In today's world, having modern Information Technology isn't a luxury, it's a standard.
Salespeople need to send emails, marketers need to manage databases, and administrators must frequently update online directories. With most of your employees regularly interacting with business technology, they need a quality IT infrastructure that supports business continuity.
And quality IT infrastructures start with quality IT provider partnerships.
When you begin looking for the right IT company, you have a few options available. One early decision to make is whether to source a local IT support company that services your immediate area or outsource to a foreign provider at a reduced cost.
This is an important consideration - after all, your service provider can and should be an important partner in your business for years to come.
What Good Service Providers Do:
Before we get into the local vs. outsource discussion, let's consider what a Good service provider does for small or mid-sized firms:
- Experts consult on technology best practices for your business
- Issues are fixed as they arise
- Tech professionals assist with regulatory compliance
A good managed services company will handle all tech concerns such as Backup Services, Server Support, Asset Management, and more.
What Bad Service Providers Do:
Alternatively, you could wind up with a support services partner that falls short in a few key areas:
- Projects are completed without big-picture thinking
- Issues take longer than necessary to resolve
- Communication & team dynamics fall short
Choosing a less expensive partner may seem cost-effective in the short run, but these long-term implications make partnering with the right company a must.
Kansas City Managed IT is an example of a full-service consulting company that provides expert managed services to Kansas City, MO, Overland Park, KS, and the surrounding areas. Contact our office today for a free consultation!
5 Reasons Local IT Support Beats Outsourced IT Support Every time
Small and mid-sized businesses should consider working with a local IT services company for a variety of reasons, including:
On-Site Support
First and foremost, dealing with a local IT partner means you can access on-site support whenever your business needs it. Ongoing support services are crucial to keeping your business up to speed.
When you experience a network outage, or suddenly need to recover important data for your business, you don't have time to spare. You need someone who can solve problems & provide technical support services in a timely manner.
An outsourced or overseas partner may have some trouble helping you quickly in these situations. They will likely dispatch a 3rd party operator to help you with your project. The nature of this 3rd party relationship means that the operator is not as invested in your business' success as one who works directly for your service provider.
Local Knowledge
Local IT companies can add value through their knowledge of the local landscape. This is especially true for small businesses.
For instance, if your server requires a specific asset delivered to your business, your IT partner will have the know-how to arrange the delivery quickly. They will have a great handle on how quickly products can ship to your address, as well as knowledge of local dealers who may be able to supply your asset.
Alternatively, an outsourced partner may not consider your logistical network as well. This could result in shipments coming in from around the world, delaying your progress days or even months.
This is just one example - there are numerous ways your IT partner can help you with their local understanding.
Greater Flexibility
What would happen if a cyber security breach shut down your business today? Would you rather your IT professional worked in the same area (and time-zone) as your business? Or is this not as much a concern?
Many business managers prefer the former because outages cost time and money, especially when they drag out for extended periods.
In general, local suppliers are typically more reactive than suppliers who are farther away. They can provide support services quicker, and it is much easier for them to coordinate work across the neighborhood than it is across the ocean.
Tightened Structure
In the same way that working closer together creates flexibility, it also solidifies roles and expectations. The further your partner is away from your worksite, the less control they have over technical issues.
Sure they might claim they will bend over backward for you at every turn. But would they react in a timely manner to your problem as they would to a client who could physically visit their office at a moment's notice?
Proximity can help keep these types of relationships in check. Face-to-face visits allow you to address any concerns and ensure network issues are kept to a minimum.
Expert IT Consulting
Finally, a great partner develops a vested interest in your business continuity and long-term success. This quality shows through expert IT consulting services.
IT consulting & management services can cover a small project to a full managed services engagement. Either way, the service provider will assist with technology solutions that fit your company or project.
When looking for an IT consulting partner, it is important to choose one that can help you choose the right technology for your business. This is a quality you are much more likely to find through a local partner, than one who works on your account from afar.
Contact Us - Kansas City's Most Trusted IT Partner
Choosing a local partner is easy for mid-size and small business owners in the Kansas City area. Kansas City Managed IT is the area's most trusted IT partner.
Kansas City Managed IT is a full-service consulting company that provides expert managed services to Kansas City, MO, Overland Park, KS, and the surrounding areas. Our team of technicians not only have the core set of IT skills, but each maintains a defined skill set in a specific area of information technology. This allows our team to manage virtually any IT needs.
Contact us today for a free consultation!