For many businesses, IT services can feel like a bit of a mystery, this often raises an important question: Is my IT really in good hands?

The good news? It doesn’t have to be a mystery. By asking the right questions, you can get a clear picture of the service you’re receiving, the value your IT provider brings, and whether they’re truly meeting your business needs.

To help you make informed decisions, here are the key questions you should be asking your IT provider:

Where Is Our IT Budget Being Spent?

It’s easy to assume that your IT budget is being allocated efficiently, but without visibility, you could be spending money on unnecessary services.

Your IT expenditure will typically include support service charges, software licensing and hardware maintenance. However, businesses often overlook the importance of regular audits. Your IT provider should have a well-maintained and up-to-date list of users, ensuring that you are not paying for employees who have left the company or redundant software licences.

By understanding exactly where your IT spend is going, you can identify potential cost savings while ensuring that your business has access to the best tools and support available.

How Can We Optimise Our Technology?

A proactive IT provider should not only maintain your existing technology but also seek ways to enhance it for your business. Ask your provider whether they have assessed the suitability of cloud migration for your operations, what upgrades might be necessary and how you can leverage the latest innovations to improve efficiency.

Outdated technology can slow down your workforce, increase cybersecurity risks, and lead to higher operational costs. By investing in the right technology, you can improve productivity, enhance security, and stay ahead of competitors.

What Does Our Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan Look Like?

Data loss can be catastrophic for any business, and without a solid disaster recovery plan in place, recovery could be difficult or even impossible. Your IT provider should have a comprehensive backup solution in place, whether that’s cloud-based, on-premises or a hybrid model.

Additionally, they should be able to provide evidence of a tested disaster recovery plan, detailing how quickly your business could recover from a worst-case scenario. If they can’t provide this information, it may be time to reconsider your provider.

What Cybersecurity Measures Are in Place to Protect Our Business?

Cyber threats are evolving at an alarming rate, and businesses of all sizes are at risk. It’s crucial to understand what measures your IT provider has in place to safeguard your network.

Ask whether they provide regular reports on cyber threats and deflected breach attempts. If your business is frequently targeted, this could indicate a vulnerability that needs addressing before it is exploited.

Your IT provider should also support you in completing the Cyber Essentials assessment—a UK government-backed scheme that helps businesses protect themselves from common cyber threats. Achieving certification will give you peace of mind that your security meets national standards.

What Proactive Measures Do You Take to Prevent Issues?

An IT provider should not simply be reactive waiting for issues to arise before taking action. Instead, they should work proactively in the background to prevent problems before they impact your business.

Proactive IT support includes regular patch management, ensuring that your software and systems are always up to date with the latest security updates. It also involves continuous monitoring, detecting potential issues before they escalate into major disruptions.

By choosing a proactive IT provider, you benefit from increased security, reduced downtime and an overall smoother operation.

Are We Getting More Than Just IT Support?

A great IT provider doesn’t just fix problems; they actively support your business goals. They should understand your industry, align with your objectives, and contribute to the success of your business.

If your current provider is slow to resolve issues or lacks proactive engagement, you may be stuck in a partnership that is holding your business back.

Your IT provider should act as an extension of your business offering more than just technical support.

Switching IT Provider Has Never Been Easier

If your current IT provider is failing to meet your expectations, making the switch to a new provider doesn’t have to be a hassle. We handle all communication with your existing provider, ensuring a smooth transition with no disruption to your business.

If you’re interested in learning more about our proactive IT support contracts, get in touch with us today. We offer a free audit of your IT systems and a detailed overview of how we can enhance your IT infrastructure and security.