Partnering with an IT provider is like a relationship – you rely on them to support your goals, handle challenges, and keep you safe. But what if it’s not working anymore? Sometimes it feels easier to stay, even if the partnership no longer serves you. However, that might not be the right choice for your business. There is often a better IT provider waiting for you, if you only take that first step.
So how do you know when it’s time to move on? When should you ‘break up’ with your IT provider?
1. They Never Answer Your Calls
If you find yourself constantly waiting for a response, or the IT support team is unreachable outside of business hours, this is a clear warning sign. Downtime can cost as much as $9,000 per minute for larger companies, and can also result in damaged customer relationships. When issues occur, your support specialists should resolve them as fast as possible. Consistent delays may indicate that they’re overwhelmed, understaffed, or simply don’t view your business as a priority.
Signs of a slow response time:
- Long wait times for even minor requests
- Multiple follow-ups required to get a response
- Lack of availability during critical moments
2. They Don’t Pull Their Weight Anymore
A reliable IT provider does more than react to issues – they should be taking proactive steps to prevent them, and work to improve your operational efficiency. The right partner will provide regular system audits, keep your infrastructure up-to-date, and offer strategic insights to improve your business.
If your support team is only reaching out when something goes wrong, they may be holding your company back. Look for a new provider who is invested in your long-term success, and offers active guidance on how to accomplish your goals.
3. You’re Always Footing the Bill
One of the biggest benefits provided by a third-party IT provider is cost savings. By signing up with a partner, you agree to pay a predictable monthly fee in exchange for their technical skills and problem solving abilities. But what if the costs are starting to spiral out of control?
If your IT budget is struggling to keep up with expenditure, it might be time to reevaluate whether your current provider is the right fit. It’s important to check your fees regularly, as they may have started out reasonable but crept higher and higher over the years.
4. They Just Can’t Keep Up With You
Technology moves quickly, and your IT provider should be keeping up. If they offer you outdated solutions or don’t keep your systems aligned with current trends, you might fall behind and lose your competitive edge. Outdated technology can result in higher costs, slower performance, and even increased risk of cyber-attacks.
Solutions provided by your partner should also be scalable, to support future growth. If they struggle to continue meeting your needs as your business expands, they may be hindering your success rather than helping you move forward.
Signs that your IT solutions aren’t sufficient:
- Persistent technical limitations
- Unable to scale infrastructure effectively
- Obsolete or underperforming technologies
Why You Shouldn’t Stay
If the warning signs above are familiar to you, it may be time to consider a new IT provider. Making the switch can be a daunting proposition, due to the costs involved. This makes it very tempting to leave the situation as it is. But staying is rarely the right decision. Downtime, lowered productivity, slower hardware and software, and a heightened risk of cyber-attacks will ultimately cost your business far more than switching to a new IT provider.
The key to a clean break is to think it through. You need to understand your pain points and future goals, and develop a plan. Most importantly, you will need to choose a new provider before you leave your old one, as this will allow you to transition more smoothly. If you need help with any of this, Shartega IT can offer strategic and technical support to seamlessly move you across.
Walk Away From Inefficiency and Into a Better Future
It’s never easy to break up with your IT provider, but sometimes it is essential to ensure that your technology truly supports your business. The right partner will support your growth, help you navigate challenges, and prioritize your success. If your current provider is not doing those things, it might be time to move on to something better.
At Shartega IT, we understand how frightening such a big change can be. That’s why, when you switch to us, we work alongside you to ensure that your transition is seamless and predictable. We keep you prepared at every step, so you’re never left in the dark. Reach out today, and we can start your journey.
