You switch IT providers by lining up the new provider before you leave the old one: gather your account details and documentation, check your notice period, and run the transition so monitoring, backups and security move first and day-to-day support switches with no gap.
Before you give notice
- Confirm your notice period and any exit terms in the current contract
- Check that you own the Microsoft 365 tenant, domain, licences and key accounts – not the provider
- Have the new provider do an assessment and give you a transition plan
- Line up the start date so there is overlap, not a gap
What to gather
- Admin logins for Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace, domain registrar, firewall, server
- A list of line-of-business applications and their vendors
- Where backups are and how to access them
- Any existing documentation, network diagrams, asset lists
The handover
- New provider takes over monitoring, backups and security first
- Documents the environment properly
- Transitions the helpdesk – staff get the new support contact
- Old provider’s access removed on a set date
- Most switches take one to two weeks
Red flags at the old provider
Reluctance to hand over admin access, accounts registered in their name, no documentation, a surprise long lock-in. See signs your IT provider is failing you.
IT buyer’s guides
- What is a managed service provider?
- How much do managed IT services cost?
- Break/fix vs managed IT services
- What to look for in an IT support contract
- In-house vs outsourced vs co-managed IT
- How to switch IT providers
- Signs your IT provider is failing you
Thinking about managed IT in Edmonton? Call +1 (587) 400-9991 (also on WhatsApp) or request a quote. We start with a short review at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
Will switching IT providers cause downtime?
It should not, if it is planned. The new provider takes over background services first and switches support last. Staff usually just get a new number to call.
How long does it take to switch?
One to two weeks for a typical small business. Longer if documentation is poor or the old provider is uncooperative.
What if our old provider owns our Microsoft 365?
They should transfer ownership. If they refuse, it can usually still be recovered through Microsoft, but it is a hassle – which is why you check this before signing with anyone.
How does Scandifix onboard a switch?
We assess, document, take over monitoring/backups/security, then transition support with overlap. You keep all your accounts. Most switches are done in one to two weeks.