Unmasking the Dark Side of IT: Recognizing the Signs of Self-Interested Providers

(3 Minute Read)

When it comes to managing your law firm's IT infrastructure, it's absolutely essential to have a provider who prioritizes your law firm’s best interests. While that may seem obvious, vetting client centric tech management is not always an easy task—even for experienced HR teams. In this post, we'll shed some light on some of ways you can spot a potential problem person, and what you can do about it.

The "Can't Do" Mentality

We often hear from lawyers about IT providers who constantly tell them what they "can't do" or what technology they "can't use." While sometimes there may be specific reasons for why that could be true—For instance, budget restrictions, ongoing costs, building compliance, etc., those restrictions could also be true because it benefits the IT provider… not the client. What do we mean by that?

The Snoozers Are Often the Losers

Let’s call it a spade. Just like lawyers, not all IT providers are created equally, and you don’t always get what you pay for. It takes real time and effort, paired with a commitment to lifelong learning to stay on top of the latest technology trends and some companies just aren’t willing to do that. If they are only familiar with using certain systems, say Microsoft over Apple, they may not want to learn new platforms just to accommodate your firm. Our recommendation is to always ask your provider to give clear reasons as to why they are steering you in one direction over another. Your experience deposing people will help you get of the heart of that matter pretty quickly!

Some IT Providers Like to Kick-Back and Relax

While it is a common practice for companies to incentivize IT providers to use their products, such incentives should never be the sole determining factor when deciding whom to choose. Building enduring partnerships that drive sustainable success and deliver exceptional value must be at the center of every decision. If it’s not, you may want to consider shopping around. No MSP should be beholden to a vendor, they need to make them work for YOU.

The Monkey in the Middle

One of the most concerning practices is the dreaded "middleman mark up," which is when the contractor conceals the original cost of purchases within the prices listed on their bills. This deceptive tactic adds an additional layer of opacity to the transaction process, making it difficult to figure out the true value of the products or services rendered. Does your provider offer transparent billing? At VIKING, that is at the center of our customer service--Read more about that here!

We believe in the empowerment and education our clients, so they can make the best decisions for the future of their firm. It’s important to us that all of clients feel comfortable and in control of their tech infrastructure. After all, they own it!

At VIKING, we pride ourselves on being hardware and software agnostic. This means we have extensive experience working with a wide range of technology platforms, tools, and systems. Whether you prefer Windows, macOS, or Linux, or if you have specific software requirements, we have the expertise to support and integrate them seamlessly into your IT environment. Our goal is to make your technology work for you, not the other way around.

Truly Customized Support and White Glove Service Every Time 

Our approach has always been centered around our clients—it’s what we are known for! We understand that every law firm is unique and has very specific requirements when it comes to IT support and tech infrastructure. That's why, from the very first meeting, we take the time to listen and understand your firm's goals, challenges, and preferences. We collaborate closely with you and your team to design truly customized solutions that address what your firm needs. We never impose one-size-fits-all solutions!

Teamwork Really Does Make the Dream Work

Choosing an IT provider that prioritizes their own interests over yours can lead to significant consequences for your law firm. It can limit your flexibility, hinder productivity, and impede growth. With VIKING as your trusted partner, you can rest assured that your technology is in good hands, allowing you to focus on what you do best: serving your clients and growing your law firm!