Is a remote or local I.T. service provider best? The answer is—it depends. Here’s how to make the best choice for your business.
Organizations depend on reliable and comprehensive I.T. services in these digitally connected times to streamline operations and stay competitive. But is your I.T. partner delivering the value you expect?
A good I.T. service partner can handle everything from data security and backup to proactive maintenance and quickly resolving any issues that may arise. Yet, some businesses still find themselves questioning if remote or local I.T. support better meets their needs.
So, while most businesses recognize the necessity of having good I.T. services, some are left weighing the pros and cons of remote vs. local I.T. support.
Your company’s specific needs should guide you when deciding between remote or local I.T. support. Each option has strengths, so matching your needs with what each type of service provider offers is important. However, upon further research, you may discover an I.T. partner with systems in place to support you effectively, regardless of location.
The evolution of I.T. service delivery
The history of I.T. support begins in the mid-20th century with the rise of computer technology. At first, there was minimal need for dedicated I.T. services. Still, as more sophisticated technology was brought in-house (think of the arrival of personal computers in the 1970s and 1980s), the need for new professionals with technical expertise arose, giving us I.T. support technicians.
In the pre-internet days, organizations depended heavily on local I.T. services. On-site help was a major part of I.T. support, so a provider only a short drive away was necessary. Most of the work involved problems with hardware and software.
With the rise of the Internet in the 1990s, businesses had internal networks and connected to external networks for the first time, creating new cybersecurity issues that needed to be addressed by I.T. professionals.
The early 2000s saw the beginning of cloud computing, with organizations shifting their infrastructures into the ether, saving money and space and enabling remote work. The role of I.T. also shifted, focusing on ensuring companies and off-site workforces had reliable access to data and systems hosted in the cloud.
With the shifts to the Internet and cloud services and the development of sophisticated remote access tools and communication platforms, remote and hybrid I.T. services became increasingly important for digitally driven companies. The services became increasingly location-agnostic, meaning geography no longer needs to limit your options for I.T. providers.
Benefits of choosing a local I.T. service partner
While the demand for remote I.T. services has risen, local I.T. support still plays an important role for many clients. On-site support allows for a personal touch, with a provider who understands your specific environment and challenges.
Local I.T. support can also:
- Provide faster on-site responses during emergencies
- Navigate relevant regional regulations
- Provide insight into local business culture and dynamics
- Create strong personal ties to an organization
A great bond of trust is created when you have a managed services provider (MSP) who resides in the same community as you and knows your needs inside and out, just as Attentus Technologies does with clients in the Pacific Northwest. While Attentus provides a local touch, it also has the capabilities to service a full range of needs no matter where clients are located.
Advantages of remote I.T. service providers
Remote services work well when your I.T. service partner location doesn’t matter to your business. A remote partner offers flexibility and may better serve companies with multiple offices or remote teams across time zones.
Remote I.T. support is sometimes more cost-effective than local support because you don’t have to pay for on-site help’s travel time and expenses. A good provider will also have competitive pricing models so that you can have the services you need at a reasonable cost.
With remote help, you are not tied to a specific location, so you can get help wherever you work, whether in the office, at home, or in a coffee shop. Being remote also enables the provider to access a wider talent pool for complex I.T. needs and provide specialized services that may not be available locally.
Even if a company is geographically close to an I.T. provider, it might decide to have remote services (or a hybrid arrangement) to enjoy the many benefits of comprehensive support and flexible high-performing systems. These help to boost efficiency and save money when compared to hiring the necessary expertise in-house
Other benefits include:
- Quick access to experts with specialized skills
- Increased flexibility
- Better security options
- Improved emergency responses
- Improved scalability
- Better customer service
Factors to consider when choosing an I.T. service partner
Whether you choose a remote or local (or hybrid) service provider, you first must ask yourself key questions, about their capabilities and trustworthiness.such as:
- Do they know your industry well?
- Are they aligned with your business objectives?
- Can they provide a full range of MSP services?
- Do they resolve I.T. issues quickly and effectively?
- Are they constantly evolving to meet evolving cybersecurity challenges and leverage new technological solutions?
- Do they have the flexibility to support you, regardless of location?
Ask yourself if you need the on-site help of a local provider or if a remote one best serves your widespread needs. Perhaps you require combining personal local service with the far-reaching cloud tools of a remote provider that a hybrid I.T. business offers.
Examine whether or not the I.T. provider has the list of services you need, which might include network management, cybersecurity, data backup and recovery, and more. And can they meet your specific technical requirements?
If your business grows, does the provider have what it takes to scale up its services to continue helping you adequately? Do its service plans have the flexibility to meet your changing needs, allocating extra resources as required?
When considering your budget, what financial constraints do you have when investing in I.T. services? Looking down the road, do you see any long-term cost considerations, such as investing in new infrastructure to match your future growth?
Choosing an I.T. provider is a matter of trust
There are many factors to consider when choosing a remote or local I.T. provider. Building a relationship based on trust and performance should be the priority. The remote option is probably best if you are a larger business with a widely distributed workforce that demands full, 24/7 service. But regardless of size or location, the most important factor is trust. Will the company deliver on its promises and go above and beyond when needed? Can they handle your needs effectively, whether you are a small local business or a larger organization with a remote workforce?
At Attentus Technologies, building trusted relationships is at the core of everything we do. With a client retention rate of over 10 years, we pride ourselves on delivering long-term reliability and service excellence. We believe that an MSP should have the capabilities to support your I.T. needs seamlessly, no matter where you are. That’s why we are one of the most trusted names in the Pacific Northwest, delivering complete I.T. services to satisfied clients across the region—including remote, on-site, and hybrid solutions.
Contact us for a complimentary consultation to explore how we can support your business, ensuring reliable I.T. services tailored to your unique needs, no matter your circumstances or location. Whether you need a local expert, a cloud-focused partner, or a provider that blends both approaches, we are here to help.
