It's Time to Break Up with Your Old IT Provider
Switching IT providers can feel like a leap into the unknown—especially if you've been burned before. You might be worried about downtime, data loss, or even backlash from your previous vendor. But what's worse is sticking with support that's reactive, unreliable, or holding your business back.
For many professional service firms—like CPAs, engineering, and insurance offices—tech challenges aren't just frustrating. They interrupt client service, slow down your team, and risk compliance violations. That's why having a structured, thoughtful onboarding process is essential to making the change successful.
At TechSage, we've helped dozens of small and mid-sized businesses across South and Central Texas transition smoothly to our managed IT services. Here's what a well-run onboarding should look like—and how we eliminate the chaos from your first 90 days.
Onboarding Matters More Than You Think
Your first 90 days with a new IT partner set the tone for everything that comes after. Get it right, and you'll build a foundation of trust, efficiency, and proactive support. Get it wrong, and you're left with more frustration and uncertainty than you started with.
Common pitfalls of bad onboarding include:
- Confusing handoffs from previous providers
- Lost credentials or undocumented systems
- Missed compliance steps
- Slow response from your new IT team
- No clear plan for future improvements
TechSage avoids those pitfalls by following a structured, consultative process that puts your business needs first.
TechSage's 5-Step Onboarding Process
Step 1: Discovery & Initial Assessment
We start by learning about your business—what you do, who you serve, and how your current systems support (or hinder) your operations.
You can expect:
- A scheduled discovery call with our onboarding team
- A review of your current systems, security status, and known pain points
- Questions tailored to your industry, whether it's CMMC compliance for defense contractors or secure file access for engineering teams
The goal? Build a baseline understanding of your environment so we can improve it—without assumptions.
Step 2: Kickoff Meeting with Stakeholders
Next, we schedule a kickoff meeting with your internal stakeholders. This isn't just a formality—it's where we align on goals, timelines, and expectations.
Here's what we'll cover:
- Who's who: introductions to key contacts on both sides
- Communication norms: how and when we'll keep you updated
- Immediate concerns: anything urgent we need to tackle now
- Timelines: a realistic schedule for every step
We know change is stressful, so this is where we open the lines of communication early and clearly.
Step 3: Secure Handoff from Your Previous Provider
One of the most sensitive phases in onboarding is the handoff. TechSage handles this securely and discreetly, minimizing downtime and reducing risk.
We coordinate:
- Retrieval of admin credentials
- Review and backup of current configurations
- Shutdown procedures for outdated or insecure systems
- Transfer of service ownership (email, licenses, cloud apps, etc.)
Whether your last provider was cooperative or not, we've seen it all—and we know how to protect your data and continuity through the switch.
Step 4: Portal Walkthrough: Your CloudRadial Hub
Once your systems are secure and under our management, we introduce your team to the TechSage client portal—powered by CloudRadial.
This easy-to-use dashboard includes:
- Support ticket submission and tracking
- Access to documentation and system reports
- Billing history and quotes
- Office 365 training videos for your team
- Optional app shortcuts customized for your environment
We guide you through the portal step by step, so your staff feels confident using it from day one.
Step 5: Roadmap & Optimization Planning
The final step in onboarding isn't the end—it's the beginning of your IT roadmap.
Here's what we build for you:
- A prioritized action plan for system upgrades, patching, and security
- Budget-friendly timelines for new hardware, cloud migration, or compliance gaps
- Recommendations for future-proofing (like preparing for Windows 11)
- A cadence for Technology Business Reviews to keep your systems aligned with your business goals
We don't drop off after 30 days. We stay engaged with regular check-ins, proactive updates, and honest conversations about what's working—and what's not.
What You Won't Get from TechSage
Let's be clear about what we don't do—because it's what sets us apart.
- No one-size-fits-all plans. We build solutions around your business, not our billing templates.
- No call trees. We answer the phone live during business hours. You talk to a real person who knows your setup.
- No cookie-cutter advice. Our team includes compliance specialists, certified Microsoft engineers, and strategic planners. If we don't know the answer, we'll find it.
We believe IT support should feel like a partnership, not a product. That starts on day one.
FAQs: Your First 90 Days with TechSage
How long does onboarding take?
Most transitions wrap up in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on complexity. We keep the process moving without cutting corners.
What happens if my old provider is uncooperative?
We've navigated messy handoffs before. With your permission, we document everything and secure your systems even if your old provider doesn't help.
Will my team be trained on the portal and new tools?
Yes. We offer live walk-throughs and access to video training resources within the portal.
Can you help us plan for Windows 11 upgrades?
Absolutely. We assess which machines meet the requirements and help you budget for necessary upgrades before Microsoft's October 2025 deadline.
How do I know this isn't just another MSP promising the world?
We get it—IT companies often overpromise and underdeliver. That's why we focus on responsiveness, transparency, and follow-through. Ask our clients.
The First 90 Days Matter
Switching IT providers doesn't have to be stressful. With the right partner, those first 90 days can build the foundation for better performance, tighter security, and fewer tech headaches.
Whether you're growing your team, preparing for a compliance audit, or just tired of slow support, TechSage is ready to help you take the next step—with confidence.
Click Here or give us a call at (210) 582-5814 to Book a FREE Discovery Call
