Your Pain-Free Guide To Switching IT Companies
Switching IT companies can feel stressful. Your provider holds important information like documentation, login details, backups, and access to your systems. Your technology supports your entire business, so the idea of making a change can feel overwhelming. But there is a strategic way to switch IT companies without disruption. This guide will walk you through why companies switch IT partners, what to look out for, and how to make the move safely.
Why Businesses Decide to Switch IT Companies
Common Problems That Lead to Change
Many organizations come to RSI because their current IT provider is not meeting expectations. Here are some of the issues we hear most often:
- Slow or inconsistent response times when support is needed
- Recurring security issues or virus infections
- Surprise charges for services that should be covered
- Frequent downtime or constant “firefighting”
- Promises made at the start of the agreement that are no longer followed
If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone. These challenges are usually signs that it is time to switch to an IT partner who is proactive, responsive, and transparent.
What You Need Before Switching IT Companies
Important Access and Information to Confirm
Before changing providers, consider the following questions:
- Do you have access to your IT documentation?
- Do you have administrative access to all systems?
- Do you have all account logins and passwords?
- Do you have copies of your backups?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, that is okay. A reliable IT company will make sure you always have full access. It simply means the transition should be handled with extra care.
What Are The Top Reasons For Switching IT Companies?
We’ve had quite a few of our clients come to us because they’re ready to switch IT companies. Here are the reasons we’ve heard over the years:
- “They’re not responsive whenever we need help! Sometimes it takes hours, or worse, days to get a response from them.”
- “We keep having virus infections, despite them claiming to be doing everything possible to prevent them!”
- “They charge us for every little thing. There are always surprises on our bill and it seems like nothing is covered under our agreement!”
- “We keep having unexpected downtime. Something always seems to be wrong and they’re always putting out fires!”
Does any of the above sound familiar? If so, you’re making the right choice. A lot of IT companies make a lot of promises, then all of the sudden, a few months go by and they’re not getting back to you on time or keeping up their end of the agreement.
How Do You Strategically Switch IT Companies?
A Strategic Step by Step Process
To avoid disruptions during your transition, follow these key steps:
Step 1 – Select Your New IT Partner First
Choose an IT company that understands how to manage a full transition. They should take the lead in working with your current provider and gathering everything needed.
Step 2 – Do Not Cancel Too Early
Wait to end your contract until your new provider is ready to onboard your business. This keeps your systems safe and prevents service gaps.
Step 3 – Transfer Access and Documentation
Your new IT company should help gather administrative access, login details, documentation, and backups. Make sure you also get your own copies.
Step 4 – Request a Security Assessment
Have your new provider complete a full security review. This helps identify vulnerabilities, missing protections, or backdoors left open by the previous IT team.
Step 5 – Give Notice Only After Everything Is Ready
After all access is confirmed and your systems are secure, you can notify your current IT provider. Your new team can help handle communication to keep the process smooth.
It Is Time to Make the Change
Switching IT companies should not be painful. RSI helps businesses move away from poor support and into a secure, reliable, and fully managed environment. Our team handles the transition from start to finish so you can focus on running your business.
Ready to switch to IT support that actually supports you?
Schedule a consultation and let’s make the transition together.
Click here to schedule a consultation.