IT Services Buyer's Guide 2026
An easy-to-follow guide to choosing a new IT support partner. Discover what to look for, what to beware of and the right questions to ask, written by Yann Davies, Managing Director of ABCOM.
What's inside the guide
Eleven short chapters, written in plain English for business owners and managers, not IT people.
The 5 technology revolutions
AI, hybrid working, the cloud, the Internet of Things and cyber crime, and what each means for a business like yours.
Your IT strategy
Why your IT strategy should sit alongside your business plan, with a technology roadmap and regular strategic reviews.
10 reasons businesses switch
From poor communication and slow fixes to "sorry, we don't cover that". The warning signs to look out for.
Protecting your data
How ransomware gets in, why attackers wait weeks before striking, and the signs of a hacker in your network.
Be sceptical of IT companies
IT support is unregulated. The five hard questions to ask any provider before you sign.
What IT companies wish you knew
Monitoring and maintenance, the quality-speed-price triangle, and why outsourcing often beats hiring in-house.
Help for your internal IT team
How co-managed IT support backs up your in-house people and protects the person responsible for IT.
Clients and about ABCOM
What our clients say, and how ABCOM grew into an NCSC Assured managed service provider for Sussex and London.
Your first 90 days
What happens when you switch: learning your business, fixing leftover problems and building your technology strategy.
Five questions to ask any IT support company
Anyone can call themselves an IT support company. These five questions tell you the most about a potential partner, and the guide explains what a good answer sounds like.
- 1How quickly will problems be fixed?
- 2What do you do proactively, so my team has fewer interruptions?
- 3Tell me about the specific people who'll be looking after us.
- 4Can you explain something deeply technical in a way I'll understand?
- 5How will you keep on top of the constant changes in my business?
Questions about the guide
Quick answers before you download.
Is the guide really free?
Yes. There's no sign-up form and no obligation. Click the download button and the PDF opens in your browser, ready to read or save.
Who is the guide for?
Business owners, managers and charity leaders who are unhappy with their current IT support, or choosing an IT partner for the first time. No technical knowledge is needed.
How long does it take to read?
It's 46 pages with plenty of visuals, so most people read it in under an hour. Each chapter stands on its own if you only want to dip in.
What should I do after reading it?
If you'd like to talk it through, book a free 15-minute video call with Yann or use the form below to request a free technology review.
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