Outsourcing your business IT support to another supplier can significantly ease the burden on your own staff.If   you pick the right supplier to outsource support to, your business will enjoy hassle-free IT support services, expert help when you need it – and useful advice to ensure you get the best from your IT systems.

This first step in choosing who to outsource support to is to draw up your list of support requirements. These will give the companies you approach a clear idea of what you’re looking for, and will provide you with a framework against which you can judge their IT support services.

It may simplify things to find one supplier who can deal with all the different aspects of IT in your business. This may also reduce your overall costs. Many companies will be keen to offer you wider business IT services, perhaps helping you buy, install and use IT equipment as well as supporting it, so think about this carefully in the context of how your business uses IT.

However, the fundamental question your requirements should answer is: what IT support services do we need? For instance, is telephone support sufficient, or do you also require support on-site at your business premises? What sort of technology does your business require support for?

You can evaluate the companies you approach based on their website and sales materials. A quick chat on the phone is another good way to cut to the chase and get a feel for whether each supplier should make your shortlist.

You may decide to ask the suppliers you contact to respond in a standard format. You might get them to produce a written tender explaining exactly how their IT support services will meet your requirements, or ask for a simpler request for information, summarising the key points of their bid.

Rank the suppliers in order of preference. A shortlist of between three and six companies is ideal, but getting to this point can take a lot of effort, so you might prefer to start with just one or two good candidates. Invite each into your business and quiz them to ensure they understand your company and its support requirements.

Don’t be shy about asking questions. This is the time to address any concerns you have and assess whether your businesses will be able to work together effectively. Your aim is to emerge from the process with a single preferred supplier to outsource support to, so ask whatever you feel you need to. Your choice of supplier for IT support services is a crucial one. Your business may have to rely on them in a crisis, so although it might take time, don’t sign a contract until you are completely happy.

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