11 Must-Haves for a Local IT Support Services Company
When you run a business, having reliable IT support isn't just a nice-to-have -- it's a lifeline. But with so many local IT companies competing for your attention, picking the right one can feel like navigating a digital minefield.
Whether you're a small startup or a well-established enterprise, choosing the perfect local IT support company is crucial for your success. To help you make a smart decision, below we've outlined 11 key things the IT company you go for should have.
1. Proven track record
Technology is what keeps your business running - you rely on it for communication, data management, marketing, and so much more. With so much at stake, it's crucial you leave it in capable hands.
An inexperienced company may have the expertise on paper, but they won't have the practical field experience necessary for working efficiently and avoiding major slipups. On the other hand, a seasoned company is likely to have navigated a wide variety of IT challenges, making them better equipped to handle any issues your business may face.
Start by digging into the reputation and experience of each IT support company you're interested in. Check out customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge their track record in consistently delivering reliable services. If the name draws a blank or the feedback isn't good, look elsewhere.
Treken have been servicing businesses across the South since 2002, with many of our clients staying with us for over 10 years. We've worked across a huge range of sectors, from event planning to civil engineering, giving us the know-how to handle IT needs for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Take a look at our case studies to learn more about our previous work!
2. Expertise and tech specialisation
There's a plethora of software programs and tech systems out there, each designed for different sectors, scopes, and ways of working. A company that understands the ins and outs of your business's systems will be able to navigate it much more smoothly, handling any issues that pop up quickly and without resorting to guesswork. That's why, before you bring on an IT support company, you should always ask them how well-acquainted they are with your systems.
Treken are proud to be official Microsoft and Dell Gold Partners. This means we have a solid working relationship with both companies and are recognised for our 'best-in-class capability' in guiding and supporting their range of products and services. If Microsoft and Dell are key to your business, you can trust that our team has the know-how to help you find the best possible solution.
3. Range of services available
From network management to cybersecurity, you want the IT company you choose to cover all your current and future IT needs. Choosing a provider with a comprehensive range of offerings allows you to consolidate your IT support under one roof, saving you the time and hassle of using multiple contractors. Make sure you take the time to assess the variety of services offered by the IT support company and confirm they meet your business requirements.
At Treken, we take pride in providing a wide range of services to cater to different needs. Whether it's managed IT support, cloud migration services, or broadband setup, we've got you covered. Explore our full range in the menus at the top of this page!
4. Scalability
As your business grows, so will your IT needs. It's important to choose an IT support company that can adapt its services to meet your evolving requirements - a scalable solution makes sure that your IT infrastructure can easily adjust to changes in size and complexity.
Having built decade-long relationships with many clients, Treken have witnessed many grow from small two-person startups to large-scale organisations. We always focus on setting up our clients with flexible systems from the beginning and continuously expand these systems over time. This way, they can grow without any worries about their technology holding them back.
5. Response time and availability
Downtime can be a major blow to your business, potentially costing you tens of thousands in revenue. When comparing potential IT support providers, make sure their response times align with your business requirements.
We make it a priority to respond to all calls from our contract customers within two hours, addressing even minor issues or enquiries quickly. Most of the time, when you reach out to our helpdesk through phone or email, we can resolve the problem almost immediately. This means you can have confidence that your business will get back on track without big delays.
6. Security capabilities
With cyber attacks on the rise, having a strong cybersecurity system in place is more important than ever. Make sure to thoroughly check the security capabilities of your IT support company, including data protection, threat detection, and incident response. This will maximise your business's defence against the ever-changing world of cyber threats.
Treken offer a diverse range of cybersecurity services, from antivirus systems to remote working, web, and email security. With this comprehensive portfolio, your business can rest assured that it's fully protected, providing you with total peace of mind.
7. GDPR compliance
Making sure your business complies with data protection regulations is crucial to avoid legal issues and protect sensitive information. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is particularly important in this context, but figuring out the necessary steps for compliance can be tricky. Because of this, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a company who understands GDPR compliance.
At Treken, we can assist you by guiding you through the Cyber Essentials programme, a government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme. This programme establishes a set of basic technical controls to help businesses defend against online threats and meet data protection and network security requirements. Our team are here to provide expert advice to help you successfully pass the certification, boosting your ability to attract and retain customers and making you well-positioned to accept contracts from the UK government or Ministry of Defence (MoD).
8. Open communication and reporting
Clear and regular communication is key to a successful partnership. Choose a company that keeps you informed of ongoing maintenance, potential issues, and proactive solutions without you needing to reach out. You should also make sure they can explain their expertise in plain English, not in jargon or tech-speak.
We at Treken believe in an open, proactive approach to communication and reporting. We monitor your servers, networks, and critical services constantly, often catching potential problems before they can affect your business.
9. Costs and pricing structure
Get a solid grasp of the costs associated with IT support services and take a closer look at the pricing structure. Instead of going for the cheapest option, consider the long-term value, as quality services often come with a reasonable price. You can then choose a pricing model that's transparent and aligns well with your budget.
Our service contracts are short, usually lasting 12 months, so there's no need for lengthy commitments. You have the flexibility to switch packages as needed. We believe our approach and services will win you over, making it unnecessary to tie our clients down for extended periods.
10. Disaster recovery practices
Disaster situations happen! From catastrophic hardware failure, floods/water damage, electrical problems, fire etc. Such incidents can seriously disrupt your business operations, causing untold financial and reputational damages. That's why it's essential to choose an IT support company with strong disaster recovery practices - they'll be able to minimise downtime and protect against data loss.
Treken have a variety of backup systems to suit your needs and protect your peace of mind. These include server and workstation backups, automatic recovery testing, and Microsoft 365 backups. No matter the situation, you can trust that your information will stay secure.
11. An all-under-one-roof approach
Dealing with multiple contractors can be a real headache, so it's better to go for an IT support company that offers an all-in-one solution. You'll get everything you need for your IT and comms in a single package, making management a breeze, reducing potential compatibility problems, and creating a more integrated IT setup.
When you choose Treken, you'll only have one team to work with and one phone number to call. We also have an excellent retention rate, so you can build a long-lasting working relationship with each member of our team.
Find the perfect IT support services for your Hampshire business
By looking at reputation, expertise, scalability, security, and other key elements, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and results in a reliable, long-term IT support partnership for your business.
Treken is the go-to option for SME IT support services in Dorset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. Our wide range of services is tailored to meet all your IT requirements, and our friendly, responsive team are always here to make things run smoothly. Whatever your business and whatever your needs, you can be confident you'll be in safe hands.
Ready to get started? Book a consultation online or give us a call on 01202 612333 -- we're looking forward to hearing from you!
