1. Technical expertise 

IT Partners should be well-versed in the ins and outs for the latest technologies. But that sort of knowledge can be of little more than academic value if your IT Partner doesn't have first-hand knowledge of how it applies to your business. Your IT Partner should “first and foremost” know what’s important to you and your business and how to utilize technology in a cost-effective manner to solve your business problems.

2. An awareness of your budget 

IT Partners are increasingly essential to small to medium-sized businesses. But that sort of critical function shouldn't necessarily come at a crippling expense. When looking for an IT Partner, make sure they can understand you’re over networking needs and present the solution in a phased process. That works for your business’s Timing & Budgeting guidelines.
 
3. An advocate who cuts through product hype.

IT Partners want stay afloat long if a business doesn't go along with his or her recommendations, be it a new software package or a plan to implement it. But truly effective IT Partners go to bat for their client companies, identifying genuinely effective technical options. "An effective IT Partner can bridge the gap between a vendor's product hype and what is truly an effective business solution. "He should also help determine if a company is using its current technology to its fullest capacity and show how to maximize the products it already owns."

4. A long-term planner, implementer, and strategist.

IT Partnerships also help with even the most carefully thought out technology plans that may have grown old on the drawing board. An involved IT Partner can always handle implementation, whether it's suggesting a gradual introduction over time or a veritable technology lost weekend where everything is shut down and changed over. Be sure your IT Partner knows the best way to put technology recommendations into place.

5. An industry watcher who maps technology advances

IT Partners, that proactively stand ready to pinpoint new technology needs and to suggest updates and changes accordingly. That means keeping close tabs on your business's growth and development — as well as on developments in the world of technology might apply to your needs. "They should continually develop an understanding of the business at hand. IT Partners can offer strategic insight into how new solutions and technologies can reduce cost and streamline the operation."

6. A keen ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.

IT Partners should always be ready to address technical problems quickly. It's unrealistic to think that any element of technology, no matter how expensive or sophisticated, is totally immune to breakdowns.

7. An interest in handling all of your technology needs.

Nothing can prove more annoying — not to mention wasteful — than you having to hop from consultant to consultant or business to business to address individual elements of your technology needs. One final element when shopping for an IT Partner is knowing that all your technology needs will be met under one roof, no matter if it's as involved as a completely new technology infrastructure or as elementary as a basic user's question. "They should act as a single point of accountability and contact for all technology issues."