Switching It Vendors In our line of work we’re often asked to take over for a client from another IT vendor. For the ill-prepared client this can create problems with the soon-to-be-ex IT vendor. We have seen this transition run the gambit from a seamless transition to an all out booby trap filled ordeal. Because we’ve seen it all, we’re very good at making this transition as smooth as possible. However the key here for you is taking steps now, even if you are not intending to switch vendors, and not only prepare for this possibility but showing your vendor that you’re savvy enough to know what to ask for. This will keep them on their toes and help prevent them from doing something that isn’t in your businesses’ best interest. Even if you think you’ll never change your IT vendor, at least consider the “hit by a bus” scenario and be prepared. Administration is Key Know all of your tech’s administrator usernames and passwords for all of your key systems. This list includes: each computer’s administrator credentials; your server(s) administrator’s credentials; your firewall’s administrator credentials; and key systems’ user name and passwords. Not only should you have these but you should test them regularly to make sure they haven’t changed and to show your tech you know what you’re doing. Lock the Back Door A corollary to the last rule is knowing what back-door accounts your tech has created (if any) on your systems and get those credentials. It will be easier to learn about these before beginning to change vendors and your existing vendor may be more amenable to providing these when things are good between you. There’s nothing worse than switching vendors only to find out later that your old vendor still has access to your systems. Back-door accounts are usually used by IT vendors as a safety net in the event that the administrator account ever becomes compromised. Your new IT vendor will most likely be able to ferret these out but you may as well know about them just in case. Find your Keys Get all your software’s serial numbers and install discs – Make sure when you buy software either yourself or through your vendor, that you are given the installation CD’s and software keys once the vendor is done with them. If you don’t have them or can’t locate them – ask your vendor where they are. Internet Service Provider Contact your ISP and make sure you are authorized to make changes to the account. Domain Registrar If you don’t know, find out who your domain registrar (i.e. GoDaddy; Network Solutions) is and make sure that you are set up as the administrative contact for your domain name. You can look this information up using a WhoIs service such as this: whois.net/ Property Management Make sure you are the registered owner of all of your computers- We have seen cases where the vendor bought the client’s computers and never transferred ownership. This then creates problems when warranty work needs to be done on the machines after the former vendor has left the picture. This isn’t an insurmountable problem but as with most things its better to treat this issue before it is needed in a crunch. Secure Your Passwords Change your own passwords – We have seen cases when the former tech knew the business owner’s own password and used it against them. They’ve logged in and read emails and have just generally wreaked havoc with this information. It’s always a good idea to change your passwords every 30-60 days and especially after you’ve switched IT vendors. Following these steps will not only help keep your existing IT vendor in check but it will make the transistion from one IT vendor to another a smoother one. -Jim De Vico General Manager, Los Angeles Everon Technology Services Michael Cooch is the founder and CEO of Everon Technology Services LLC, a provider of IT support and management services, data protection services, and internet marketing services to small businesses and non-profits nationwide. To learn more about Everons services, please visit everonit.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 20:37:20 +0000
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