Making IT Work for… you and your IT suppliers
Most businesses use IT suppliers to provide expert support for hardware, computer networks, systems and software. Some businesses have more than one provider, as IT businesses tend to specialise in certain areas.
However, are you getting the most out of your current IT suppliers? When was the last time you had a brainstorm with them about how they could further help your business? Sharing elements of your business plan with your supply chain can be beneficial to the long-term success of your business. As your business grows and changes, your IT needs to flex and support new business requirements.
This week a well-known local reputable insurance broker recently asked my advice about them considering moving their email into The Cloud. I asked if they had a current provider supporting their mail server and they did. The supplier had recommended this initiative. I suggested they ask the IT supplier to ask one of their clients who had already moved their email into The Cloud if they would show the insurance broker what the pros and cons are of doing so. The IT provider should be able to facilitate this. There is nothing more compelling than seeing someone else using the technology first, and giving you their honest opinion.
A good quality IT supplier will be performing a ‘tech watch’ as part of their business, scouring the tech-landscape for new products and services, which could help their clients.
At least once per year arrange a brainstorm session where you and each provider can look at videos, demos and examples of technology installations from their other client projects.
During the brainstorm, ask about setup costs, data migration and import, on-costs, data storage location – to ensure compliance with UK or EU data protection laws and any associated risks.
Finally, speak to your accountant about the best way to fund new IT projects.
