The 5 characteristics to consider when selecting an IT service provider

Whether it's a major project, outsourcing IT services, or just a small troubleshooting project, you'll want to make sure that your provider has the experience and expertise to take your business from point A to point B. How long has the provider been in business? What does their experience in the market look like?

Do they work with clients similar to you? Were you referred to this provider by someone you trust? Make sure you have answers to these questions before making your choice, as they will give you a good indication of the potential "fit" between your company and this future/new IT provider.

It goes without saying that all companies have some degree of differences that distinguish them. The same is true for IT services and solutions. Does the provider you are considering offer a range of services and solutions that truly meet your needs? Do they have the necessary certifications to carry out your project in the best possible way?

If you have a choice between several providers, take the time to understand their practice, certifications, and processes. There will certainly be differences in the ranges and levels of services and solutions that companies can deliver to you. Make sure to thoroughly analyze the difference among the options to make an informed choice that best meets your needs.

IT services, like other types of services, most often require customer service and technical support in the short, medium, and long term. Ask questions about the support standards offered by the different providers you are considering. Do they have clear response times? What happens in the event of a failure?

Do the companies you are speaking with have the internal processes to meet your requirements and truly support your business when needed? Of course, it's not easy to have a perfect answer before experiencing the reality, but by asking the right questions, you will be able to get a better idea and make a more informed decision by listening to the answers provided.

In an industry that is constantly evolving and where proximity and support are crucial, a major decision factor should revolve around the account management of your future provider. Who will take care of you? Do you have multiple contacts available in case of a problem? Are you dealing with a supplier who puts their interests first, or a business partner you can trust for solutions tailored to your reality?

These are points you need to identify in order to make the right decision, as when it comes to an IT provider, you are looking for a partner who can help you make the right technology decisions so that your business can maximize its IT investments.

In all decisions of purchasing and selecting a supplier, there is a part devoted to evaluating the price. Does the price of the provider you are evaluating reflect the value they will bring you? Is it the cheapest or the most expensive? If a provider is more expensive than a competitor, do they bring you more value than the competition? If so, the decision to invest a bit more is probably worth it. If it's a trivial matter for you, the best financial offer may also sway the balance for you.

Make sure you don't just validate the price of a solution or service, but especially the value reflected by that price for your business. Do you have an offer that justifies its value? Can a larger investment bring you a better return on investment? It's likely this aspect, among the other decision-making criteria you've evaluated, will allow you to appropriately choose the IT services provider for your business.

When it comes to selecting a new provider of IT services or solutions, be sure to fully understand the challenges you are facing and thoroughly enumerate and evaluate your decision-making criteria, specific to the unique needs of your business.