If your business relies on the internet and your digital presence—and let’s face it, almost everyone’s does—you could benefit from an IT solutions partner. You need to find a partner who knows the ins and outs of technology, is reliable and trustworthy, offers top-notch customer service, and has your best interests at heart.
But with so many options in Charlotte, NC, it can be difficult to narrow down your search for the perfect IT solutions partner. So let’s look at how you can benefit from an IT partner and most importantly, how to find your perfect technology partner.
What We Mean by “IT Solutions Partner”
The whole basis of an IT solutions partner is that you outsource some or all of your technology-related activities to an external service provider such as ANC Group. When you think about it, you probably already outsource a lot: you may use a payroll provider to make sure you’re paying taxes correctly, or outsource your accounting to an external bookkeeper.
An IT solutions partner is no different—you are relying on an expert in the field to provide technology-based services so that you can take care of other important business tasks. Another name for an IT solutions partner is a “managed service provider” (MSP) or “managed IT.”
What an IT Solutions Partner Does: Monthly, Daily, and Second-by-Second
Depending on what you need, an MSP can take over all your IT needs, from keeping your computers running smoothly to providing cybersecurity and data protection. Or they can simply provide help desk support and IT consulting when you need it.
They really are a partner: Like a good team member, they want to hear your business goals and expectations for technology, strategize about the future and work together to implement tools and practices for better IT.
If something goes wrong, your IT team will be there to help. They’ll patch any security holes and make sure your systems are running optimally. For ultimate peace of mind, securing services like 24/7 monitoring helps you rest assured that the people who know technology best have your back.
What Should Charlotte Businesses Be Looking for When Choosing an IT Partner?
Here are the essentials to keep a few key things in mind while searching for an IT solution provider: their experience and expertise, customer service approach, pricing structure, and values.
Experience and Expertise
Your technology partner should have a broad range of experience and familiarity with different software, hardware, and cybersecurity measures. They should also be able to demonstrate knowledge and explain technology in terms you can understand—you don’t want to choose someone who talks over your head!
Take a look at their website to see how long they’ve been in business, the certifications or accreditations they have, and any reviews. If you can’t find any of that information, don’t be afraid to ask them for it.
Customer Service
In the world of IT, things can go wrong fast. You want to make sure your IT partner can respond quickly, efficiently, and effectively to keep things running smoothly. Ask about their ticketing and customer service policy so you know what to expect if something does happen.
A good way to measure the quality of their customer service is by asking about their response time. The lower it is, the better!
Pricing Structure
The cost of an IT solution partner will vary depending on the services they provide. Make sure you understand their pricing structure upfront, so there are no surprises down the road.
Most MSPs have a flat-rate, monthly, quarterly or annual pricing structure, but be sure to ask about any additional costs that may come up.
Values
When it comes to choosing a provider, you want someone who will align with your values. Look into their mission and vision—are they committed to customer service? Do they have any sustainability goals? Are they contributing to the local community in some way? These could be signs they are invested in their work and care about the people they serve.
If you want more specifics, take a look at our blog on the 8 questions you should ask an MSP before hiring them.
The Perfect Match: Your Business and ANC Group
Because of the influence an IT solutions provider can have on your business, finding the right one is make it or break it. ANC Group is dedicated to providing the highest quality IT solutions and security services at a price that works for you. We have been in business for over 20 years, and our team of experts can provide you with unparalleled technical knowledge and 24/7 customer service.
Just like you, we call Charlotte, NC home and we’re proud to serve businesses in the area. When you choose ANC Group, you can have confidence knowing that we prioritize customer service and security while keeping our client’s best interests in mind. Schedule a consultation today to see if we’d be a good fit as your IT solutions partner!
