5 Questions You Must Ask to Choose the Right IT Services Provider in Toronto

Working with a professional IT support company can help businesses of all sizes streamline workloads, access the latest technologies, boost productivity, save money, and safeguard their network against security threats.

The latter is crucial for Canadian SMBs: one in five has been affected by a cyberattack or data breach since 2018, and 37 percent claim the aftermath costs exceeded $100,000. An expert team will be able to recommend and implement the ideal cybersecurity program for your company, while delivering a host of additional services.

But actually, choosing one IT support provider from the many operating in Toronto can be tough. You need to ask the right questions to identify the right provider for your goals, budget, set-up, and expectations. Here are five to help you get started.

How much experience does your IT support team have?

We all want to find the best deal we can. We all love a bargain. And that mentality can drive SMBs to choose the cheapest IT support provider they can, without looking into their history.

That might just be a big mistake.

Yes, competitive pricing is critical to attract new clients and gain an edge in a bustling industry. But if an IT support provider is offering unbelievably low prices, it may be because they’re a new, small team.

Every firm has to start somewhere, but you can’t afford to risk your business’s security, efficiency, and performance just to save a few bucks.

Speak to any provider you’re considering working with about their experience. Ask about any certifications and qualifications they may hold. For example, have they received any local or national awards? Do they have notable achievements that can help provide you with the peace of mind you need?

The more experience a potential provider has, the more likely they are to have worked with SMBs across diverse industries. This means they should have the capabilities to create a tailored support package just for your business.

Ask if you can contact the provider’s previous clients to discuss their experience. If they appear reluctant to help, they may have something to hide.

What are your response times?

It’s incredibly reassuring to know you can reach out to an expert and receive fast support in a crisis.

Let’s say there’s an issue with your online payment system and customers can’t complete transactions. This could be costing you valuable sales by the minute. It’s an issue that has to be addressed — fast.

And the best IT support providers in Toronto will be there for you exactly when you need them, with dedicated helpdesk services offering quick responses. At GenX, we guarantee a response time of 30 minutes or less, for any IT troubleshooting need.

This encompasses remote-desktop connection, in-person support, and assistance by telephone. Instant messaging is available for immediate technical assistance through our website.

The sooner your issues are resolved, the sooner you can get your operations back on track. Fast responses and efficient service both help to minimize any potential downtime you might experience.

What types of plans do you offer businesses?

Reliable IT support providers offer custom-designed plans catering to every client’s individual requirements. They don’t stick to a one-size-fits-all contract that costs the same no matter how much or how little support your business actually needs.

Take the time to discuss the provider’s approach to plans and what costs you can expect to face based on your goals. You might have various options to choose from, such as paying for service per device, per hour, or on a problem-by-problem basis.

For example, per incident technical support and diagnostic services can connect you to seasoned experts if you have a single, ongoing issue. This is a flexible service with no contracts and a fast, focused response, for emergencies and non-urgent situations.

The beauty of customized plans is paying only for what you actually need. All the hardware and software included in your package are provided because they’re right for your business requirements. Not just to get more money out of you.

What does your security package include?

As we’ve mentioned already, one of the chief advantages of working with an IT support provider in Toronto is protecting your business against cyberattacks and data breaches. With 60 percent of small companies closing within six months of a severe cybersecurity incident, even an isolated problem could have devastating ramifications.

That’s why it’s essential to ask a potential IT support provider about their security measures and the level of protection you can expect. If you’re unsure what a particular term means, don’t be shy — experts will be happy to help you understand, for your peace of mind.

As an example, GenX’s CareForce Managed Security Service includes:

  • Cutting-edge firewall with tailored configuration and rules
  • Blocking email spam
  • Prevention of data loss
  • State-of-the-art anti-virus software
  • Threat detection with fast responses
  • Intrusion prevention for ongoing privacy
  • Remote access via secured VPN (Virtual Private Network)
  • Monitoring and defense of your business reputation

Are you vendor agnostic?

Vendor-agnostic IT support providers will focus on equipping you with the right solutions regardless of the brand attached. Some may work with certain vendors only and push clients into options that are less effective than others, purely because they cannot offer them a more suitable alternative.

This means clients could end up paying more than they need to without actually having access to the best solution on the market.

As GenX is vendor agnostic, we provide clients with access to a wide variety of options that match their goals, budget, and plans perfectly. We ensure a customized onboarding path that keeps the entire implementation process simple, for every client.

Ask these five questions of any IT support provider in Toronto to help you find the ideal firm for your business. The best team will take the time to explore your company, identify improvement opportunities, and determine the right plan.

To learn more about GenX and our expert IT support services in Toronto, contact a member of our team today!

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