IT outsourcing delivers clear benefits to businesses at every level. It's cost-effective, scalable, and makes it possible for companies to access enterprise-level support services without developing in-house teams.

But giving a third party control over your most sensitive systems and information can be risky. Outsourcing the job to the wrong provider can expose your business to downtime, project delays, or even reputational damage instead of just eliminating gaps in coverage.

At Revotech, we help clients across BC’s Lower Mainland reduce IT outsourcing risks like these through our secure managed services. Read on for five suggestions from our experts on how you can find the support you need without compromising your security.

1. Confirm You're Always in Control

What risks does this address? Feeling "locked out" of decisions or trapped in inflexible contracts.

The goal of managed IT is to shift responsibility for IT-related tasks to a team or provider who has the time, resources, and skills to handle the job on your behalf. You shouldn't have to constantly supervise, micromanage, or check in, but that doesn't mean you should lose all authority in the process.

Some providers build vague contracts or rigid terms that make it easy to lock you out—or lock you in—even when they’re no longer delivering value. Look for partners who keep you in the loop at your comfort level, whether you want a fully hands-off experience or co-managed IT.

Revotech's Approach:

• SLAs always clearly define responsibilities, performance standards, and timelines.

• Contracts are written in plain English without any manipulative language or clauses.

• Clients retain full ownership of any data and the right to make key IT decisions.

• Dedicated account managers are easy to contact and always up for a chat.

Our managed IT is also fully customizable and scalable in either direction. If something isn't working for you or it's time for a change, just let us know—we don’t keep you locked into lengthy contracts because we want to make sure we’re always providing you with the value you need.

2. Vet Security Expertise Carefully

What risks does this address? Data breaches, poor compliance, or weak endpoint protection.

Outsourcing your IT introduces new security variables, but finding someone you can trust isn't easy—especially if you aren't familiar with IT. The explosion of short-form online cybersecurity courses makes it harder to tell which professionals are legitimate and which are just out to make a quick buck.

Look for providers who hold certifications from reputable organizations, are happy to demonstrate their track record, and can provide 24/7 monitoring as well as a rapid response to potential incidents.

Revotech's Approach:

• Built-in compliance for Canada's data privacy laws (e.g., PIPEDA).

• 24/7 monitoring to detect and respond to threats in real time.

• An average incident response time of under 10 minutes.

• 12 years of experience helping 70+ companies with their cybersecurity needs.

• A comprehensive, fully managed toolkit of services from leading security vendors.

We're also proud to offer strategic guidance to help you align your cybersecurity with your goals for the future as your needs change. See how we can help you develop an IT strategy for your business.

3. Look for Clear, Consistent Communication

What risks does this address? Delays, misunderstandings, or feeling left in the dark.

Your SLA defines the scope of your services, response times, escalation paths, and in theory, a few basic guardrails for communication—but some providers let communication fall by the wayside after the initial honeymoon is over. That can leave you chasing down updates or facing IT challenges on your own.

Look for providers who show a clear commitment to staying in contact with you on multiple channels at every step. You should be able to reach them by phone, text, email, or message without waiting days to hear back.

Revotech's Approach:

• 24/7 remote help desk support and/or on-site support (as defined by your SLA).

• Backup contact options if your account manager isn't available at any given time.

• Regular check-ins, status updates, and service reports to keep everyone aligned.

• Advanced monitoring tools that provide updates in real-time with the click of a button.

• Client feedback loops that help reinforce our support workflows so you aren't overlooked.

Be wary about providers who don’t list phone numbers, won’t disclose where they operate from, or lack a local presence in your area. They may be illegitimate or disappear when you need them most.

4. Never Settle for Reactive-Only IT

What risks does this address? Declining service quality or problems only being caught after something breaks.

It might sound overly simplistic to say that managed IT needs to be, well, managed—but that's a bigger issue than you might think in the industry. If your provider only steps in when you complain, you're getting reactive piecemeal support instead of a truly managed service.

Without continuous monitoring, it’s easy for performance issues, security risks, or slowdowns to slip under the radar until they start affecting your team. Look for providers who actively monitor your IT infrastructure at all times—and use the data they collect to proactively prevent failures.

Revotech's Approach:

• Real-time system monitoring for uptime, performance, and security alerts.

• Automated backups to ensure you have fail-overs to roll back to in a crisis.

• Defined KPIs and performance targets tracked across your entire IT stack.

• Regular service audits and reports to track trends, performance, and risks.

We strongly believe that both proactive and reactive measures are essential parts of a holistic, fully-managed IT service. You can't really have one without the other and still maintain a quality service.

5. Avoid Hidden Costs with Predictable Pricing

What risks does this address? "Cheap" providers that tack on fees for every adjustment or request.

Some managed IT providers will lure you in with a falsely low base rate, but nickel and dime you for everything from a phone call to a simple hardware swap afterwards. Others will give you a deflated rate for the first year and then surprise you by tripling the price when your contracts renew.

Look for providers who are honest, transparent, and upfront about their pricing. Every quote or contract should clearly outline what’s included, what’s optional, and how or when you can make changes before you sign (not after you get the bill).

Revotech's Approach:

• Bundled service packages (e.g., Hardware as a Service (HaaS), support, upgrades).

• Pay for what you want and need, not what you aren't interested in.

• No fees for scaling up, swapping hardware, or modifying support plans.

• Transparent contracts that define exactly what you’re paying for.

Cost visibility makes it easier to budget for IT without any nasty surprises—and that's the kind of consistency all businesses need. More importantly, it's also just the right thing to do.

Revotech Helps You Outsource Your IT With Confidence

Outsourcing your IT doesn't have to mean giving up control, exposing yourself to security risks, or ending up with a surprise bill for services you never ordered. Do your due diligence and get to know each provider beyond just a simple telephone call before you sign any contracts, and don't be afraid to ask them to show proof of their experience. A good provider will be happy to deliver in any way they can.

Ready to see what makes us better than the competition? Schedule a meeting so we can show you how we deliver top-shelf, fully-managed IT services built around your needs—not our own agenda.