What To Do If You and Your IT Partner Split Up

Your IT partner likely plays a huge role in your daily business functions. They help you reach goals by staying up-to-date on the latest technology and hardware changes, and they keep backups of your most vital information that can easily slip your mind.

Unfortunately, not all agreements and relationships with IT providers are permanent. In fact, it’s not uncommon for one side to either fall behind or outgrow the other, leading to a split up. This doesn’t always have to be a negative thing, but you should have a plan for it in case it happens.  

So what are some causes of a split up, and what should you do if you and your current IT partner decide to part ways?

What Causes An IT Split-Up?

An IT provider and client can split up for several reasons. While some may simply be a lack of clear communication, others can be a result of changing business priorities and goals. Here are a few common causes of this technological divorce:

Disagreements Between Provider and Client

Just like with any other relationship, things are never perfect. If a client, or customer, finds themselves constantly second guessing decisions their IT provider has made, then chances are the relationship will eventually crumble.

It’s important for trust to be present between IT providers and clients. Both sides must maintain professional integrity and be transparent about their goals, difficulties, potential hurdles, and anything else relevant to a provider-client relationship.

Inability to Handle Capacity

This is one of the most common (and practical) reasons that an IT provider decides to no longer do business with a client. If the client’s business has seen exponential growth that pushes beyond the IT provider’s capabilities, then it only makes sense to part ways.

This type of split is usually the result of a significant spike in needed storage for the client. Sometimes, their current IT provider simply lacks the assets to meet their needs. Other times, the issue isn’t an increase in client needs, but a downgrade in the IT provider’s services.

Budget Issues

Have you ever walked into a restaurant with your eyes bigger than your stomach? You may have grand plans for your meal and then quickly found yourself in a less-than-ideal situation that inevitably leads to waste.

This, at times, is the case for many clients after hiring an IT provider. Oftentimes when a business is hiring an IT provider for the first time, they don’t have an accurate gauge on the exact services they require. 

This can result in a feeling of undervalue when they’re calculating the services into their budget. And with the financial challenges that are always present to businesses nowadays, there is little room for waste in the budget.

What To Do

If you do experience a split-up with your IT provider, it’s important to understand what’s next.

First and foremost, gather as much documentation as possible from your IT provider. This is especially vital for small to medium-sized businesses.

Your IT provider will have an abundance of important information that your business will need in order to switch providers or assume the role themselves. This includes usernames, passwords, licenses, keys, and so on.

Once you’ve successfully gathered everything you need and have officially parted ways with your IT provider, there is only thing left to do: Start looking for your next best fit.

If you’re planning on finding a new IT provider, then take a close look at any outstanding project and issues you have to ensure your next provider can handle the workload they are stepping into.

Be clear with your potential next provider on your expectations and goals. Make sure they are the best fit for you and have your needs as a priority.

With the advanced technology that exists these days, it’s not difficult to find an experienced and reliable IT provider. It’s a buyer’s market out there, so shop around and find the best deal for you and your business.