Information technology (IT) is a $5 trillion field today, making it one of the largest in the world. This isn’t surprising when you consider that every company, brand, and individual today uses some IT technology whether in-house IT support or outsourced IT support.
The internet and data communication has advanced to the point that you should only have a professional oversee this infrastructure for you. Learning how to choose the best IT pros is something that every business must come to grips with.
So, how can you get started? These tips will help you find the right IT support Los Angeles based provider for your Southern California company.
Map Out Your IT Needs
Take the time to research the best outsourced IT technical support provider for your company’s needs. Consider the size of your company, how many devices you use, and whether your teams work completely in-office or remotely.
Here are a few IT needs you’ll need to think about:
- Setting up a private server room
- Onboarding new employees and setting up secure accounts
- Software and app design
- Tweaking or building your backend or company website
- Backups and disaster recovery services
Once you’re clear on the type of IT work you need, it becomes far easier for you to find the local IT support company that can handle the work for you piece by piece.
Study the Expertise of Your IT Provider
Always choose a company that is best suited to handle your business IT needs. A company specializing in weddings on a yacht will have different needs than one that deals with professional search engine marketing.
In this case, one is a B-to-C business that needs its site up and running 24/7 to make sure a potential customer can inquire about scheduling a yacht wedding.
The other is a B-to-B business who definitely needs the site running properly, but won’t significantly suffer if their service is down for a short period of time.
Since IT is such a vast field, you’ll want to consider the specialty of the pros handling the work for you.
Here are some specialties that different outsourced tech support companies focus on:
- Data analytics IT work
- Networking and cabling
- Business intelligence
- The management of data centers
- Digital forensics
- Database administration
- Help desk and troubleshooting
By looking into these different specialties you’ll make sure that your company remains online with optimal uptime and as few disruptions as possible.
Decide Between In-House and Outsourcing IT Services
The major decision typically comes when you figure out whether you want to hire a professional or outsource managed IT services with a company. Some companies prefer to hire a professional or team of professionals on salary so that they develop a deep institutional knowledge of the company, which they work for exclusively.
You might also choose to outsource your company IT needs. When you outsource technical support, you’ll reduce costs and will have access to an expansive team of professionals with access to the best skills and diverse skill sets.
Get Help With Cybersecurity
Regardless of what kind of work you do, it’s critical that you invest in stellar cybersecurity. Small businesses are the target of roughly 43% of cyberattacks. You need to arm your company with the defense that it needs since these attacks are costly and often involve stealing or damaging your precious data.
IT companies can help you put together a plan of action both for preventing cyberattacks and getting you back online after you’ve dealt with a breach. Cybersecurity is one of the most important forms of IT right now since these attacks becoming more prevalent and advanced.
Some of the different cyber attacks that you will have to be aware of and contend with include:
- Phishing attacks
- Man in the middle (MitM) attacks
- SQL injection attacks
- Cryptojacking
- Malware
- Ransomware attacks
- Denial of Service attacks
These professionals will safeguard your data and put together a solid and detailed set of policies so that your company isn’t left vulnerable and at the whim of cybercriminals.
Consider Any Specialty Software as a Service (SaaS)
Today, many companies are dependent and reliant on all sorts of software platforms. Working with a Los Angeles IT support company is important because they can develop a custom SaaS platform for your industry, or make sure that you always have updates based on your industry standards.
Managed IT services often mean that you get updates as soon as they come available without having to pay for individual upgrades. With upgrades, you’ll get rid of bugs and setbacks, and can count on your software serving your company. All of your managers and employees will have access to individual logins and licenses.
During a consultation, ask the IT pros about the types of SaaS they can provide.
Look Into Their Awards and Certifications
Ask the “IT support company near me” about any professional awards and certifications they have gotten throughout the years. The awards show their proficiency at what they do so you know that all of your data is handled efficiently.
Some of the IT certifications that you should look for in an IT pro include:
- Certified cloud security professional (CCSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- CompTIA A+
- ISACA Certifications
- Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP)
Figure out which certifications are best for your business needs. You’ll know that you’re working with legitimate pros based on their pedigree and background.
Ask About Price and Contracts
Finally, make sure to discuss contracts and prices with any company that you do business with. This lets you know upfront how much you’ll need to budget, and you can compare it with your operating costs and how much you can afford.
Working with managed service IT pros give you the best chance to cut costs so that you can stick to your budget. Find out the term and length of the contract so you know what you’re signing up for and what services are included.
Find a Quality IT Provider
Choosing an IT provider is essential if you’re hoping to take care of your data and communication needs. Use these tips as your starting point to get the help that you need.
Let Be Structured Technology Group assist you with whatever IT needs that you have. Schedule a free IT support consultation using our contact form, or call us at (323)331-9452.
