Computer services Bristol

Not getting the support you'd like from your computer services company?

Disillusioned with your current IT support provider?

So, you’re unhappy with the current supplier and need help in deciding what to do, who best to speak with and how you change supplier without compromising your business, right?

You are at a focal point here. You know that an operational and reliable computer network and all that encompasses, is critical to the day to day success of your business. You know that the relationship between you and your chosen IT support partner is also key. Get it right and it will be one of the best business decisions you’ve made.

So, what do you do now?

At Three Cherries, we know from our experience of helping people who have been exactly where you are now, that there are some fundamental do’s and don’ts (to make YOUR LIFE easier) and we would like to share them with you, we hope they help.

Fundamental “do’s”

1. Maintain a positive relationship with your current supplier. Why? Because they have access to information that your new supplier will need and you probably don’t have! Your current supplier is much more likely to be cooperative if the relationship is not hostile.
2. Ensure that you have the current “Administrator password”. If you believe that you have this password, check that it works! It may have been changed (legitimately).
3. Record ALL of the information that you are likely to need BEFORE you deliver the bad news! If you are unsure of the information that you need, here is a checklist to help you, with our compliments. If you find it daunting, don’t worry! We can help fill in the blanks. 

   Changing suppliers checklist (271 KB)

4. Check that all of the equipment and software (particularly software) that you have bought from the supplier in the past has been received and is in your possession.

It is much more realistic to expect a positive response to a query regarding this if you are a current client, less so if you are an ex-client.

Fundamental “don’ts”

1. Don’t withhold payment unreasonably in anger, thus providing an obvious reason for delaying the supply of critical information.
2. Don’t assume that the good relationship will continue in the same cheerful manner once you’ve said “goodbye”. An uncooperative supplier will make the handover process more complicated than it need be.
3. Don’t feel uncomfortable about asking for technical information. It’s your computer network. A professional Company will have all of the information available and it takes minutes to collate.
4. Don’t feel intimidated or uncomfortable about changing supplier. Your new supplier should have processes that minimise any risk to you and manage the process completely on your behalf.
5. Don’t sign any contracts without first checking the contractual situation with your current supplier. You may be “contract bound”. Ask your proposed supplier to check this for you before you end up committing yourself to 2 contracts!

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