2 Key things your company should consider before hiring an IT support company

31 Jan 2023

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Choosing the right IT company can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you need help to grasp IT yourself. 

That is why we created for you this guide on the two key things to consider before you hire an IT support company. 

After all, your small to medium-sized company might not have the same resources to establish an in-house IT team as the larger companies; not to forget to mention that outsourcing your IT support will help you increase efficiency, flexibility, access skills, and resources, and lower your costs (due to lower labor rates and economies of scale).

OK, so now that you’ve decided to hire an IT support company, here are the two things to consider before you sign off on that contract!

1. Managed IT Services vs. Break-Fix

Which service do you actually need & why? Let us start with a brief definition of both:

a) Break-Fix or Time and Materials

Spoiler alert: This model usually works in the favor of the IT technician, not yours.

Essentially, when opting for the “break-fix” service, you pay an hourly rate for a technician to “fix” your problem when something “breaks.” Example: A network upgrade, fixing an issue with your email, or an office move that resulted in a need for IT help. 

The only time the “break-fix” approach works is when your already hired competent IT manager or team can’t fix a problem because of a deadline or lack of expertise (such as implementing a cyber security plan, etc.). Outside of this, it is a far better idea to choose a general IT services company for one fundamental reason: you’ll end up paying for a pound of “cure” for problems that you could have easily avoided with an “ounce” of prevention.

b) Managed IT Services

Under this model, your outsourced IT company should provide a higher level of cost-efficiency and expertise to manage everything from cybersecurity and reliable internet connectivity to compliance issues and data loss prevention.

The IT services company takes the role of your fully outsourced “IT department”. The team will offer all types of support via phone, on-site, and on various issues such as Antivirus, cyber security, backup, and hosting other services to maintain and monitor your computer’s health, performance, speed, and security network.

They will also install and support the devices and PCs that connect your server(s).

2. Billing

Break-Fix Model: We already established that under this model, you hire a technician at an hourly rate you agree upon to “fix” a problem(s) or provide IT support. 

Managed IT Services: Under this model, Managed IT Services companies will quote you a monthly fee based on the number of devices (desktops and smartphones) needed to support, maintain, and backup.

Ensure you review your contract to know what is and is not included.

Confused yet? Don’t worry. We will help you figure this out!

Here is a list of standard services that should be on your contract:

  • Apply security patches daily and/or weekly to combat urgent and emerging threats.
  • Monitor and update Antivirus 
  • Monitor and update Firewall
  • Monitor servers and workstations for signs of failure
  • Test restores and monitor backups
  • Install spam filter and updates
  • Optimize systems for speed
  • Document your credentials, network, software licenses, and others

The managed IT services company might have other services to sell you, which is only unethical if they hide these fees when selling you the service agreement.

Here is a list of services that may not be included and will often be billed separately.

  • Hardware: Personal computers, laptops, upgraded servers, etc. 
  • Software licenses
  • Special projects

 Warning! Beware of the grey areas of “all-inclusive” service contracts.

Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That is why choosing a competent IT firm you can trust is vital.

We recommend you always inquire about the detailed services you’ll get for your money so you end up working with an IT company that helps you solve your IT problems and accomplish what you want in a time frame, manner, and budget that works for your business.

Swift Chip provides managed IT and cybersecurity services for various companies in fields with stringent privacy and compliance requirements. Contact us today.

CONTACT US TODAY

Swift Chip provides managed IT and cybersecurity services for a wide variety of companies in fields with stringent privacy and compliance requirements.

Contact Us

Contact Info

LOS ANGELES

10100 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, United States

info@swiftchipinc.com 310-881-8770
Swift Chip, Inc.
5.0
Based on 9 reviews
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Adrianna SmithAdrianna Smith
01:52 27 May 22
The team at Swift Chip is responsive, knowledgeable, and super kind! Anytime I have an issue, they are quick to contact me back. Technology issues can be very overwhelming for a business owner, so having them on my team is super helpful to keeping my business operating smoothly!
Gary RotkopGary Rotkop
19:50 08 May 20
Very knowledgeable and professional staff that responded quickly, understood what I needed and resolved the issue economically. I had a very specific technical issue with an integration. Although AJ did not have specific knowledge of this very esoteric software, he managed to figure it out within minutes as we were discussing the problem. Very impressed. Thanks Swift Chip.
Udi BarkaiUdi Barkai
14:38 12 Oct 18
We have been working with SwiftChip for the last four years and have exceptional experience with these guys. In particular we would like to mention their extensive knowledge and outstanding customer service.
Keith R. SpragueKeith R. Sprague
10:46 22 Apr 16
Ken and his staff are great. They are very knowledgeable and always seem to have the answer. Highly Recommend...
Van HaasVan Haas
16:27 21 Oct 15
Ken May and his team at Swift Chip has always done a great job for me and the clients I refer. They are on the ball and are usually flexible with their schedule. They know their stuff and get it done right!
Tina Reed JohnsonTina Reed Johnson
16:46 25 Oct 12
Ken May is a very personable and responsive business owner, who is always ready to assist with computer and mobile issues. Swift Chip has the knowledge and know-how to get the job done, no matter how big or small.
Ken HowerKen Hower
14:03 09 Nov 11
Swift Chip worked on my wife's laptop and made it run better than ever...better than new! Pricing was more than reasonable...Call Ken May at Swift Chip...he's the man!!!

VENTURA

2140 Eastman Ave, #104 Ventura, CA 93003, United States

info@swiftchipinc.com 805-318-8770
Swift Chip, Inc.
5.0
Based on 7 reviews
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Robert BrothersRobert Brothers
22:11 24 May 22
Best IT company I've worked with in the last 20 years. Highly recommended!
Kate BernabeKate Bernabe
00:52 16 Nov 21
Jim DeArklandJim DeArkland
22:34 20 Jun 21
always a positive experience!
Tiara PalazuelosTiara Palazuelos
15:11 18 Sep 20
They respond very quickly an are very professional! I'm very happy with the IT services they've provided!
Eric AndersonEric Anderson
17:25 06 May 19