while to resolve. It’s recommended to present your concerns to your IT support company and see if they can address the issues or accommodate your requests. If they are unable or unwilling to do so, they may be open to releasing you from the contract. However, if they are not willing to do so, it’s crucial to consult with your attorney to determine the next steps.
You have already put in the effort to try and make things work with your current IT support provider. By now, you should have a clear understanding of what you expect from them. It’s not necessary for you to know all the specific services they will provide, as that is their responsibility to determine. However, you should have a clear idea of what success looks like to you.
To find IT companies in your area that offer good service, you can conduct online research and ask for referrals from other professionals in similar businesses. Once you have identified one or two potential candidates, it is best to arrange a face-to-face meeting. During this meeting, inquire about their service model, contract requirements, and service level agreements.
It is important to understand the different types of IT support companies and managed service providers and ensure that you are considering companies that offer the right services and expertise to meet your needs. If possible, you might even consider visiting their office, meeting their staff, or speaking with other businesses they support.
Avoid making the same mistakes twice. If you feel that your current IT support company is not being cooperative during the transition process, discuss the onboarding and off boarding processes with your potential new company. A good IT support company will make your transition away from their services as smooth as your transition to their services.
Once you have chosen a new company, agree on a start date and get a clear understanding of their onboarding process. Make sure you fully comprehend and are comfortable with their contract terms.
If you’re still reading this, it means you’ve made the decision to switch IT companies. And now, you want to avoid the same dissatisfaction you experienced with your previous IT company. To ensure that, you need to do your due diligence and find an IT company that will truly exceed your expectations. Here are our recommendations:
First and foremost, there are a few factors you need to pay attention to when searching for a new IT company. Focus on the following:
If they are willing to give you references, make sure you ask the right questions:
Keep in mind that your new IT support company can greatly impact the smoothness of this transition, just like your old company did. A good IT support company will take much of the burden off your shoulders during the transition. They have likely dealt with similar situations many times before and have helped clients navigate through messy situations. The sooner you involve them, the sooner they can provide guidance and work with your former company on your behalf.
If you’ve made the decision to take the leap, reach out to our team of technology professionals at Complete Care IT, which offers comprehensive services to help businesses thrive in the digital era. We’re committed to providing transformative technology solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and, of course, profitability for our clients. Our expertise covers the entire lifecycle of a project, from inception and planning to deployment, ongoing support, and maintenance.
You can count on us to answer all of your questions with transparency and honesty. We’re more than happy to provide you with the names and contact information of satisfied clients who can share their experiences with our services. We understand that past negative encounters with technology support companies may make you hesitant, and we aim to alleviate any concerns you may have.
How Can I Ensure a Smooth Transition Between My Current IT Support Company and the New One?
To ensure a smooth transition between your current IT Support Company and the new one, focus on communication strategies, employee training, data migration, and post-transition support. Address transition challenges proactively to minimize disruptions.
What Are Some Red Flags to Look Out for When Evaluating Potential New IT Support Companies?
When assessing potential new IT support companies, watch out for warning signs such as poor reviews, lack of transparency, limited expertise, inadequate response times, and questionable security measures. These red flags indicate potential risks and should be considered during the evaluation process.
How Can I Assess the Level of Expertise and Technical Knowledge of New IT Support Company?
To assess the expertise and technical knowledge of a new IT support company, evaluate their certifications, experience, and track record. Look for red flag indicators like lack of transparency or inability to answer technical questions. A smooth transition process requires thorough evaluation.
What Should I Consider When Determining the Appropriate Level of IT Support for My Business?
When determining the appropriate level of IT support for your business, consider cost considerations, scalability options, response time expectations, specialized support needs, and budget constraints. These factors will help you make an informed decision.
Are There Any Industry Certifications or Qualifications That I Should Look for in a New IT Support Company?
When looking for a new IT support company, it’s important to consider industry certifications, qualifications, and accreditation. These standards and requirements ensure that the company has the necessary expertise and skills to meet your business needs.
At Complete Care IT, our entire goal is to prevent downtime and increase productivity.
Our proactive and consultative approach to IT does more than fix computers, it streamlines your Information Technology (IT), while offering creative techniques to maximize efficiency. Think of us as your Chief Technology Officer.
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