Selecting a managed IT provider is a significant decision. The provider will have access to your systems, handle your incidents, and in many cases act as your de facto IT department. A poor choice creates dependency on a provider that cannot actually deliver.
Here are five questions worth asking any provider before signing a contract.
1. Who specifically will be working on our account, and what are their qualifications?
Vague answers about ‘the team’ are a warning sign. You should know the names and credentials of the people who will handle your environment.
2. How do you handle incidents outside of business hours?
Most incidents do not happen at convenient times. Understand the escalation process and response time commitments for out-of-hours events.
3. Can you show us an example monthly report from an existing client?
A well-run managed service produces regular, meaningful reporting. If a provider cannot show you what this looks like, they probably do not do it.
4. What does your onboarding process look like?
A structured onboarding process — documentation, discovery, handover — is a sign of operational maturity. An ad-hoc approach is not.
5. How do you handle the transition if we want to leave?
Providers who make transition difficult are creating dependency by design. A confident, competent provider will have a clear offboarding process.
InsightX is happy to answer all of these questions directly.