Finding the Best Managed Server For Your Business

Now that you have decided that you don’t want to employ your own IT support team, and have chosen to use a managed server for your business, you have to decide which company to use. How do you go about that, and how do you go about finding the right one for your business? Here are some important issues that will help you making the right choice.

Customer discussions. Many managed server companies have open forum pages as a part of their website. Spend a little time on reading these forums and become a part of them. This is a great way to see what other people are saying.

Physical location. Remember there is a physical computer somewhere that has all of your information. It is a good idea to know where that is. Obviously it is preferable that server is in the country where your business is, and definitely the country of your passport. It can be difficult arguing your point in a country where you are merely a resident. Being a citizen does afford you necessary standing.

Ex-customer research. Ex-customers can be an excellent way to find out about the performance of any company providing services. Do not limit your forum research to the customer discussions on the managed server’s forums. There are many forums on the internet that are separate to that of any company. This is a good place to find out why people have left them. Read professional reviews.

Support. Any good managed server provider will provide you with good 24 hour support. They should be able to give you more than support when you are in trouble. Many providers want to give you more business IT support as it is in their interest to know your business better and know how better to improve your business. The better you do, the better they do. Support should not always be in times of trouble, but a good provider should be pro-active in getting to know you.

Background. You want to make sure your choice of managed server provider has a stable financial background. For at least the last 5 years. There are many companies that come and go, and you don’t want your data gone with a fly-by-night company.

Flexibility. You also need to understand the flexibility of the plan that you will get involved in. If your business grows rapidly will you be able to upgrade your plan with the company as fast? Or will you be locked into something that is not appropriate for you any more.

Price. Compare prices in your market. This is an obvious point, who wants to be paying more for something that they don’t have to be.

Industry forums. Join in industry forums so that you can find the right provider for you. Some companies are better than others at certain services and products. It is important that you find out from others in your industry which provider is good for you.

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