Learn the steps you need to take to protect your company when you change your IT provider.
Working with an IT provider is just like doing business with any other service provider – sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. But while you are free to fire your IT provider just as you would any company that is not meeting your standards, it is important to recognize the potential risk involved and to take steps to protect yourself. As the Cummings Chamber of Commerce in Georgia discovered recently, it only takes one angry IT person to cause severe damage to your business.
5 Steps To Take Before You Fire Your IT Company
We encourage our clients to take the following steps before they fire their IT company:
1. Make a plan to minimize your risk.
Every business is a little different, so it is important to develop your own plan before you fire your IT company. What risks does the firing pose to your business specifically? Is there anything you are particularly worried about? Make a list and develop a plan that includes your specific concerns as well as the ones below.
2. Ensure that you have admin access to all of your files.
An IT company needs admin access to do its job right – access you risk losing if you fire the company on the fly. Ideally, you should always have admin access to your files, but for many business owners, it is an easy thing to forget about when you have someone else handling day-to-day system management. Verify that you have access before you give any indication you are changing your IT provider.
3. Make sure you have a good backup.
Another important role of a reputable IT company is creating regular backups of your system and files, the things your business needs to operate. However, if you are having trouble with an IT company, then there is no guarantee that such backups have been created. Asking for a backup is perfectly normal and expected, so don’t hesitate to request one. Verify that the backup is adequate for your needs before you change IT providers.
4. Make sure your new IT company has access to everything.
Seek out a reputable IT provider and talk to the new business before you fire your current IT company. As your new IT company, we are always happy to discuss your situation, listen to your frustrations and explain how we will improve upon the current provider. We will also explain the things we need access to when we take over – things like admin access, backups, etc. Take note and ensure that you have access to this stuff before you terminate your arrangement with the current IT company.
5. Make your plan and execute it promptly.
When you decide it is time to get a new IT provider, move quickly. Make your plan, do what you need to do to protect your company, and fire the company promptly once you have verified you have what you need. The more time you take, the more damage the unwanted IT company can do if it chooses to.
If you are unhappy with your current {city} IT company, please contact us at {company}, either by phone at {phone}, or by {email}. We are standing by to help with all your IT needs.