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Three mistakes businesses make when outsourcing IT support

Three mistakes businesses make when outsourcing IT support is available on Nimbus Computer Support

Hiring IT support can be a huge benefit for your business. Not only does it allow you to make vital business savings, but it can allow you to get the best from your computer network, allowing you to be more productive.

However, when seeking out IT support from outsourcing providers, a number of mistakes can be made. Here are the most common mistakes businesses make, and how you can avoid them for a better relationship and more fulfilling service.

1. Going for the cheapest option

In today’s gig economy there are numerous options available when it comes to finding IT support. However, not all are equal. The cheapest options aren’t good for your business. Sometimes they’re foreign based and have different cultures, expectations and resources than you need.

In addition, the cheapest options often mean they aren’t investing in their own infrastructure. They might also not be so tight on EU or UK legislation when it comes to security and data privacy. You should always be looking for a competitive price, but one that offers you a quality service as well.

2. Thinking IT support is a short-term service

There are numerous businesses who contact IT support providers looking for a quick, short contract, break-fix or PAYG. However, this can often leave your business losing out technically and opening up your company to risk.

Long-term contracts offer stability for your IT network that enable it to continuously improve and not feel like a hotchpotch of systems melded together. In addition, one long-term vendor can offer you better security assurances than lots of different vendors who might not know that other vendors haven’t implemented important security updates.

3. Not having a manager

While you’re outsourcing your IT needs, it doesn’t mean you can’t have an IT manager. You still need someone in your business who manages the computer networks, making decisions and giving direction to your IT support team. This person can also give feedback to the other leaders in the business.

Having an IT manager also allows for better, more consistent communications as everything will go through them. It also helps the IT support vendor as they have a single person to contact, with whom they can build a long-term, successful working relationship that will only benefit your computer network.

Talk your I.T. needs over with Nimbus CS

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Cyber threats: how your business might be at risk

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Common misconceptions about cybercrime

This blog post Common misconceptions about cybercrime is republished from Nimbus Cloud Support

Cybercrime is a big part of business. However, business leaders of companies of all sizes make many assumptions about cybercrime. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions about cybercrime. If you know the true extent of the threat, you’ll be better at defending your business.

1. Knowing a threat exists doesn’t protect you

Employees know that emails from unknown sources aren’t trustworthy. In addition, they know that they shouldn’t investigate the links in the emails to see where they lead, but that doesn’t stop 78% of employees from clicking on them.

Just because you know a threat exists, it doesn’t mean your business is protected. You need to actively pursue ways to enforce your cyber security that will protect your computer networks and servers. For instance, your business should install firewalls, anti-virus software and continuously educate staff to follow proper network security.

2. Protecting yourself is all you need to do

While protecting your computer networks is a good start, that doesn’t mean your computer networks are defended. Third parties that you work with, who might handle your data, can be a weak link, and this is where cyber criminals sometimes gain access. This was the case with Universal Music Group when a contractor left an Apache Airflow server open to attack.

Ensure when you speak to third parties, that they have the right protection in place. This should include email encryption, firewalls and other measures to protect sensitive information you both have access to.

3. Cybercriminals are really clever people

The truth is that the tools to commit cybercrime and infect your computer networks are readily available online. Those wanting to attack your business can buy the tools for very little, if anything. Plus, many of the most successful cybersecurity threats to your business are really simple, they just require a file attaching or link inserting into an email. 

You should also remember that cybercriminals can be anyone. While there’s a lot of news about cybercriminals in Africa and Asia, anyone, even those in your own business, could be a cybercriminal. A study by IBM found 60% of cyber attacks are inside jobs. So, you’ve got to be vigilant. 

Restrict access to data, servers and IT networks to anyone who doesn’t need access. Limiting access can be one of your strongest defences.

4. You’ll never be a target

All companies, of all sizes, have been attacked in recent years. Sony had a Denial of Service attack that prevented players to access online game areas, Facebook had a breach where information for 50 million users was stolen and NASA had employee information taken by cybercriminals. 

Your business has a lot of value in it and criminals can, and will, target you at any time.

Always assume that you’re a target and adjust your cyber security initiatives with this philosophy in mind. You’ll be better prepared for what may come, than if you believe there’s no danger.

Whatever your business, cyber security is a major part of your operations. If you’re not sure about how you should protect your business’ computer network, you should outsource your IT needs. Professionals in IT support companies are experts in offering computer security services and can ensure you’re less at risk from cybercriminals.

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Cyber-security threats to be aware of in 2019

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Outsourcing your IT security means being protected from ransomware

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Common misconceptions about outsourcing IT

This blog post Common misconceptions about outsourcing IT is available on Nimbus Cloud Services

IT outsourcing has become a multi-billion pound industry that connects businesses of all sizes with IT experts all around the UK and beyond. IT services help cut costs, bring genuine innovation into businesses and free up time to focus on company operations. IT outsourcing is far more than a passing trend, but many business owners still shy away from working with an outside team. Here are some common misconceptions about outsourcing business IT support.

1. You get lower-quality work

Many business decision-makers assume that developers who aren't employed by their company will not deliver their highest standards of work. This is not true though - the vast majority of companies who outsource business IT support are very satisfied with the work. Outsourcing lowers costs and also brings in real talent that sees problems with a fresh perspective to deliver innovative solutions.

2. Outsourced teams will not be able to understand business requirements

Anyone who has worked in teams understands the importance of quality communication. Naturally, you would expect any outside agency you work with to understand the ins and outs of your industry. Fortunately, the IT requirements across different industries don't necessarily require expert knowledge of the industry itself - only of the IT infrastructure requirements. Any good IT company will communicate and collaborate with you to ensure every stage of the process falls in line with business requirements.

3. Outsourcing is only useful for tech companies

This is a very common misconception, but in reality, significant percentages of companies that use outsourcing are in industries like consumer products and healthcare. The tech and media industries actually only make up a relatively small percentage. And with outsourcing becoming more mainstream, companies are finding new ways to use outsourcing, so there is no reason why your company wouldn't benefit from it.

4. Remote teams are difficult to manage

Organising video conferences or meetings with an outside agency might seem like a headache. But outsourcing companies are used to working in this way, and will usually respond quickly to calls/messages as their whole business model is based around remote working. Any good IT outsourcing company will make communication as streamlined and effortless as possible.

IT outsourcing is a common practice all over the UK, but many companies still haven't taken the plunge and experienced it. With outsourcing becoming more mainstream, services have diversified and improved, so businesses of all sizes can benefit from outsourcing IT. Whether you're looking to cut costs or drive innovation, software outsourcing is a simple tool to make operations more efficient and drive growth.

Nimbus CS can help you with outsourcing your IT.

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Understanding encryption

Understanding encryption is republished from Nimbus Cloud Support

Encryption, any encryption, is better than no encryption, but it’s not a magic bullet. Improper implementation, or using out of date technologies, can easily mean that your encryption does little to protect your data.

What is encryption anyway?

The internet is an open network; anyone can access it, and that’s what makes it useful. Unfortunately, it also means it may be possible that someone can see the data that’s travelling through the cables and servers that make the internet work. A little like Royal Mail can read what you write on a postcard, internet service providers and others can read what you send over the internet.

Encryption works like an envelope; a really strong envelope with a really strong padlock keeping it closed. Properly used encryption means that only the people with the key can open the envelope and read the data inside. Not only does it protect against people reading your data while it’s travelling over the internet, it stops them changing what it says as well.

The technical bit

Most encryption in use today is based on a concept called “Asymmetric Key Cryptography,” discovered by James Ellis in the top-secret world of British spy agency GCHQ in the 1970s. The system works by using one-way mathematical functions: sums which are quick and easy to perform in one direction, but practically impossible to solve the other way around.

Under this system, encrypted data needs two keys:

public key, which is shared widely (hence the name) and is used to encrypt the data, making it unreadable

a private key, which must be kept secure and is the only way to decrypt the data (make it readable again)

Different mathematical algorithms can be used to encrypt data. AES is one of the most widely used and more secure options, but others are available.

Bad encryption

Encryption rule number one: never share your private key. This is where many secure services go wrong. Cloud platforms especially have a habit of selling their services as encrypting your data, when in fact they control the private key. So yes, your data may be encrypted… but if you don’t control the private key, how do you know who can decrypt your data?

If you don’t control your private key, you can't be sure your data is safe.

True encryption, from end to end

End to end encryption (e2e) means that your data is encrypted before it leaves your device (laptop, phone, PC, etc) using a key you control and stays secured until it arrives back on your device where it can be decrypted, once more using a key which you control. The private key never leaves your device, is never out of your control, and nobody other than you can decrypt your data. A man-in-the-middle attack could be used where an attacker gets in the middle of the communication and pretends to be the other side. A common man-in-the-middle attack is to pretend to be a legit wifi access point and relay all information between the access point and your device, thus allowing the attacker to intercept the data. This kind of attack may be used in coffee shops for example.

Using end to end encryption unencrypted data never leaves your device, which makes is much harder for anyone to eavesdrop on you or steal your data while it’s passing through the internet.

When choosing cloud services, communicating online, or setting up your business’ computer network, always make sure that your data is fully protected with end-to-end encryption.

Contact Nimbus CS to discuss your business needs

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How the GDPR has changed IT outsourcing in the EU

How the GDPR has changed IT outsourcing in the EU was originally posted on Nimbus CS, Belfast

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of information regulations developed by the EU and came to effect in May 2018. The regulations were a response to increasing public concern about the blatant abuse and misappropriation of private information accessible to both private and public organizations. While the decision to reinforce data protection is laudable, the new regulations have had a profound effect on the relations between client organizations and IT service providers.

IT service providers are consultants who offer a range of computing and information management services to client organizations of varying sizes and complexity. The new regulations make it hard for European organizations to outsource IT services outside the EU as it will be hard for foreign firms to comply with the GDPR. Some IT experts speculate that the law will be a boon for local IT service firms as the regulations have locked out foreign firms. However, even firms outsourcing within the EU will have to review the contractual obligations to ensure that the service is compliant with the new regulations.

The GDPR and Brexit

In the wake of Brexit, some commentators have argued that the GDPR will not apply to UK firms and citizens. The assertion may have some substance as the UK parliament can review the laws to suit national interests. However, most firms operating outside the UK will be reluctant to operate in an environment with conflicting regulations. Moreover, the GDPR prohibits data transfers to countries that lack adequate protections. This implies that the UK parliament will be hard pressed to make laws that are consistent with European regulations. Therefore, it is imperative for UK firms to comply with the GDPR as they will still have EU citizens among their customers.

We are an IT outsourcing firm operating in the UK and Ireland and are vigilant about data protection. We understand that breaching GDPR regulations attract fines of up to 4% of a firm’s annual revenue and are dedicated to educating our customers about compliance.

Contact Nimbus CS for more assistance on GDPR compliance.

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UK and Ireland join 50 other nations in signing cybersecurity pact

UK and Ireland join 50 other nations in signing cybersecurity pact was originally published to Nimbus Cloud Services

It has been announced that both the UK and Ireland, as well as 50 other nations around the world, have signed a cybersecurity pact with the intention of fighting cybercrime.

As well as numerous countries signing the pact, an array of very influential groups and organisations - including Facebook, LinkedIn and Siemens - have also given it their support. At the time of writing, around 150 companies from the private sector, as well as 100 charities and further education establishments, have backed the pact.

However, while this is clearly a positive and progressive move, it should be noted that a number of major countries have refused to sign on the dotted line, and their names will probably not surprise you:

- Russia - China - The United States of America - North Korea - Israel - Iran - Saudi Arabia

Each of these countries has a history of nationalism and solitude, and rarely confirm support for global pledges or accords.

So, with that in mind, what has the pact - announced in the midst of the Paris Peace Forum - actually been developed to achieve?

The pact itself

While the agreement is not actually a legal document, it has been created so as to promote things such as human rights, and protecting people's data and information. Given the number of high profile cybersecurity breaches in recent months - with particular reference to those that affected Apple and Facebook - it is unsurprising that this issue has risen to the top of many people's agenda.

However, here's where things get a little controversial. Another of the key principles is that all countries and companies should 'make a conscious effort to refrain from manipulating elections'. This is, very likely, the reason why China, Russia and the United States of America refused to sign. They have likely seen this particular pledge as something of a slight against them, and so have decided to forego the entire document in protest.

The true reasons have not yet been declared, but an educated guess would suggest this to be the case.

The tip of the iceberg

Of course, this pact has only been created because cybercrime has, in recent years, become an increasingly hot topic. Criminals are becoming smarter, and with more and more sensitive data being stored in the cloud and online, all companies must ensure they are properly protected at all times.

So, regardless of what your business does, how long you've been operating, or how many employees you have, we can help ensure your systems are as secure as possible. We are cybersecurity experts, and have built our reputation on keeping our clients safe, happy, and operating efficiently.

To book in a free consultation, or to see how we can help you achieve your security goals, get in touch with us today.

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Three of the biggest data breaches of all time

The following blog post Three of the biggest data breaches of all time is available on Nimbus

We all seem to acknowledge the fact that data breaches can be exceptionally damaging, and that cyber security in the UK is now a huge priority. But, there are some companies that have learnt this the hard way. In this post, we will take a look at some of the worst data breaches of all time:

CardSystems Solutions

A lot of people think that data breaches are a new phenomenon, but that’s certainly not the case. 13 years ago, one of the biggest cyber security breaches of all time took place. This was when CardSystems Solutions was hacked, exposing the credit card accounts of 40 million people. CardSystems Solutions is a leading payment processor for MasterCard, American Express and Visa, and so you can imagine how damaging this was. The company was hacked via an SQL Trojan attack, which exploited the lack of encryption on personal data.

Home Depot

Let’s move forward in time a bit. In 2014, Home Depot fell victim to an attack when their PoS systems were infected with malware that was believed to be anti-virus software. Instead, cyber criminals stole credit and debit card data and 56 million cards were compromised. It is estimated that the data breach cost Home Depot $179 million. The company faced a consumer lawsuit, as well as having to settle with the banks involved.

Sony PlayStation

If these two attacks were not enough to convince you of the importance of cyber security UK, then we are sure the last one will. In 2011, Sony’s PlayStation network was hacked, and it was the gaming community’s worst ever data breach. Hackers gained access to the passwords, emails, home addresses, credit card numbers, full names, purchase history and PSN/Qriocity log-ins and passwords of approximately 77 million accounts. The source of the hack remains a mystery, yet it is believed the breach cost Sony at least $171 million, if not more.

So there you have it: a glimpse at three of the world's biggest data breaches. In all three cases, a monumental amount of data was stolen, and all three companies faced consequences in terms of legal action and reputational damage.

Contact Nimbus CS.

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Now your business has grown, it’s time to invest in managed IT support

The article Now your business has grown, it’s time to invest in managed IT support was first published to Nimbus Computer Services

IT support is essential for any business. But, as the scope of the business grows, so does the need for professionally managed IT services. IT support quickly goes beyond being a consideration, and becomes a necessity.

But, what is it about that business growth which causes this increased demand?

Becoming a higher profile target

As your business profile has grown, so too has your visibility to cyber-criminals and data thieves. With technology developing all the time, so too are the methods used to hack into the systems of successful businesses. Data breaches can have catastrophic consequences for poorly prepared businesses, so it's a threat worth taking seriously. A professional IT support provider such as Nimbus CS can help you to keep your business safe as you become more of a market leader.

The increased complexity of processes

As a business grows, so too does the scale and complexity of everyday processes. Where it once was ten customers a day, it's now over a thousand. Five invoices have become fifty. One employee has become one hundred. That increase in scale and complexity means your IT network is going to have to be fit for purpose. Developing an IT framework to handle these processes reliably is essential to you being able to further develop your business. This is why when a business becomes larger, outsourcing professional IT support services becomes a valuable investment.

Helping prevent unscheduled downtime

Every minute your business is not open to customers, you're not growing. As your business develops and increases in scale the cost of unscheduled downtime becomes exponentially higher. When it comes to IT, both software and hardware can quickly draw your business to a shuddering halt if they're not properly managed. Whether it's bugs in the system, security lapses or shoddy installation - your customers won't care what caused it, while you're closed they'll shop somewhere else. Managed IT support services can help keep your business open for longer.

Nimbus CS make it easier than ever to develop and implement a tailored IT support service plan. Now your business is established, it's time to grow even larger.

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What actually is IT support? A quick overview

What actually is IT support? A quick overview was originally posted on Nimbus Cloud Services

At Nimbus CS you'll find a variety of IT support services available. But, what exactly is IT support?

A simple term for a broad spectrum

The term IT support actually belies how complex and varied the reality is. It encompasses a wide variety of specific services. But, broadly speaking, IT support relates to the management of computer-related processes. This can be as simple as installing office software or as complex as bug-fixing the IT system of a multi-national corporation.

IT support is generally broken down into onsite and remote services. As the name implies, onsite IT support involves an actual specialist present at your premises. Remote IT support is normally conducted by specialists who are offsite - both have their own benefits and drawbacks.

There is no "one size fits all" approach to IT support. Every single business has an individual IT system, which needs equally individual support. That's why if you're considering IT support services, it's essential for you to reach out to a specialist to discuss your needs.

Do you need IT support?

Businesses of all sizes stand to benefit from IT support delivered by a professional and experienced provider. An IT system that's in good health and kept properly updated facilitates business growth. Even if you have the understanding to manage your system yourself, it still needs considerable time investment.

Outsourcing also allows you to save on the cost of specialised equipment, software, diagnostic tools, and ongoing training. Businesses of all sizes should appreciate the ability to cut costs wherever necessary. Outsourcing IT support offers an irresistible package of lower costs with increased efficiency.

What's the first step?

The first step to getting the right IT support is understanding your needs. This is where consulting with a specialist pays dividends. Regardless of the size of your business, your current IT system is almost certainly going to benefit from changes.

Getting the ball rolling sooner rather than later will help your business in the long-run. IT support allows for more efficient and secure business operation.

With the right IT support, the sky's the limit for your business.

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Signs it’s time to change your IT support provider

Signs it’s time to change your IT support provider is available on Nimbus Computer Support

Many businesses are knowingly or unknowingly sticking with a sub-par service provider. This can be for a variety of reasons - either they're too polite/embarrassed to go elsewhere, they're worried about not being able to afford to shift, or they simply can't recognise the poor service they're receiving.

IT support is essential to your business success. If your IT support provider exhibits any of the following behaviours, it's time to start shopping around.

Lack of enthusiasm

Your IT support provider should still be enthused about performing their job to the best of their ability. It's up to them to facilitate your business' continued growth. If you're sensing a lack of engagement, it may be time to consider allowing a fresh team the opportunity to work with you. This doesn't mean you should expect wide grins and cartwheels every morning, but if you're sensing that a good job is no longer its own reward for your IT support provider - start searching out new faces.

Poor communication

Outsourcing IT support is a big thing for a business to do - you're allowing access to another company to the inner workings of your business. Your IT framework is the backbone of your operation, without it, your business will come to a grinding halt. The importance of this means it's not unreasonable for you to expect a certain degree of communication from your IT services provider. If calls are not being returned, emails are not being replied to, and your questions are being unanswered, it means top quality service is no longer a priority.

Spiralling costs

IT support is an essential service for all businesses. It's an investment - an investment into your ability to be competitive in the marketplace and provide your customers with the kind of service they expect. That investment, however, should not be a crippling one. If you're noticing that costs are beginning to balloon out of nowhere, you should be thinking about seeking a new support provider. No worthwhile IT support company will dare to present costs to you that can't be easily justified.

If you're seeking pastures new, contact Nimbus CS today.

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The consequences that make cyber security an essential investment

The consequences that make cyber security an essential investment was originally posted to Nimbus IT Support

As technology becomes more advanced, cyber crime becomes more prevalent. With the average business handling a variety of highly sensitive data, from employee details to customer payment information, cyber security is of the utmost importance

Failure to invest in adequate computer security carries these potential consequences, among others:

Damage to brand image

One of the more comparatively manageable consequences of a cyber-security breach is the toll it'll take on your brand image. Customers will have a decidedly more negative view of your business in light of a cyber security breach being discovered and publicised.

Would you spend your money with a business that you didn't think was safe? No, and nor will your customers. In a marketplace packed with fierce competition, your customers won't have to go far to find a more secure alternative. This could cause your business lasting and severe damage.

Perceived vulnerability

Cyber-criminals are very good at keeping up with the latest news in the world of cyber security. They'll know very quickly if your business has been subject to an attack, which will draw them like sharks to a drop of blood. Your business will be at its most vulnerable in the immediate aftermath of a cyber attack.

Perceived vulnerability will draw cyber criminals to try and test your computer security. In the wake of a security breach, you'll likely be scrambling to try and re-secure your business. While your attention is consumed in one area, it's the perfect opportunity for them to slip through the cracks elsewhere.

Possible legal issues

Arguably the more severe implications of cyber crime come when you consider the legal implications. Your business could well be subject to specific legislation - this lays out the minimum steps you must take in order to ensure the security of the confidential data your business stores.

The direct consequences of this vary. It could be as simple as a fine, which while undesirable isn't going to be the end of the world. For a more serious breach, however, you could be liable for prosecution and even jail time if the breach is severe enough.

Unfortunately cyber security is not an optional investment for any business, it's essential.

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Business benefits of an outsourced IT help desk

The following post Business benefits of an outsourced IT help desk is available on Nimbus CS

Businesses of any size now use such a variety of different applications and devices that it's really no wonder IT departments are overstretched. Outsourcing your IT help desk is one way to ensure the IT professionals in your organisation have the available time and ability to focus on the core IT targets of the business.

Challenges for business IT departments

Much of today's business environment is dominated by the needs for digital transformation, enhanced cyber security and the introduction of cloud-based solutions. All these new technologies take time to implement and involve complex learning curves and added skills.

Members of IT teams tend to run on adrenaline as they cope with requirements to cut costs, increase productivity and enhance services, all at the same time. Outsourcing IT help desk services can be a reliable solution to the problem faced within IT: that there really aren't enough hours in the working day.

Expert IT services within contemporary businesses can truly help transform the company and ensure solid growth. And, when help desk services are outsourced to reliable computer support providers, the increased agility of IT teams can be significant.

Ways Nimbus CS business IT support can help your company

The expert team at Nimbus CS can offer the comprehensive outsourced help desk support needed to ensure all your end users receive IT support when needed. Let us handle support calls related to all your business applications and devices, so your teams can focus energy on achieving IT business targets.

IT help desk support from Nimbus CS can be tailored to meet your requirements exactly and benefits include:

the ability for internal IT teams to focus on all core business needs

scaled support to cover peak times for your help desk service

quicker delivery of new business applications throughout the entire organisation

outsourced IT help desk functions can be cost-effective and provide greater levels of business IT efficiency

Our clients receive all the monitoring tools required to ensure the accuracy of the service and complete information about all calls fielded. Where help desk calls need to be escalated back to IT departments, we prioritise them to ensure individual downtime is limited.

Nimbus CS provide a wide range of managed services for business. Get in touch today for more details.

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Common mistakes businesses make when outsourcing IT support

Common mistakes businesses make when outsourcing IT support was first published on Nimbus

Outsourcing your IT support carries a variety of benefits, however you're only going to enjoy those benefits if you choose the right support provider to work with. Businesses will often make key mistakes when trying to find the right IT business support provider, so make sure you're able to avoid them.

Rushing into an arrangement

As with all aspects of your business, one of the worst things you can do when trying to find an organisation to provide you with IT support is rush. Time spent researching your options and potential service providers is never wasted: make sure you remember that.

IT support depends on a relationship forming between the service provider and the business they're supporting. Choosing the wrong organisation for you will result in poor quality service which will ultimately harm your business. There should be no rush: IT support is essential but take your time if you want to reap the rewards.

Not understanding your needs

You'll make the consultation process go a lot faster and smoother if you already have a general understanding of your business IT requirements before making the first contact with a potential business IT support provider. That's not to say you need to understand everything implicitly, however.If you have the ability to offer up some key areas you feel you need the most support with, you'll be giving your IT specialist a clear indication of where to focus their efforts. Ultimately this means they will be able to provide you with more efficient support.

Thinking you can go it alone

The lure of keeping overheads down often leads businesses to attempt to manage their IT in-house, which is a poor idea for a variety of different reasons. One reason is that managing IT requirements is a highly specific skill which requires specialist training.

Even if you do understand your IT system implicitly, you're still going to need to invest valuable time, equipment, and resources to manage it all. Those resources are all vital and could be better spent trying to build your business profile, without devoting valuable hours to necessary IT tasks.

You can get in contact with Nimbus CS here.

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Are you looking for an IT support provider? Here’s what you need to know

The following article Are you looking for an IT support provider? Here’s what you need to know was first published on Nimbus IT Support

It’s a no-brainer that IT is an essential part of any business. As it’s used to improve customer service, manufacturing, human resource management, transport, communication, and so much more.

However, running an internal IT department can be tedious and heavy on the balance sheets. For this reason, many businesses turn to IT support companies for quality and professional services. But with so many options out there, choosing the right service can be somewhat tricky.

So we’ve put together a checklist to help you make the right decision.

Do they have a good reputation?

As with any other long-term business relationships, you need to do your homework before signing that dotted line. Here, you are looking for real customer reviews and recommendations. Most of them are available online, but you can always contact the company and ask for a list of clients in your line of business.

Does the IT Company have experience with your workstations and servers?

Sometimes, companies may use Linux or Mac OS on their systems. And that’s fine, but does the potential IT service provider have experience with those operating systems? Though IT guys are considered universal, their experience with your systems is very important.

How does their Response time look like?

An IT company may offer excellent customer service and support for your technologies but fail to deliver timely solutions when you really need them. Therefore, ask for a service level agreement that shows how fast they can resolve issues. But still, response time depends on the level of support you are willing to pay for. Options include:

Pay-as-you-go support

Break-fix support

Managed service support

Certifications and partnerships

Reputable IT support companies always have connections with all the big names in the tech industry. For example, if you work with Windows, look out for partnerships between Microsoft and the IT company. That way, you are assured that no system hiccup will be too difficult to resolve. Also, consider partnerships with hardware manufacturers like Dell and HP.

Over to You

Nimbus CS is an IT company operating in the United Kingdom that meets all of the above requirements. We have handled email, networks and computer solutions for numerous clients, and we look forward to hearing from you.