Although IT is driven by technology, services, and products, in many ways, IT services are more about people than products. Although tools like computers and servers are important, it’s the people using them who are at the centre of what we do as an IT service provider in Edmonton and area. Great people do great work, and we are here to help them achieve that.


Why Choosing People over Products Matters


All businesses need some level of IT support, but working with a managed service provider that understands the value of people is essential for businesses looking for the best outcomes. Anyone can become a managed service provider by purchasing the right products, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll offer high-quality service. As a business owner, you’ve probably set your own customer-service standards for you and your employees, and you should expect the same from your IT service provider. When you hire the right people to get the job done, the right solution usually follows. In IT services, finding a company that takes the time to get to know you, your company, and your people will be more likely to deliver the best results. 


What to Look for in a People-First IT Firm 


When looking to work with an outsourced IT firm, pricing and scope are important, but it’s also essential to look for qualities that show they value customer service and understand that people are the gatekeepers of technology. A people-first IT company will be responsive, creative in their solutions, have proven credibility, and be able to communicate effectively with the general public. They will also place a high value on training, policies, and procedures that can help the people in your business manage and use technology effectively and safely.

Here are a few traits that will help you make your decision:


Responsiveness


When your website goes down or there’s a breach in your network, you want to know why it happened and how long it will take to fix the problem, and you want to know quickly. A people-first IT company will often know about the issues before you do and will let you know what the issue is, the steps they’re taking to mitigate and fix the issue, as well an estimate on the amount of time you’ll be waiting. All of this helps ensure that your systems stay operational and you experience as little downtime as possible.


Creativity


Some people think IT is all about numbers, wires, and code. In reality, the world of solving IT problems requires creative solutions. IT experts need to be able to think outside the box and have a passion for solving puzzles in order to find effective solutions. It also takes a team of dedicated and knowledgeable employees to provide a superior customer service experience.


Credibility


When working with an IT service provider, you want to work with someone who is trustworthy and has proven expertise in the field. You can research this by looking for testimonials on their website and looking for online reviews. Ask colleagues or inquire within your business networks to see if anyone other businesses you know and respect can recommend a trusted IT service provider.  


Communication Skills


It’s one thing to have expert IT managers, but if they have a hard time communicating technical jargon into understandable language, you might have a hard time getting the level of service you need. An IT service company that values their clients will take the time to explain technical ideas in a language everyone can understand. Look for examples of their ability to simplify detailed IT concepts on their website, social media, or blog. You’ll also get a taste of their communication abilities in an initial meeting or consultation.


What Makes a Great IT Service Provider?


The type of people you work with matters, whether it’s your co-workers or your contractors. Good working relationships foster healthier work environments, better engagement in the job, and promote growth in the business. Alt-Tech’s cybersecurity and IT management team appreciates the great working relationships we have with our clients. We strive to deliver expert and reliable service in all areas of the business while delivering superior service. When you find the right team of people to work with, the products become secondary in importance because the right team either will have the products and systems you need, or they’ll acquire them for you.  


Hiring a People-First IT Service Firm in Edmonton, Alberta


At Alt-Tech, our team cares about your business. We want to get to know you so we can find and suggest the best possible solutions for your specific needs. We cater to small, medium, and large-sized businesses, whether we’re your first IT partner or will work alongside your in-house team. We specialize in IT services for financial, insurance, and law firms, as well as insurance agencies. Contact us today to see if our people and services are the right fit for your business!