Changing IT provider should not start with cancelling the old contract and hoping the new provider can catch everything. A safe transition starts with control: access, documentation, suppliers, devices, backups and user support.
Start with ownership
Confirm who controls Microsoft 365, domain names, DNS, backups, firewalls, antivirus, devices, telecoms, website hosting and any line-of-business systems. If nobody can answer quickly, the handover risk is already visible.
Check administrator access before the move
The business should know which accounts are privileged, whether MFA is enabled, and whether any external supplier has persistent access. This is especially important for Microsoft 365, backup systems and remote access tools.
Map the first 30 days
A good provider-switch plan should prioritise urgent support, account security, documentation, backup confidence and known recurring issues. Large projects can wait until the basics are under control.
Keep communication clear
Staff need to know where to get support, what is changing and what is not changing. The aim is a cleaner support route, not confusion between two providers.
Use the provider-switch review if you want a practical route through the handover, or start with the IT Risk Scorecard.