MANAGED IT / PRACTICAL GUIDE

What to ask before choosing an IT partner

A few questions that make the support relationship easier to understand.

A good introduction to an IT provider should leave you with a clearer picture of how the relationship would work. Start with the everyday questions.

What is covered?

Ask which users, devices, and systems are included. Discuss the routine support, maintenance, and security work, and how separate projects are handled.

How do people get help?

Understand where staff should send requests. Ask about support hours, urgent escalation, and the expectations written into the agreement.

  • Is there a clear support route?
  • Who follows up on an open issue?
  • How is work outside the agreed scope discussed?

What happens at the start?

Talk through the handover, documentation, account access, and any initial improvements. Onboarding should have a defined purpose rather than become a surprise project.

Clear scope and clear responsibilities are a better starting point than a long list of promises.

How are decisions explained?

Ask for the reason behind a recommendation. The proposed work should connect to a business need you understand, with the cost and next step made clear.

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