Looking For A New IT Support Company In Toronto?
We Have Put Together The Top 9 Questions To Ask When Interviewing IT Firms
Download the PDF version here.
While every good IT company needs to be able to fix a computer or help you get the right software for your needs, that’s not everything they should be doing. But too many IT companies just stop at repairs and sales – they don’t help you truly take advantage of IT as a strategic business asset.
- How do you find the right company that will treat your business like their own?
- How do you avoid companies trying to just profit off your IT issues?
- How do you make sure you’re working with someone who puts your needs first and helps you see a real return on your IT investments?
Ultimately, you have to remember that not all IT companies are created equal. But it is possible to figure out whether someone has the chops to give you the full IT service you deserve. When you’re looking for a Toronto IT company, keep these 9 questions in mind. They’ll help you sort the winners from those just looking to make a quick buck off you.
- What kind of technical experience do you have?
Two points here: a) How long have they been providing IT services? (At least 3 is a good benchmark) b) What kind of certifications do they have? (Make sure they’re prepared to support the technology YOU use)
- Have you worked with other businesses in my industry?
They’ll be much more likely to know how to help you if they have experience with other businesses in your industry.
- Do you have any case studies or testimonials from existing clients that I can read? Can I contact any of your existing clients?
You would never hire a new employee without checking their references. It’s no different with an outsourced IT company! Find out what they’re like to work with and get supporting answers on any of the questions above.
- How proactive are your IT solutions?
You don’t want a company that you only hear from when there’s a problem. They should be applying regular maintenance to keep your technology at its best, so you experience the minimum of frustrating and harmful IT downtime.
- What kind of options do you offer for your support and services?
Your IT company should be prepared to make a solution that fits YOUR needs and budget. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to technology. Ask for options and get a full explanation of each one.
- When am I able to contact you for IT support? What is your policy regarding response times?
An outsourced IT company might be serving as your personal IT department – that means you should know when and how you can reach them. Some companies offer 24/7 support, others don’t – make sure you know what your company’s policies are and how they’ll affect you.
- What kind of security services do you offer?
A good IT company will make your security a primary goal. Any business can find itself attacked by hackers or suffering from an unexpected data disaster, and unless your IT company has a comprehensive security suite in place, you should be showing them the door.
- How do you stay ahead of evolving technologies?
They should have some way of keeping their skills sharp, maybe by attending industry events or conferences. Technology is always evolving, and a good IT company is ready to evolve alongside it.
- What are your values?
Ultimately, you’re looking for a long-term relationship here. You need to know who your partner is and whether you can count on them. Here are a few values to look for:
- Down-to-earth communication (No technobabble!)
- Transparency in invoicing and reporting (You should never feel trapped in their service)
- Constant communication (they should be touching base with you regularly, not waiting for YOU to call THEM)
It’s time for a Total Technology Experience – everything you need from start to finish from one source that you can trust: {company}.
We’re your Toronto IT provider, plain and simple. Contact us at {phone} or {email} to discover how easy IT is with the right team on your side.