Not All Calgary IT Companies Are Created Equal: Here’s What You Need to Know
As a business owner or manager in Calgary, you’ve likely realized the importance of having a reliable and efficient IT support system. With technology constantly evolving and cybersecurity threats rising, partnering with an IT support company is an intelligent decision.
However, it’s essential to understand that not all IT companies in Calgary are created equal. In this article, we will explore the factors you should consider and the questions you should ask when choosing the right IT partner, such as Pure IT in Calgary.
1. What are your qualifications, accreditations, and experience?
In the unregulated IT support industry, verifying the qualifications, accreditations, and experience of any potential IT partner is crucial. Look for a company with a strong track record, appropriate certifications, and a team of experienced professionals. Pure IT, for example, has a team of experts with years of experience and industry certifications to provide top-notch IT support services.
2. How quickly will problems be fixed?
A prompt response is critical to minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity when facing IT issues. Ask potential IT partners about their response times based on the severity of the problem, their processes for handling issues, and examples of how they’ve dealt with past crises. A reliable IT support company should have well-defined procedures in place and provide you with clear timeframes for addressing various scenarios.
3. What do you do proactively to minimize interruptions?
An excellent IT support company should be reactive and proactive in preventing issues before they occur. Inquire about their strategies for minimizing downtime, such as regular system checks, updates, and maintenance performed outside of working hours. They should be dedicated to ensuring your business stays productive while essential IT work occurs.
4. Tell me about the specific people looking after us.
Understanding the team members responsible for your account is essential for fostering a strong working relationship. Ask how account managers are assigned and if there’s any specialization in your industry. Find out if you’ll always communicate with the same person and how they handle absences, such as vacations or illness. Knowing the team behind the IT support company will help you determine if they’re the right fit for your business.
5. Can you explain something deeply technical to me?
This question helps evaluate the communication skills of a potential IT partner. A good IT support company should be able to explain complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy for you to understand. This demonstrates their ability to communicate effectively and educate you when necessary.
6. How will you keep up with the constant changes in my business?
As your business evolves, your IT support partner should adapt to these changes. Ask how they plan to stay informed about shifts in your company and how they will adjust their services accordingly. Look for a partner that takes an active interest in your business and is willing to schedule regular catch-up sessions to stay updated on any changes.
7. Can you provide references and case studies?
Asking for references and case studies will allow you to verify the IT support company’s claims and get an idea of their track record. Reach out to their current and former clients to gain insights into their experiences, and pay particular attention to how the IT support company has addressed any problems or challenges that arose.
8. What is your disaster recovery plan?
In the event of a significant incident, such as a natural disaster or a cyberattack, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place. Ask the IT support company about their strategy for helping your business recover from such events, including their data backup and restoration processes and their approach to system redundancy and failover.
9. How do you ensure the security of my business data?
Cybersecurity is a top priority for any business. Your IT support partner should have a robust security plan to protect your sensitive data from threats. Ask about their security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, encryption, and regular security audits. A reliable IT support company should also provide employee training to raise awareness of potential security risks and best practices for maintaining a secure working environment.
10. What are your service level agreements (SLAs) and support terms?
Understanding your IT support company’s service level agreements and support terms is vital. Ask for details about their SLAs, such as guaranteed response times, resolution timeframes, and penalties for not meeting these commitments. Additionally, inquire about their support terms, including contract lengths, termination clauses, and additional costs for additional services or support outside regular business hours.
Pure IT: The Cream Of The Crop Over All IT Companies In Calgary
Choosing the right IT support partner is essential for the success and security of your business. By asking these critical questions and considering the abovementioned factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting an IT company in Calgary, such as Pure IT. By partnering with a reliable, experienced, and communicative IT support company, you’ll ensure that your business can thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.