Reliability is found in ISPs that monitor their servers around the clock and use multiple Internet connections to decrease the chances of a system freeze. As any phone owner is aware, live and timely customer and technical support is a hot, and often rare, commodity. But small businesses know how important that human touch is. With a local ISP, small businesses are virtually assured of personal service in their time zone. It's always a good idea to request customer service references.
Satisfaction often comes down to customer service and technical support.
Flexible support options and hours is critical in times of crisis. Be frank about your online business requirements, projected long-term needs. Remember that the ISP is an enabling resource and partner to your business. To survive, ISPs must be quick to listen and implement suggestions from their clients. With that in mind, small businesses will receive better feedback and create a strong, mutually beneficial relationship.