8 Warning Signs You Need To Switch IT Support Providers

When the time comes to select whether or not to move to a new IT support provider, it’s not a decision to take lightly, but it’s frequently one you need to explore due to necessity.

Most businesses are usually at a standstill when the decision presents itself, often leading to poor service until it becomes too costly to continue.  

Often, the inefficiency of a provider is too evident after the service starts, but it can also occur halfway through the contract if a change occurs.

In worst scenarios, the indications of incompetence are hard to pinpoint, or the business is unaware of these signs.

If you want to ensure your company’s operations proceed smoothly and safely at all times, you might want to check out this interesting read to help widen your perspective.  

Determining if your current IT support provider is no longer living up to its expectations can be challenging.

Luckily, here are a few red flags you should watch out for, which is a sure sign that it’s time to switch to a new one.  

Poor Understanding Of Your Business 

When your IT support provider doesn’t make an effort to know your business, they cannot provide suitable solutions to help it grow or achieve its main objectives, which can be an issue of concern in highly regulated industries.  

The provider you’ll work with should fully understand the challenges and opportunities in your business sector to provide practical guidance.  

As folks from LK TECH explain, providing customized solutions for each client is critical as no two businesses are the same. So, before choosing a provider, ensure they have your best interest at heart and that the solutions offered align with your business objectives.

Lack Of Communication 

In any relationship, good communication will always be the key. When an issue arises, you need to know that your IT support provider is there to help at all times.  

If it takes days to respond to an email or you can’t get in touch with them using other methods, it’s best to look for a new provider.  

Always remember that good communication covers more than just emergency support. A reliable provider can straightforwardly explain any new software and security protocols, answer all your concerns, and provide the proper guidance when necessary. 

Not Prioritizing Security 

Not Prioritizing Security 

When your current IT support provider isn’t keen on following security best practices, it’s time to look for a new one before a disaster happens.

An incompetent provider might leave your client database in disarray, allowing sensitive data at easy reach by malicious attackers.   

If your provider doesn’t have a solid security strategy in place, it can end up as a problem your company needs to clean up.  

Won’t Accept Responsibility 

When things go out of hand, both the client and the IT support provider must examine the situation correctly and assume responsibility for the event.

A clear red flag to watch out for is when a provider refuses to take responsibility or blames you or indicates it’s not their problem or no longer offers solutions while pressing the fault is not on their side.  

Unable To Follow A Proactive Approach 

When it comes to the IT environment, it’s better to take a proactive approach to prevent any issues from occurring in the first place.  

Sadly, if your current IT provider only takes action when a problem is present that could have been prevented in the first place with standard IT practices, consider it as a red flag. In such cases, it clearly shows the provider isn’t showing any commitment in delivering the best support your business needs.  

Lack Of Data Backup 

In any company, data plays a crucial role. Once it’s compromised or lost, it can negatively affect operations and put your business on the sidelines.  

Unfortunately, if you lack the proper protective measures, your data can be at risk. Once this happens, your company will be in trouble, such as lawsuits or even penalties from the government.  

It’s critical to back up regularly if you want your data to be safe at all times. Ideally, your IT support provider should deliver a service to back up all your critical data. If your current provider can’t offer this type of service, it’s best to look for a new one.  

Slow Response Time  

Your IT support provider should be readily available when you need them the most. Most companies today rely on their technology for almost all operational processes.  

Once there are problems in accessing emails, crashing software, missing essential files, and issues with the Internet service, it can put the organization’s operations to a standstill. Working with a trustworthy IT support provider knows this and will readily respond. 

Your Business Has Outgrown Your IT Provider 

Even if your IT provider has been excellent, your company will reach a point when it outgrows its services. 

In such cases, it occurs when you started as a small company and worked with a small IT provider. As your company starts to grow with more employees and adopts more complex infrastructure, it requires a higher level of support. The IT support provider your company initially worked with could no longer keep up and lags when it comes to maintenance.  

Some of the indications your company has outgrown your provider are the following: 

  • It takes time for the provider to deal with issues within an acceptable time frame and difficulty catering to your needs when necessary.  
  • Standard technology services such as disaster recovery plans, backups, mobile device management, cloud implementation, consulting, or network audits aren’t available. 

Final Thoughts 

If you happen to encounter any of these red flags from your current IT support provider, consider switching to a new one. Make sure you’ll hire one that delivers the best and helps your company achieve its objectives in the long run.