It is not difficult to find the right Internet Service Provider for your company. However, price should not be the only factor. You should also consider reliability, scalability as well and service.
These are 5 important questions you should ask to assist you to decide on the best Internet Service Provider.
#1. Does The Internet Service Provider Have The Capabilities To Respond To Cyber Attacks?
CNBC reports that approximately 60% of small businesses that experience a cybersecurity attack fail within six months. Hackers have gained access to 50% of all small firms in the past year. Think twice if you believe that being a small fish in a big pond will allow you to go under the radar.
Consider the level of security they can provide when a hacker has you in the crosshairs while choosing or moving service providers. You must ensure that someone is watching out for you since hackers utilize a variety of techniques, such as complicated DDoS attacks and man-in-the-middle strategies. Your service provider can provide 24-hour threat monitoring that will help you be prepared for whatever may come your way.
#2. Will My Small Business Be Able To Grow With The Internet Service Provider?
Every small firm wants to expand. Make sure you can add extra bandwidth as team members are added so they can work more efficiently. Your present connection might be sufficient for your needs right now. If your business has a sudden turn of fortune, it is important to know that you will be able to respond to customer needs tomorrow.
#3. Does The Internet Service Provider Offer Telephone Service As Well?
Customers still prefer speaking with live people, even though new channels are becoming more and more crucial to the customer experience. However, just because your clients prefer a low-tech approach does not mean you have to stick with it. Instead, find a service provider who can offer you a hosted telephone system.
A hosted phone system, in contrast to conventional telephone setups, enables your staff to manage incoming phone traffic from any location. The provider handles all aspects of support, freeing up your IT team to focus on other crucial tasks. Additionally, if you route calls through a provider, you can continue to communicate even in the worst-case scenario.
#4. Can The ISP (Internet Service Provider) Support IT?
The way connectivity has leveled the playing field between big and small enterprises is among the most astounding aspects of connectivity. Companies of all sizes can now create a tailored client experience that was previously only feasible if you relied on large amounts of data thanks to cloud-based CRM.
Managed IT services allow you to remotely troubleshoot and resolve issues as soon as they arise. For a small fraction of the cost, you may obtain all the advantages of a much larger firm with a dedicated IT staff. It’s easy to integrate this with your service provider, allowing them to monitor and respond quickly to any issue or threat.
#5. How Will My Internet Service Provider Be Able To Aid Me In A Disaster?
Purdue University estimates that 75% of small businesses don’t have a disaster recovery strategy in place. It is simple to think, “This probably will not happen to me,” as if cybersecurity. However, 40% of small businesses never fully recover from a disaster.
Furthermore, when choosing a service provider, you should consider how they might be able to assist you in the worst-case scenario. Do they have off-site backups to guarantee the security of your data? If the majority of the surrounding infrastructure is destroyed, can they still answer calls? Before things get challenging, make sure a plan is in place.
What You Can Do Now
Choosing or changing ISP (Internet service providers) is never easy for a small business. There are so many choices out there that it can be difficult for a small business to make the right choice. Knowing about a provider’s ability to expand with your company, their managed IT capabilities, preparedness for cyber attacks, options for phone systems, and preparedness for disasters will help you make a decision.
- Plan your growth with your internet service provider.
- For support of your team, consider Managed IT Services.
- Find out what assistance your service provider can provide in the event of a cyber attack.
- Make sure you are prepared for emergencies.
- To help customers, you might consider a hosted phone system offered by your Internet service provider.
Conclusion
You should ask a few key questions when choosing an internet service provider for your business. By considering your needs and budget, you can find the best provider for your company. Make sure to ask about speed, reliability, and customer service so you can be confident that your business is getting the best possible service. Additionally, by considering the five questions listed above, you can be sure to select the best internet service provider for your needs.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Over 4 years’ experience in the research industry. Experience with research and consulting projects, catering to domains such as ICT, Health & Pharma, and packaging. Managed projects on both B2B as well as B2C perspectives, which includes consumer preference analysis, interviews with key executives, etc
