Choosing the right Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your business is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on your operations. While price is important, it should not be the only factor to consider. Service, scalability, and reliability are also critical considerations that should not be overlooked. You want an ISP that can deliver the bandwidth and speed you need, and that can scale with your business as it grows. Additionally, you need an ISP that provides reliable service and outstanding customer support, so you can stay connected and productive at all times. With the right ISP, you can improve your business’s productivity and efficiency, and take your operations to the next level.
1. When my company expands, will my internet service provider be able to keep up?
Every single small company out there has one common goal: expansion. If you’re planning on expanding your workforce, make sure you have the means to do so in terms of available bandwidth. It’s possible that your present connection is perfect for your needs right now. Even if success comes unexpectedly, you must be confident that your company is prepared to meet client needs the following day.
2. Is the ISP Prepared to Deal with Cyber Attacks?
Sixty percent of small businesses that experience a cyberattack fail within six months, according to CNBC. Hackers have broken into 50% of all small firms in the last year. Just because you’re a minnow in a vast ocean doesn’t mean you’ll go unnoticed.
Consider the security measures offered by potential service providers before committing to one or making a move. Hackers utilise everything from sophisticated DDoS attacks to man-in-the-middle strategies; it’s important to have protection. Your service provider should be checking for threats throughout the clock so that you’re prepared for anything.
3. Is there any IT support available from my ISP?
Connectivity’s ability to level the playing field for large and small enterprises is one of its most remarkable features. Companies of all sizes may now provide the kind of individualised service to customers that was previously only feasible for large corporations with access to massive amounts of data thanks to cloud-based customer relationship management systems.
Managed IT services provide for rapid problem resolution by remotely accessing and troubleshooting devices. You save a lot of money while receiving IT services often reserved for much larger corporations. It’s a no-brainer to incorporate that with your service provider, giving them the ability to track and deal with any potential problems as they arise.
4. Is It Possible To Get Phone Service From The Same Company That Provides Your Internet?
Customers still prefer speaking with a live person, despite the growing importance of new channels in the service they receive. However, you shouldn’t stick to a low-tech strategy just because some of your clients prefer it. Get a hosted phone system from a service provider instead.
A hosted phone system, in contrast to a conventional telephone configuration, allows your staff to handle incoming call traffic regardless of their physical location. The service provider takes care of all the support, so your IT department can focus on other tasks. If the worst should happen, you can still keep in touch by having your calls routed through a service.
5.To what extent may my ISP assist me during an emergency?
Seventy-five percent of small enterprises, as reported by Purdue University, lack a disaster recovery plan. As if cyber security, it’s easy to think, “This probably won’t happen to me.” 40% of small firms never make it back after a major disruption.
You should evaluate a service provider based on what they can do for you in the worst-case scenario. Do they back up your data somewhere else to guarantee its safety? Can they continue to take calls even if the area where your company is located has been severely damaged? Before things get difficult, make sure you have a plan in place.
Conclusion
For small businesses, selecting or switching Internet service providers can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s crucial to make a decision that supports the long-term growth of your business. To help narrow down your choices, consider asking potential providers about their ability to support your future needs. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that they have a plan in place to respond to cyber threats and have managed IT services to support your team. Hosted phone systems are another option to consider, as they can help enhance customer service. And lastly, make sure that your provider has a disaster readiness plan in place to minimize downtime in the event of an emergency. By asking these key questions, you can confidently select an Internet service provider that meets the unique needs of your business.