A robust IT infrastructure is a must-have when it comes to achieving success in our digital-first world. Organizations need to focus on staying on top of cybersecurity, networking, applications, and functional infrastructure, while keeping it all within budget. There’s nothing worse than a critical malfunction that halts operations and takes time to fix. Additionally, if there are no in-house team members available to provide a solution, the fix takes even longer. Businesses of all sizes require IT solutions that alleviate stress, so you can focus on your core projects. If you don’t have the capacity for an in-house IT team, consider partnering with a managed IT service provider.
Working with a managed services provider (MSP) can include accessing services like network and systems management, cybersecurity to improve your security posture, data backups, service desk support for your users, and more!
Choosing the right MSP for your business is important, as according to Forbes, “Changing MSPs frequently does not bode well for business continuity and growth.”
Two obvious elements to look for when choosing an MSP partner are the services that they offer and their cost.
The less tangible elements to look for are the elements that contribute to a successful and trusted working partnership. Essentially, the end goal of adding an IT support team to your business is working with new people and building a trusted relationship that will move your business forward. So aside from looking at the obvious, there are a few other elements to consider.
1. Open Communication
When looking for an MSP, you want to partner with a company that has excellent communication. They should be an open book! If you are experiencing issues, you need support with a quick response time. PC Corp operates a Service Desk that is a communication hub for your technical questions, issues, and “how-to’s” for your users. An Executive Account Manager (EAM) will oversee your account and continually work with you, so you can understand how IT can improve your operations. An EAM is a liaison to provide smooth communication between your team and ours! These are your two key communication points with PC Corp as your MSP. The Service Desk is your one access into all things technical, while your EAM is your access to all things business and operational. Having these two focused access points as communication channels ensures that we can address issues quickly and allows you to improve operations.
2. Procurement With Deeply-Rooted Vendor Relationships
Not all MSPs provide procurement services, but this additional attribute can benefit your company. PC Corp has a procurement line of business, and we have developed long-standing relationships with vendors. This allows for greater access to their expert product and service technologists for support, training programs and learning opportunities, demo products, and special pricing programs — all which add value to your IT purchase. We have partnerships with amazing vendors like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Lenovo, Acer, Microsoft, and more! Our procurement specialists are highly-knowledgeable, offering the best technology solutions to help your business be as successful as possible.
3. Strong Reputation
When considering an MSP, businesses want to know they are working with someone they can trust. Ensure the MSP you’re looking into has a strong reputation for quality service and many years of experience in the industry. With 40 years of experience, working with PC Corp is like having a best friend in your corner — we always have your back and will be there to help when any problems arise. We have built a reputation over the years of consistency, knowledge, and highly-capable staff.
4. Community Initiatives
Organizations that support social causes use their voice to advocate change and make the world a better place. Partnering with an MSP that is involved with community initiatives means you’re working with a business that cares about people and the planet. One of PC Corp’s corporate values is: “Make a difference.” It is inherent to our culture and is a core business discipline for our organization. For example, our Green Projects Committee has created the 1,000 Trees Initiative! Every year we help to plant hundreds of trees to keep Alberta the beautiful place it is.
5. Personable Company Culture
You need to cultivate a close relationship with your MSP, so you should review what their internal team relationships are like too. You will be communicating with them frequently, with your trust placed in the hands of someone else. An ideal MSP celebrates a diverse company culture where everyone is welcome and treated with respect. At PC Corp, we love celebrating milestones as a team. At the end of 2022, we celebrated our 40th anniversary by taking a company retreat to Lake Louise! We have worked hard the last four decades to create an amazing place to work and grow by fostering a culture of inclusivity that is reflected within client relationships too.
Partner With PC Corp. We Make IT Easy.
At PC Corp, we work with your business to provide strategic IT services from our responsive and supportive specialists. Our team is highly-skilled and capable of solving today’s toughest IT challenges. We will treat your challenges like our own and help you remain secure and productive.
Connect with us today to learn how our services can compliment your operations and ensure your IT is working with you, not against you.