Impact recommendations are properly vetted, sound in strategy and meet your business requirements.
Before choosing a technology provider, be sure to audit existing communications and assess your business needs. Once you have your business requirements identified and are ready to purchase, make sure you know about the recommended provider. Keep these considerations in mind:
Geography
Start by looking at providers’ footprints. You should
consider local and regional service providers over national carriers since they built the network. The decision for a local provider could mean better
network reliability and service.
Breadth of Services
Does the provider offer a comprehensive suite of
services? Many offer not only traditional voice, but also cloud, data and Internet solutions. Does the provider do all of these well? Then, investigate
services and support (i.e. installation, service, billing, account management). Who handles account
management once you sign a contract?
Brand Reputation
Be certain your technology distributor has preferred
relationships with the industry’s top providers. It’s important to keep in mind the largest providers can deliver stability.
Pricing
Are the providers offering competitive, negotiated
quotes that meet your specific business requirements? Apply age-old wisdom that if the rates or savings
seems too good to be true? They usually are.
Financial Stability
Upon all consideration actors – service and offerings,
network reliability, geography – it’s important to
know the stability of the company you’ve selected. If the company falls on hard times, will your pricing
increase. Will the company cut back on customer
service?
Current Business
Before selecting a provider, conduct due diligence and
reach out to current customers for reference. Also,
another consideration or vetting a provider is to gain a better understanding of the company’s own
business goals: Are they looking to be acquired? Are they making acquisitions o expand their services. Are they a publicly traded company?