When you meet with a potential IT vendor or cloud provider, they will inevitably ask you many questions about your current environment, users, security among others. Don't let this conversation be one sided, you need to have your important questions answered too!
Here are a few to get you started in these complex conversations:
Here are a few to get you started in these complex conversations:
How will I get started?
When a small business owner is interested in adopting a cloud-based service, he or she may not know how to install or set up the service. Simply purchasing the service is not enough. You need to ask how they will implement the services to get you from point A to point B.
How will I get my data back?
This one is HUGE! We've recently been working with a financial services client that had their data and systems with a large IT company and decided to migrate due to poor customer service. The IT company is now using every trick in the book to make their migration fail, lock in their data, and cause the business owners and leadership team to curse and pull out their hair. No matter my option of the unprofessionalism of this provider, make sure you understand what happens if you decide to change, especially if you’re new to cloud technology. Look for providers that offer customer service and technical support staff that are willing to help in the event that their services aren't the right fit for your business and make sure that migration assistance is in your contract to avoid vendor lock in. In addition, make sure they base their technology on industry standard systems and not proprietary systems that will make migration difficult.
How do I know my data and systems are secure?
The provider should offer an overview of its data storage and security in addition to answering any questions about specific details, such as compliance with industry and governmental regulations, how data is backed up, retention policies, encryption levels and availability of systems.
How will this service scale?
As your company grows, how quickly and easily can the services accommodate new users and in the event that your company shrinks are you able to scale back without penalty?
When it comes to cloud and IT services, every company has different needs and uses, however, these four questions should help you on the right track to choosing a provider and business partner that will help you make the most of technology.
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