Here are seven things to expect from your IT partner:
1. Technical expertise — and strong communication skills.
Of course, an IT partner should be well-versed in the ins and outs of technology. But that sort of knowledge can be of little more than academic value if your partner doesn't have first-hand knowledge of how it applies to your business. The partner should be first and foremost a businessperson who utilizes technology in a cost-effective manner to solve business problems. A good IT partner can bridge the technology and communications gap that often exists between IT and a CEO's office. Back
2. An awareness of your budget — and resources.
IT partners are proving increasingly essential to a broad range of small to medium-sized businesses. But that sort of critical function shouldn't necessarily come at a crippling expense. When looking for an IT partner, ask how fees are structured. A responsive IT partner certainly won't be free, but should be sympathetic to those sorts of services that can bleed business coffers dry. For instance, they should provide access to high-level skills when needed, yet also offer reduced rates for services such as a help-desk and repair. Those are the expenses that can consume the majority of an IT budget outside of project work. Back
3. An advocate who cuts through product hype.
No IT partner stays afloat long if clients don't agree with his or her recommendations, be it a new software package or a plan to implement it. But truly effective partners go to bat for their client companies, identifying genuinely effective technical options. An exceptional technology partner can bridge the gap between a vendor's product hype and what is truly an effective business solution. The IT partner should also help determine if a client company is using its current technology to its fullest capacity and show how to maximize its existing assets. Back
4. A long-term planner, implementer, and strategist.
Even the most carefully thought out technology plan is of little use if it grows old on the drawing board. An involved IT partnership also means a handle on implementation, whether it's suggesting a gradual introduction over time or a veritable technology lost weekend where everything is shut down and changed over. Be sure that your IT partner knows the best way to put technology recommendations into place. A technology partner should also help an organization implement an IT plan. A good partner can help prioritize needs and plan an effective implementation strategy. Back
5. An industry watcher who maps technology advances and developments to your needs.
A proactive IT partner stands ready to pinpoint new technology needs and to suggest updates and changes accordingly. That means keeping close tabs on your business's growth and development — as well as on developments in the world of technology that might apply to your needs. The IT partner should continually develop an understanding of the business at hand. Then, they can offer strategic insight into how new technology solutions can reduce cost and streamline the organization’s operation. Back
6. A keen ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.
It's unrealistic to think that any element of technology, no matter how expensive or sophisticated, is totally immune to breakdowns. Rather than wallowing in that tech Never-Never Land, an effective IT partner should always be ready to address technical problems quickly. Even better, your IT partner should go a step further and be proactive about overseeing regular maintenance and other steps that can head off snafus. A good technology partner should provide fast, cost-effective emergency response when problems can't be avoided; but they should also provide scheduled upkeep of networked systems, security policies, backups and infection-protection systems so that problems can be prevented as well. Back
7. An interest in all of your technology needs.
Nothing can prove more annoying — not to mention wasteful — than you having to hop from consultant to consultant or business to business to address individual elements of your technology needs. One final element when looking for an IT partner is knowing that all your technology needs will be met under one roof, no matter if it's as involved as a completely new technology infrastructure or as elementary as a basic user's question. The IT partner should function as a single point of accountability and contact for all technology issues. Back
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