10 Signs It’s Time to Switch IT Providers

Let’s face it: the thought of changing managed IT service providers is enough to give you a headache. But, on the other hand, you might be thinking that your mediocre service is worth settling for rather than taking the steps needed to find someone new.

Unfortunately, it’s not! And when you find the right IT service provider, they’ll be there to make the transition as easy as possible.

When you run a business, there are many things you need to be focusing on – but IT support shouldn’t have to be one of them. Instead, you should be working with an IT service provider who can provide you with resources that give you peace of mind. Instead of worrying about cybersecurity, they’ll allow you to focus on the tasks you’re genuinely passionate about.

Here are ten signs that it’s time for you to start searching for a new IT service provider.

You Wait For Responses

When it comes to cybersecurity issues, time is of the essence. So if you’re experiencing a problem, you want your IT service provider to have an all-hands-on-deck approach.

Minor outages can end up costing your business thousands, which is why it’s vital to find a provider that not only understands the dilemmas you’re facing but can help tackle them promptly. If your current provider is slow to respond, it’s time to switch to one that keeps your needs in mind at all times.

You’re Not Prioritized

If you’re a small or midsize business (SMB), and your managed IT service provider has a handful of larger clients, you might be feeling a bit swept under the rug. Sometimes, these larger clients get all the attention, even though 63% of SMBs reported experiencing a data breach in the past 12 months.

If you find that your provider often tends to other clients, that’s a clear sign it’s time to find a partner who takes your goals seriously.

There’s a Lack of Communication

With a reputable IT service provider, you’re going to be working with a team of individuals who keep you informed and alert. Whether it’s a software update, new employee training, or something to keep an eye out for, you’re never going to be in the dark when it comes to cybersecurity threats.

So, if you’ve noticed a lack of overall communication between you and your current provider, start looking elsewhere. The best managed IT service providers are on top of the game no matter the time of year, how many clients they have, and how big or small your business might be.

They Pile on Additional Fees

Is your bill increasing steadily month after month? Are you even fully aware of what you’re being charged for? If the answers are yes and a sincere no, it might be time to look for a new provider.

Unexpected charges and a repeated increase in fees signify that your partner lacks efficiency and consistency. Look for an IT service provider that is honest and upfront about the costs you’ll be paying.

Talk to them about what you’re paying for and why you should be paying for it. The best providers will answer your questions and communicate their expectations instead of pushing you to sign on the dotted line.

Your Software Is Outdated

This one’s a bit of a no-brainer. If your managed IT service provider isn’t continuously updating your software, it’s time to hit the market.

Updates to software, applications, and devices, in general, are all essential when it comes to solid cybersecurity measures. With new hacking methods being implemented daily, prioritizing these updates is more important than ever.

Look for an IT service provider that isn’t just knowledgeable about standard cybersecurity measures but stays up-to-date on new threats as well.

Issues Keep Repeating Themselves

Yes, specific IT issues can pop up again after being solved, but if this is a regular occurrence for your company, it’s time to look for a new managed IT service provider. You shouldn’t have to be concerned about problems repeating themselves, especially when those problems put your data and reputation at risk.

Talk to a seasoned IT service provider about how they can help prevent your cybersecurity problems from happening repeatedly. Of course, you should always address threatening issues, but they shouldn’t be a regular occurrence with the proper measures in place.

They Use Too Much Jargon

At the end of the day, not everyone is an IT expert. That’s why when working with an IT service provider, you need to find someone who can help you understand what exactly they’re doing to keep your organization safe from cybercriminals.

If you dread having any kind of conversation with your provider, that’s a sign it’s time to part ways. With all of the acronyms and terminology IT experts use, it’s understandable to feel confused about what’s taking place. But with the right provider, you can understand their work and why their solutions are a perfect fit for your business.

They Can’t Keep Up

Hopefully, your company has seen a vast amount of growth over the past few years. If so, your needs and goals have probably changed a lot. However, if your managed IT service provider can’t seem to keep up with the changes, you might need to look for someone new.

Your provider should be able to grow along with you. They should be there to implement new solutions, suggest new ideas, and make the changes needed to keep your ever-growing organization safe.

They’re Reactive Instead of Proactive

The world of cybersecurity can be unpredictable at times, but there are plenty of softwares, strategies, and tactics you can use to stay safe. If your IT service provider only seems to be reacting to your problems instead of proactively preventing them in the first place, it’s a good idea to look for someone new.

Proactive IT service providers will implement rigorous strategies that align with your business goals and vision. They’ll help your employees maintain awareness of the threats they face daily.

They’ll also gather essential data and routinely reassess the strategies they’re using for your business. Remember, you want a provider that’s on top of the game and doesn’t fall behind.

They Offer Cookie-Cutter Solutions

Cybersecurity is certainly not one-size-fits-all. Each business is different, and therefore, needs its own set of cybersecurity measures.

If your managed IT service provider seems only to share generic solutions, consider finding a provider that can develop a custom plan specifically for your needs. Experienced providers understand that each of their clients has different goals, so they take the time to curate a plan that works for them.

Considering that the average cost of a data breach for SMBs with less than 500 employees is $2.98 million, settling for a mediocre IT service provider simply isn’t worth the risk. So overall, if you don’t feel you’re getting the support you need, know that it’s okay to move on.

Send us a message if you’re in the market for a new provider or if you simply have questions about all things cybersecurity. We’re here to support your business in any way that we can!