How To Switch IT Companies (A Practical Guide)

How Easy Is It To Switch IT Companies

Does your company rely on outsourced IT support? Do you feel like the IT support provider isn’t meeting the needs of your business? This is the scenario that some companies find themselves in.

Technology plays a critical role in the running of any industry — from communicating with clients to accessing data. If your machinery isn’t properly functioning, then your business is at a loss. Your IT support plays a vital role by ensuring your systems are running efficiently. If they are not delivering results, then it’s time to switch to another company.

What Are the Signs That You Need To Switch Your IT Company?

You may want to switch your IT support provider due to the following reasons:

1. You’ve Been Experiencing the Same Hitches With No Solution in Sight: How many times are you contacting your IT support to resolve the same issue? If you’re experiencing the same glitches day in day out, they are not doing a good job.
2. Hidden Fees on Your Bill: If you’re always getting additional charges on your invoice due to upgrades and services that you aren’t aware of, then your IT support isn’t effectively communicating.
3. Constant Security Breaches in Your Systems: Does your IT support assure you that security measures have been put in place? Are you still continually experiencing data breaches? Then, it’s time to evaluate these security measures and look for a different IT support provider who can guarantee your data safety.
4. Your IT Support Isn’t Keeping Your Systems up to Date: With technology advancing every day, your IT support must keep you up to date with these changes and integrate them into your systems. If they are unable to do this, then it’s better to consult a different IT solutions provider.
5. Your Business Needs Have Changed: As your business expands, so do your technological needs. If your current IT support provider doesn’t have the adequate resources to cater for your expansion, then looking for another IT service is ideal.

Here’s How You Can Smoothly Transition To A New IT Company

Moving to a different IT company may be a horrifying task. You will need a smooth transition from your current supplier to your new one. Preparation is vital when switching. This way, you will avoid interruptions along the way.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An IT Company

• The services they offer — The IT support should provide services that are relevant to the company. These services should include; cloud-based services, cyber-security, strategic planning, network design, and integration.
• Their portfolio — The clients the company has worked for, the projects they’ve handled, and its reviews are very crucial.
• Level of expertise — They must present a team of technicians who are experts in the IT field and are experienced. The company must also show proof of certification.

How To Ensure A Smooth Transition While Switching IT Companies

Once you’ve found an IT support provider that you’re confident working with and are satisfied with the services they offer, transitioning is the next big step. The following are the steps to follow as you transition:

1. Getting Full Control Of Your Network: The first thing you need to do is to gain full control of your network and files. Suppose your IT support company maintains your systems and website, most of your company resources (shared documents and cloud storage) is likely stored in the firm’s equipment. Although most IT companies make transitioning easy, some may try to hold your data ransom by changing passwords and locking you out of your systems. Make sure you have full control of your networks before you do anything else. Once you have moved to a different supplier, change your passwords so that your previous IT support cannot have access to your systems.
2. Acquire All The Necessary Documentation: You will need access to all of your documentation. This documentation will include a list of log in accounts, passwords, network diagrams, usernames, hardware and software inventories, and any other detail that will make the transition process smoother. Give your current IT support provider access to this documentation as it will help them identify your main challenges and implement permanent IT solutions.
3. Get All Copies Of Your Backups: It is essential to have a backup system when moving data from one company to another to prevent data loss. Assuming that your previous IT support was backing up everything, you will need to ensure that you have all the backups before you transition to avoid a scenario where your former IT support still has access to your data. Getting all your backups also makes the transition process less stressful, knowing that you have all the copies of your data also give you peace of mind.
4. Perform An Extensive Security Assessment: Your new IT support should carry out a comprehensive security assessment, especially if you’ve been having challenges with viruses and malware. This analysis will help identify areas of risk and vulnerabilities that need to be resolved.
5. Set Up An Appropriate Transition Time: You may incur additional fees from your current IT support provider if you transition before your contract expires.
6. Give Your Current IT Support Provider Notice: It is only fair to you’re your current IT support provider that you are planning to switch companies. This notice will help them prepare for the transition and make the process easier.

Although switching IT companies may seem like a hustle, it’s more beneficial to shift to a more reliable IT support provider if you feel that your current support isn’t meeting your needs.

Are you currently thinking of switching IT companies? Are you looking for more reliable IT services? Is your company based in Atlanta? Switch to Centerpoint IT, an IT service provider based in Atlanta, and get efficient, affordable, and reliable IT solutions for your business.

Click here to get started or call us at (404) 781-0200 to schedule a consultation.