IT support contract essentials

When you consider IT support options for your business, there are some items you shouldn’t scrimp on

Here are five things you should make sure are covered properly:

1. Your server hardware

   Make sure you get a warranty for your server, and arrange this directly with the manufacturer. Get at least three years’ cover and make sure you have guaranteed next business day response (if not faster).

   Regardless of who supplies the rest of your IT, this ensures you’re always able to deal directly with the company that built your server in the event of hardware failure. It’s such an important piece of equipment that you shouldn't opt for second rate cover just to save a few pounds.

2. Proper IT support for your server

   Even if you don’t get cover for any other aspect of your business IT, make sure other problems with your server are covered too. You usually need specialist knowledge and a technical background to fix server issues, and pre-emptive maintenance can often avert serious future issues.

3. Your domain name

   Never give control of your domain name to anyone outside your company. It’s one of the most crucial elements of your business’s online identity, and central to your brand.

   Your IT supplier should have access to your website and email to resolve any problems, but make sure your domain name is owned and controlled by your company, and not by your IT supplier.

4. Email

   At some point, your business email is almost certain to fail. It happens. The important thing is to make sure that any email sent to you during the downtime doesn't get lost. Make sure your IT company puts systems in place to store email safely, even if there are problems getting it to your inbox.

5. Backups

   No matter which backup methods you choose and what data you decide to backup, make sure the whole system works properly. Test your backups regularly and backup to more than one place so you can be absolutely certain that you’re protected against losing any crucial data.

More on this topic:

• Example IT support contract
• Tips for choosing a support company
• Find an IT support company in your area