Changing IT provider without stopping the clinic
This is the worry that holds back almost every owner who is unhappy with their provider. This page sets out exactly what happens, how long it takes, and what we do when the previous provider will not cooperate.
Four steps over about three weeks
Nothing is switched off on day one. The handover is phased and the clinic keeps working throughout.
Week one. We map the environment, document it, and identify what is critical and what is missing. Without changing anything.
We collect passwords, vendor accounts, licences and domains, and move ownership into your name.
If the backup does not work or a dangerous access is open, that is handled at once rather than at the end.
The service desk becomes ours. From that day every call comes to us and the previous provider is released.
Four worries, and what actually happens
- DowntimeThe clinic does not close for a switch day. There is no moment when everything is off. The handover happens in the background and the switch itself is a change of the number you call.
- PasswordsIf the previous provider will not hand over passwords, there is a way. Most systems can be recovered through domain ownership or a request to the manufacturer. We have done it more than once.
- KnowledgeThe knowledge is not lost. The map we produce in week one is usually more detailed than what existed before, because at many providers it was never written down at all.
- Double costThere is no overlapping payment. Our start date is matched to your end date with the previous provider.
Three things worth gathering in advance
You can start without them, but having them shortens the process.
Your current provider agreement, and above all its notice period. That is what sets the timeline.
A list of the systems you pay for. Patient management software, antivirus, backup, email, telecoms lines. It sometimes turns out that something is being paid for and no longer used.
Who in the clinic knows the system. There is always one person who knows where everything is. It is worth having them on the first call.
What we get asked
Will our current provider find out we are looking?
Do we have to replace equipment to move to you?
What if we decide part way through not to continue?
How long until you know our clinic?
Want to hear how this would look for you?
Tell us what is not working with your current provider. The first conversation carries no obligation and involves nobody else.