IT Provider for Small Business

ThemeOne

I'm currently working short-term with a client whose IT is looked after by an external provider. The provider doesn't seem very good - expensive and not very responsive when you ask them to do stuff.


Can anyone recommend an IT provider who might be better for a small business (15-20 users) in the financial field? London area.

AndyPix

Iv had dealings with Concise, who are very professional but i dont know what their prices are like ..


https://www.concise.co.uk/


Full disclosure : I know someone who works there, but i have no vested interest in them


Andy

Scorpio33

Capital Support

EdwardB

I think you need to create a proper document regarding your needs, then create a service level agreement (SLA), for example defining response time for first and second level queries etc.

People might recommend a company because they meet their needs but that in no way means they are capable of meeting your company's needs.

For example you might want the IT supplier to have all of it's staff the highest level of security clearance, you might want to make sure each appropriate member of staff has certifications in the area of IT Support they are providing.

There are pros and cons for dealing with large and small companies (note by small I mean at least 50 employees). A smaller company may offer a more personal service and be more flexible but they may lack the stucture and reach of the larger companies.

You also do not really specify the scope of the service required, do they have one office, is there a secure VPN, do they need to manage remote access via secure ID, do they even need PC's can their needs be met by terminal services, do they need to access data feeds and so it goes on.

ThemeOne

I don't want to go into too much detail about a client on a public forum, but I suspect lack of attention to some of the points EdwardB raises has likely contributed to the poor relationship with the current IT provider.

were

we have a brake fix hardware contract with a company in Essex called PDQ, and have a 4 hour response and fix sla. There best time was under an hour, and can't remember them breaking the 4 hour contract and I work south of the Thames around London Eye.

Generally speaking they have always worked well with us, been a benefit, and not a hindrance. Probably the best supplier for services we have, and exceed companies like Netapp.

I have no vested interest with the company or any one in it.
http://www.pdq.co.uk/

tacpot12

It would be a good idea to assess what the incumbent supplier is good at, if anything, to ensure you are considering the full range of the customer's needs.

If they do get as far as producting invitations to tender, including some elements of the customer's business plan would help potential respondents understand how the business might develop.