Finding the Right IT Service Provider

Watching the water bubble up through the crack in my basement floor was depressing. Hauling 14 gallons at a time up the stairs was painful. Dehydrating the baseboards and carpet was slow. But finding a reliable contractor to fix the problem and remodel was the most difficult part of the entire recovery.

If you’ve ever needed a service that goes beyond your own skills, you know what I mean. There are what seem to be a million options. How do you know the difference? Are they all the same anyway? Maybe your neighbor went through a similar situation, could they recommend someone?

IT service and solutions are just like any other professional service you might contract. There are dozens of options and often you’re not sure what will make one better than another, while knowing that hiring the wrong one could result in a lot of wasted time and money. And while many industries have licensures and other requirements to even open a business, you’ll find no such official process for IT – until now.

Setting the Standard

CompTIA has long been known for certifying IT professionals’ knowledge, skills and abilities. More recently, this global trade industry has provided a way for IT solution provider businesses to demonstrate their prowess in delivering the level and quality of service expected from today’s customers – the CompTIA Trustmark programs.

IT companies that have earned a CompTIA Trustmark have been through a review and validation process covering their agreements, standard operating procedures, tools and technology, personnel, and other best practices identified by the industry. What this means is that a CompTIA Trustmark holder can do what they say they can, do it to your satisfaction, and be there for you when emergencies arise.

Just as you would insist your accountant be certified, or your plumber be bonded and insured, or your taxi driver be current on her license and testing; you should insist your IT service provider carry an independent validation. After all, you are allowing them access to everything about your company, your customers, your employees, your intellectual property, and other private and sensitive information. Would you let an unlicensed mechanic open your hood? Then why let an unlicensed IT provider open your network?

Leverage CompTIA’s Work

We’ve done the business and technology vetting so you can focus on the relationship. No matter how qualified a service provider may be a personal relationship should lay the foundation of the business relationship. This isn’t to suggest you should only work with friends. It means that trust and transparency will forge a relationship that will weather storms. CompTIA Trustmarks are a great way to establish that foundation of trust and transparency.

Whether you need a full package remote support (Managed Services Trustmark), print fleet support (Managed Print Trustmark), or data security (Security Trustmark+), CompTIA Trustmarks can help you narrow down the large field of service providers. If you’re in the UK, IT Business Trustmark and Accredit UK Trustmark+ programs pair together to identify the best-in-class IT companies that should be on your radar.

You can take comfort in knowing that when you see a CompTIA Trustmark, that business has demonstrated to their Industry Association how they will manage your relationship, how they can support you, and that you are their priority.

Demand Professional IT

If you’re not having regular meetings with your IT service provider, you may be leaving a lot of technology benefits on the table. Look for a company that not only keeps your IT functioning, but takes the time to learn your business. Your IT provider can help align your technology with your needs and business goals. They can create a plan of maintenance and upgrades to gradually and continually improve your capabilities. They can be your greatest partner, or your biggest source of frustration. To help tilt that balance to the former, ask your IT provider about their credentials. Look for them to proudly display their CompTIA Trustmark.

For more information about CompTIA Trustmark programs, and to see a current list of IT companies that have earned one or more CompTIA Trustmark, please visit http://www.comptia.org/trustmarks.