5 Ways Your Current IT Partner Should Be Helping You Plan for the Future

As businesses continue to be technology-driven and the number of cyber attacks rise, it’s more important than ever to have a reliable IT partner.  Not only should they be there to address your current technology needs, but, more importantly, they should help plan for the future. Planning helps to reduce unexpected costs, downtime and frustration.

Here are 5 ways your current IT provider should be helping you plan for the future:

#1: Performing a virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) review on your technology assets 

The first step in planning for the future is to eliminate unexpected issues stemming from outdated or underperforming technology. A vCIO review (or well baby checkup as we like to call them) identifies potential issues and areas for improvement with your current technology assets and infrastructure BEFORE a problem arises. By understanding the current state of your technology, your IT partner can help you develop a roadmap for future technology investments that align with your business goals.

Remember, these should be completed on a regular basis to ensure your network is performing efficiently.  

#2: Presenting important findings in a one-on-one, regularly scheduled client meeting

You should be meeting with your IT partner on a consistent basis to discuss important topics like:

• Items requiring attention
• The ever-evolving threat landscape
• Innovative technologies with a competitive-advantage
• Your customer satisfaction
• The current state of your technology

During this meeting, they should work collaboratively with you to not only present their findings but also develop strategies that address them. This will help to ensure your business operations do not undergo any costly, unexpected interruptions caused by technology.

#3: Understanding how your business operates

Every IT firm should have a deep understanding of how their client’s business operates; and it shouldn’t only be from a technology perspective. This knowledge will help them to develop effective IT and cybersecurity strategies that are tailored to your business and address your specific needs.

#4: Creating policies and processes to meet compliance and cybersecurity standards

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for any business, and one of the major components of combatting this risk is implementing policies and procedures that are communicated with employees, vendors and other compliance entities. Your managed services provider should be actively involved in helping you do just that. They should help assess your current security posture and identify any vulnerabilities. Then, develop policies that address those vulnerabilities. 

#5: Providing guidance on cyber liability insurance and compliance

As regulations and compliance requirements evolve, your IT provider should be providing guidance, especially when it comes to cyber liability insurance and compliance forms. They should know the counter measures businesses must have in place to save on premiums and, ultimately, get paid.

At the end of the day, the IT firm you’ve partnered with should be more than just a technology vendor… They should be a trusted advisor that helps you plan for the future and leverage technology to achieve your business goals.

Remember, it’s important to regularly communicate with your IT team and work collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for your business.

Book a Time to Discuss the Future of Your Business

If your current IT provider isn’t being more than just a technology partner, then it’s time to find one who will! You can book a complimentary, one-on-one with Phillip to discuss the future of your business and your business goals. Just select a date and time from his calendar below.