December 18, 2017
Homefield IT
IT Consulting & StrategyTech Support & Managed IT ServicesConstructionEducationFinanceHealthcareLegalReal Estate
A 2015 survey reported that 66% of businesses surveyed used an outside IT firm in the previous year. With the rise of cloud computing, it only makes sense that more companies are saying goodbye to pay-by-the-hour IT support companies in favor of the managed services model. But before your company makes the switch, it’s important to choose wisely when investing in IT support as a service. Here are just a few common mistakes for companies to avoid when choosing a managed services provider.
Neglecting Compliance
Abiding by proper compliance rules and regulations is absolutely essential for a managed services provider, especially for industries that have policies intended to severely limit data access, such as the healthcare industry. It’s critical to do your homework and ensure that the managed services provider you choose has the experience and industry knowledge to protect your business from a security breach that could seriously cost you. On average, the cost of a data breach reached $3.5 million, an increase of 15% since 2014. But what’s even worse is the potential your business could have for facing serious lawsuits and fines from regulators
Not Checking Certifications
Any company can claim that they provide the best service, but you won’t know until you determine whether or not they’re certified. When doing your research, keep an eye out for certified engineers as well as other qualified problem solvers. And of course, it’s essential to make sure the managed services provider you choose has vendor solutions that meet the ICSA (International Computer Security Association) and other relevant certifications to your industry.
Choosing A Provider Without Proven Experience
Finally, the number of years a provider has been in business can say a lot about their quality. Yes, newbies can provide quality service, but they likely haven’t had the opportunities to deal with as many unique situations as other, more established providers. It’s your choice in the end, but make it wisely.
Ultimately, the managed security services market is expected to almost double by 2020, from $17.02 billion to $33.68 billion. And as managed IT services becomes the standard model across a variety of industries, it’s long past time to consider making the switch. Being aware of these mistakes can help you get used to IT support as a service and choose the provider that’s right for you.
