The question we hear most from owners thinking about switching IT providers is not “what will it cost?” It’s “what happens to my office while you take over?”
That worry is reasonable. You already depend on your systems every day, and nobody wants a week of confusion. So here is how a new client’s first 45 days with ScribNet usually go, in order.
Before day one: a conversation, not a contract
We start by learning how your business runs: who works where, what software you rely on, what has broken before, and what frustrates your staff. We ask what is bothering you right now, what would hurt most if it went down, and where the business is headed over the next few years.
Terms are set in a statement of work, and we walk through it with you before anything starts. A term is agreed up front, so we’d rather you understand it now than be surprised later.
Step 1: Network discovery and documentation
We look at what you actually have: computers, servers, network gear, Microsoft 365 or other cloud accounts, backups, and who has access to what. We write it down. We usually walk through your office in person and use remote tools to inventory the rest, so we see both the equipment in the room and what’s running behind it. Plan on most of a day. We ask the owner, and whoever handles IT for the office today, to be available for it.
Most owners are surprised by this step. Many offices have never had their setup written down in one place, or the person who knew it has left.
Step 2: A customized service plan
From what we found, we put together a plan sized to your business: what we will monitor and maintain, what needs fixing first, and what can wait. You get it in plain English, and you decide what happens.
Step 3: Deploying monitoring, security and backup tools
Once you agree on the plan, we set up the tools that let us look after your systems and protect your data: monitoring, security software, and backup. Background installs happen during the day. Anything that needs a restart, or touches the network or a server, we schedule for off-hours.
This is the stage where owners worry most about disruption. We schedule the work to fit your business and tell you what to expect. Most of the time your staff will notice very little: mainly some new software icons on their computers.
Step 4: Meeting your team and training them
Your staff should know who to call and what to expect. We hold a short sit-down with each team or office to introduce ourselves and show people how to ask for help. We also cover the two habits that matter most: recognizing phishing emails, and using strong passwords with multi-factor sign-in.
Our clients tell us this part matters. Several mention that we take the time to explain things and train their people.
What to expect over the 45 days
Onboarding takes about 45 days. During that period we are still learning your environment, so it is the time to speak up. Two things help most: share your admin logins and software licenses so we have the full picture, and tell us whatever feels off as you notice it. Regular response-time commitments begin after this transition period, as set out in your agreement.
Questions to ask any provider before you switch
- Who will I call, and will I know that person?
- What happens in the first 45 days, step by step?
- What will my staff notice, and when?
- How is my setup documented, and who owns that document?
- What does the agreement say about term and ending it?
Thinking about switching?
If your current provider is slow, hard to understand, or no longer fits, talk to us before you decide. We’ll explain how a move would work for your office, with no pressure. Call 804-773-7090 or use the contact form.
