P2 Technologies - Finding an IT partner that fits your business perfectly

Finding an IT partner that fits your business perfectly Call us today on

01484 779 020

p2tech.co.uk @p2technologies

You want the best from your suppliers...

You know your business needs IT to succeed...

But there are so many options...

So how do you know which IT company is best for your business and budget?

Partners & Accreditations

For clear and trusted business IT advice call:

01484 779 020

Why Switch your IT Partner?

In this guide we’ll cover how to cut through the sales spiel and what to really look for “under the bonnet” of a potential IT partner.

But first, if you are looking to a new supplier remember why you are changing. You may be looking for a solution to a problem, you might want something more from your IT or are you just not sure your current service is best for you. Noting the reason helps to keep focus when evaluating a potential new partner.

Whatever your reason, trusting your IT service is paramount. If your current IT service isn’t giving you the reassurance you need, change it!

What you really want to ask? 

Can I trust you with my business?

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Do you know what is good for my business?

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Are you really any good?

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Can you cope with what I want to do?

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What am I actually getting for my money?

If this is what you are thinking then you’re already on the right lines.

There’s nothing to stop you asking these questions directly but how do you evaluate the response?

www.p2tech.co.uk

01484 779 020

What to look for? 

Business Focussed

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Specific Sector Experience

Your IT partner should understand your business. If you rely on IT to work then your IT partner should be an integral part of your operations. Ask what other businesses they work for how they will know what your business needs? How will they fit in to your business?

Your IT partner should be as aware as you are of what your business relies on whether it is remote sales, service management systems, accounts or all the above. Can they address specific challenges for your industry sector? Ask about specific issues you have and how they will be dealt with.

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Can you get me the latest technology?

Of course you want the best products and services you can afford and the best options are often only available to authorised partners. Ask what key vendor partnerships and accreditations they have and why they are important. Particularly if you are considering cloud services for your IT you’ll want to know where your data will be kept and how it will be secured.

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Can you trust their business?

You need technology to be efficient and succeed, so do they. Are they using spreadsheets to run their business or are they using an industry recognised management systems and processes. Ask what tools and processes they use, check them up, and ask how it is used to manage their business.

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The Proof? - Long Term Relationships Ultimately talk is cheap. Do they have references and testimonials to back up the talk? A good provider will have long term relationships with the customers they support. Ask for references who have worked with them for at least 5-10 years. It’s also important to check a prospective partners companies house records for long term stability/growth.

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Great People: Experience, enthusiasm, accreditation Finding the perfect match is a lot about finding the right people. Ask who it is that you will be talking to regularly and what experience they have (ask if you can meet the team and see how they work).

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Personal service / Onsite Attendance

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Service Reviews

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Support Boundaries / Grey Areas

Building and maintaining trust is much easier face-to-face. Remote working is great for many issued but ask if onsite engineer attendance is included. If they are working as the IT department in your company it’s important they get to know your business and your people.

Inevitably, whether it’s your business or the available technology, things change over time and your IT needs to move with what you need. Ask how they will manage your long term goals and keep you on track. A good provider will not only be able to respond when you need them but will also include strategic reviews with an experienced, senior consultant to align your IT to your goals.

Ideally, you want a single point of contact for your technology needs who can make everything work together. Ask how they will cover your needs and if any third parties will be involved. You many need to have third parties involved but your primary IT partner should be able to at least work with them to resolve issues or ideally manage the third party relationship for you.

www.p2tech.co.uk

01484 779 020

www.p2tech.co.uk @p2technologies

01484 779 020