Most businesses in California operate on technology. If something breaks down, critical operations are no longer able to be completed. This is especially true in Sacramento: a true tech hub where many companies significantly rely on technology for their core business. That’s why it’s essential to have some form of IT support, and many organizations are choosing to outsource this service. But with so many IT providers out there, how do you choose the right Sacramento IT provider for your business? Here are five key elements to look for to make sure your potential IT provider is up for handling your technology environment.
4 Key Factors to Look For When Evaluating Sacramento IT Providers
1. Look for a True Consultant
There are two ways an IT provider handles your technology and network: either reactively or proactively. Reactive providers will fix things when they break and find solutions to issues, but they don’t go much farther than that. They aren’t as concerned with making your environment agile and flexible in preparation for the future.
On the other hand, a proactive IT services provider will be a true consultant and partner for your business. They will be there to solve any problems, but more importantly, they’ll try to stop them before they even start. They’ll put in the time and effort to make your technology the backbone of your business, supporting everyone and everything and helping it run more effectively and efficiently.
2. Find a Provider with Experience in Your Industry
Every industry has unique challenges, opportunities, and standards when it comes to technology. When you evaluate various Sacramento IT providers, it’s often a good idea to find a partner that has experience working with companies in your industry. Providers familiar with your industry will have a fundamental base of knowledge that will be useful for you. They’ve seen how similar companies operate, what works, and what doesn’t.
This doesn’t mean your business doesn’t have unique needs on its own— it definitely does. And if you find the right partner, they will create solutions to meet these needs. However, having a provider that understands how your business and industry operate can be a significant advantage in creating an optimal technology environment.
Partnering with a provider who has expertise in your industry is especially helpful for compliance issues. If your organization falls under regulations such as HIPAA or CCPA, knowing your IT provider has worked within these standards can bring you peace of mind. It can give you more assurance that they are following proper protocols and handling your data correctly.
3. Determine if They Will Go the Extra Mile
Some managed service providers truly care about their clients while others, unfortunately, only care about their bottom line. Make sure the provider you choose is the former. You want a partner that will go above and beyond for your business because they care.
For example, a few years ago, one of our Northern California IT clients was threatened by wildfires. Many businesses and individuals were leaving the area, but our client’s entire network was at risk. Our technicians jumped in a car, drove into the fire area to retrieve all of the equipment, and relocated it somewhere safely. We did this because we take our responsibility to our clients seriously. We strive to be there for them no matter what, and you’ll want a consultant that does the same.
4. Ensure They Continually Train Their Technicians
IT is a complex industry. It requires constant learning to stay updated on new solutions, cyber threats, and tools. One of the many benefits of outsourcing your IT is that it’s your provider’s area of expertise. However, some companies are much better at staying on top of training than others.
When you are shopping the market for an IT provider, you’ll want to ask questions about how they train their technicians. Do they provide yearly, monthly, or weekly continued education? How do they keep up with all the latest solutions? Having confidence in your technician and IT provider is essential. You’ll want to rest easy knowing that your technology environment is up-to-date and secured with the latest tools.
And, not only do they need to stay on top of new technology trends, but they should also be aware of new regulations. For example, this year California implemented the CCPA. This is a set of regulations concerning how companies handle information. You want a provider that understands the new compliance laws and knows how to work within them.
In Conclusion
In the end, there are many amazing IT providers in Sacramento, California, and across the United States. By doing proper research, talking to current clients, and asking the right questions, you’ll find a provider that will take great care of your technology.
