What can you expect from a managed IT company in Chicago?
While many Chicago business owners understand the benefits of outsourcing their IT functions, only a few know what to expect. Before you start searching for a reliable partner, you need to know exactly what you want the company to offer.
Here are a few services and options a reliable manage IT company in Chicago should provide:
- 24/7 monitoring and problem fixing options (round-the-clock assistance is usually more expensive than help during business hours).
- Cybersecurity services (including disaster recovery plans, cybersecurity compliance, and employee training).
- Software and hardware monitoring and maintenance
- Network management
Some companies can offer a set of services while other may have a small selection. If you don’t want to pay for services you don't need, it's imperative to have a good understanding of your company’s outsourcing requirements.
What Questions Should You Ask a Chicago Managed IT Company?
ITCompanies.net created a full list of reliable managed IT service providers in Chicago. Once you use this list and narrow it down to two or three candidates, you can consider arranging an interview.
Even the most appealing service providers may not match your particular needs when you meet in person. Here are a few questions you may want to consider asking.
- What is your pricing structure? (it can be per hour, per device, per user, per service, etc.)
- What type of security measures do you use? (this is especially important if you need HIPAA compliance or PCI DSS compliance)
- Have you worked with companies in my industry and niche before?
- How many clients do you currently have? (make sure the company has sufficient resources to handle another client).
- What certifications, accreditations, and licenses does your company have?
- What communication options do you offer?
If you are looking for 24/7 monitoring or assistance, make sure to find out how much it costs. In many cases, it could be much more expensive that help during business hours.
Can You Save on Managed IT Services in Chicago?
When you outsource IT functions to a managed IT service provider, it’s possible to cut costs. Take advantage of ITCompanies.net’s list to compare different providers and their prices. You can save by choosing the most suitable payment structure.
You can use your list of candidates as leverage to negotiate a lower price for the company’s services. Some Chicago managed IT service providers may be willing to create a personalized pricing plan to suit your company’s budget.
Overall, by choosing managed IT services over hiring a large IT department, you can save around 25% on IT costs. ITCompanies.net helps you do it by cutting down the time you spend on searching for the right service provider.