How to Find Managed IT Support for Your Non-Profit In Orlando

The managed services market could reach $309.4 billion by 2024. More businesses and non-profit organizations are recognizing the benefits of using managed IT services.

With a managed IT provider, you can save valuable time, effort, and money in the long run. An experienced team can set your non-profit up for success!

Are you searching for managed IT support for your Orlando non-profit? You don’t have to hire the first business you come across. Instead, use these seven tips for a more effective search.

With these tips, you can vet the IT consulting companies on your list. You’ll have peace of mind knowing the company offers the services and support you need.

Start your search for the best managed IT services in Orlando with these tips today.

1. Consider Their Location

There are over 882,000 computer support specialists in the US. Narrow down your options by asking each company where they’re located.

Many IT companies offer remote monitoring and management services. However, you might benefit more from finding a local company. Look for managed IT support companies that can arrive at your non-profit’s offices.

Finding a local company will ensure you receive the quality service you deserve. You can work with them directly and in person.

Having someone arrive in person can help if your non-profit needs installations, network setups, or troubleshooting. If the company only offers remote services, you might struggle.

If you’re not concerned about the company’s location, make sure your managed IT support provider covers your geographical area.

What if you plan on extending outside of the state? Ask the company if they can still offer support outside of Florida.

Consider asking the company where their servers are located, too. You can benefit from a company that offers cloud hosting or VoIP. The location of their servers, however, can impact the quality of services you receive.

Local laws and GDPR regulations can also impact your data storage needs.

2. Review Their Levels of Support

Once you have a few managed IT support providers on your list, look into each company’s levels of support. Many companies offer multiple levels of support to meet different needs and requirements. You’ll want to make sure the company you choose for your non-profit can meet your needs and goals.

For example, you might want to find a company that offers pay-as-you-go or ad-hoc support. You don’t want to pay for services you don’t need and won’t use. Choosing this payment model will ensure you remain within your budget.

Some companies offer an entry-level fee for monitoring systems and alerting you when there’s a breach. However, you might want to consider a higher level of service if you need:

• IT management
• Software installations
• Network setups

Take the time to schedule a consultation call with one or two IT consulting companies on your list. Outline your IT needs and goals. Then, ask how they plan on helping you accomplish those goals.

The company shouldn’t use a cookie-cutter approach when managing your IT needs. Instead, they should help build a customized plan based on your non-profit. They can help you determine which level of support you need to accomplish your goals.

3. Consider Their Relevant Experience

It’s not enough to find a company that offers the level of support you need. Before hiring a managed IT support provider, learn about the business. How long have they run and operated within the industry?

Look for a company that’s existed for at least a few years. These businesses won’t disappear overnight.

Ask each company how many clients they’re currently helping, too. Do they help any other non-profits in Orlando? Try to find an IT consulting company with relevant experience.

They can lean on their prior experience helping non-profits to benefit your non-profit.

An inexperienced team, on the other hand, might struggle to understand your distinct needs. Remember, you don’t want to choose a company that will use a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, they should leverage their previous experience to build a customized plan for your IT needs.

Finding an experienced, established company will give you peace of mind.

Make sure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. What happens if someone is injured while working on your property? You’ll have further peace of mind knowing the company will handle the situation.

They won’t hold you liable for property damage or any accidents.

4. Ask About Response Times

Don’t forget to ask the IT consulting companies on your list how many clients they’re currently helping. Then, ask them how many technicians are on staff. Do they have enough technicians to help their clients?

You can also ask each company about their response times. How long does it take for them to react to and complete a support ticket?

You don’t want to find out it will take a few days for your managed IT support provider to fix the problem. Instead, look for a company that can respond to your non-profit’s immediate needs.

Their fast response times can minimize costly, frustrating downtime.

5. Request a Dedicated Engineer

Ask each managed IT company if they’ll provide you with a dedicated engineer. Then, ask about the engineer’s experience and expertise.

Have they worked with non-profits in the past? Ask how they managed to help their client improve their IT infrastructure.

Ask about the technician’s credentials, too. Do they have any additional certifications that might benefit you?

Working with a dedicated technician can save you time and stress in the long run. You won’t have to explain your setup every time you need help.

6. Find Forward Thinkers

During your search for managed IT services, try to find a forward-thinking company. These companies will continue improving their offerings. They’ll remain up-to-date with new trends in their industry, too.

A forward-thinking company can grow with your non-profit. They can propel your non-profit forward with new ideas, too.

7. Check the Contract

Before hiring managed IT support services, ask each company for a quote. Gathering multiple quotes can help you gauge the pricing.

Make sure you have an itemized list of their services. What’s included in the contract? Will they charge you for a specific number of support tickets a month?

Make sure you know what’s not included, too.

Start Searching: 7 Tips for Finding Managed IT Support for Your Orlando Non-Profit

Remember, you don’t have to hire the first managed IT support provider you find online. Instead, use these tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you can choose the best company with your non-profit’s unique needs in mind.

Eager to get started? We’re here to set you up for success.

Discover our managed IT services in Orlando today.