Long gone are the days when switching IT service providers was considered a nightmare. In the past, the very thought of it could make even the most seasoned professionals break out in a cold sweat. It was a costly, time-consuming, and incredibly labour-intensive process that would almost certainly. leave you feeling drained and frustrated.
However, thanks to the advancement of technology, the daunting task has been made a breeze. In fact, you can now seamlessly transition from one provider to another without breaking a sweat. All it takes is a bit of foresight and strategic planning (we’ll take care of this matter for you) to make the switch go as smoothly as silk.
Interested to learn more? In this article, we explain step by step how to switch managed IT service providers.
Know Your Current Contract
As you gear up for the big move to a new managed service provider (MSP), the very first step you should take is to get acquainted with your current contract.
Before you do anything, it’s important to understand the necessary procedures to terminate your service with your current MSP. This may include giving them a heads-up within a certain timeframe. And don’t forget to do your research on the appropriate way to notify them – a simple phone call may suffice, or perhaps written notice is required.
While you might be tempted to handle the notice yourself, why not let your new managed service provider take care of it? Not only will this free up your time, but it will also facilitate some practical conversations that your two MSPs will need to have during the transition process.
Lastly, pay attention to the logistics of ending your payment structure with your current MSP. Understanding the process for submitting your last payment can be vital to avoid any unnecessary hiccups.
Top Tip
Switching IT service providers can also present an opportunity to optimise IT systems and processes, leading to improved efficiency, better security, and cost savings in the long run.
Review and Sign Your New IT Support Plan
Once you’ve made the wise decision to use our services, we’ll take care of everything for you. All you have to do is sign a support plan agreement, and voila! The responsibility of handling the transition is now in our hands.
We’ll be the ones working hard while you can sit back, relax, and focus on growing your business. Forget about the headaches and uncertainties of switching IT providers – we’ll handle all the nitty-gritty details, including communicating with your previous provider.
Peace of Mind Off-Boarding
After you’ve signed our agreement, we’ll begin the off-boarding process. This is when your old MSP will say goodbye to your IT network, removing all access and closing down accounts.
But before you can officially part ways, your old MSP may need to swing by and pick up any hardware they still own. At this point, it’s important to check your contract beforehand and clarify any fees associated with the ‘breakup’.
Seamless Transisiton of Your IT Infrastructure
Once your old MSP is done, we’ll swiftly take action to ensure maximum security for your network. We’ll change admin logins and cut off any other routes of access for the previous MSP. Meanwhile, you can have peace of mind knowing we’ll do a seamless switching of systems.
During the process, we’ll conduct a full network check to ensure there are no vulnerabilities. In this crucial transition period, we’ll happily meet to answer any of your questions that might arise. And even after the transition is over, our lead technician is always available to respond to your inquiries.
No Downtime
Many business owners hesitate to switch between managed IT service providers, worrying it’s too time-consuming and can result if office disruptions. With our support, this will never be an issue.
As we go through the entire transition process, you can keep up with your work. We’ll make all the changes without you even noticing them.
How Can You Know It’s Time To Switch Managed Service Providers?
Did You Know
The most common reasons for changing IT service providers include poor customer service, lack of technical expertise,
and high costs.
Check Your Agreement
When you work with a managed IT service provider, a contract known as the service level agreement (SLA) acts as the guide. This document sets expectations and ensures your provider remains accountable for delivering the desired results.
By getting up close and personal with the terms of your SLA and regularly assessing your partnership’s progress, you can nip any underperformance or failure in the bud and understand whether you need a new service provider.
Confusing Invoicing
Managing a budget and predicting costs with precision is the backbone of any successful business. When it comes to IT-managed services, it’s crucial to partner with a provider who is equipped to work with your unique business needs.
If you find yourself consistently being hit with unexpected costs or unpleasant surprises on your invoices, it could be a sign that your provider is no longer aligned with your business goals or, worse, not effectively communicating with your team.
IT Not Aligned With Your Business Needs
Don’t settle for a provider who can only offer support across a limited range of services and solutions – this puts your business at risk of missed opportunities and lagging competitiveness.
By seeking targeted expertise across your entire IT function, you’ll be better equipped to stay ahead of the game and thrive in today’s fast-paced business world.
Not Applying the Latest Technology in the Industry
In today’s fast-paced market, there are a few fundamental technologies that are crucial for any business. For instance, cloud solutions provide affordable access to advanced business tools, while Microsoft 365 enhances workforce collaboration with up-to-date software and features.
According to a forecast by Gartner, worldwide public cloud end-user spending will reach almost 600 billion this year. If your business is missing any of these technologies, it may indicate that your IT managed services provider is not optimising your IT infrastructure to its fullest potential, leaving you at a disadvantage in the competitive landscape.
Recap
Switching managed IT service providers can initially seem intimidating, but if you work with an experienced and professional team, you have nothing to worry about. We’ll be there to help and support you every step of the way and take care of all the practical details.
Curious to learn more about our services and how an MSP could benefit your business? Get in touch with our friendly team here.
