When seeking IT consulting services you should carefully think about the problem you're trying to solve and the services you will need.  You have to speak the language and be specific about the type of services you need.

Being specific about the problem you're trying to solve will make it easy for the service provider to solve your problem by providing the correct solution.

This IT checklist will help you to define the services you need.  You can also download and use it this checklist.

 

# Items  
 1 IT/Tech Support (Help Desk) - onsite and remote - 24/7  
 2 Data backup & recovery  
3 Business continuity planning  
4 Network design & Planning  
5 Networking setup  
6 Network monitoring  
7 Network management (file & print sharing, acct mgmt)  
8 Data solution implementation  
9 Database management  
10 Data security  
11 PC troubleshooting and repair  
12 Software installation  
13 Hardware upgrades  
14 Spyware/Adware remediation  
15 Firewall security  
16 Security audits  
17 Virus detection and removal  
18 Wireless networking  
19 Remote access  
20 Cloud services  
21 Office moves  
22 VOIP  
23 Virtualization  
24 Payment (monthly, Annually or per call)