1) Provide critical administrator access

To support and secure your environment properly, your new IT provider will need core admin access as early as possible, including:

• Microsoft 365 Global Admin (or equivalent)
• Server / Active Directory admin logins (where applicable)
• Firewall / router admin credentials
• Domain registrar access (e.g., GoDaddy, 123-reg, Cloudflare)

This enables security tools to be deployed, licensing to be managed, backups to be configured, and the overall environment to be validated.

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2) Supply a full staff list with contact details

To set up accounts, permissions, and support, provide:

• Staff names
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Job roles / departments

This helps ensure smooth onboarding (or migration), correct permissions, and the right support access from day one.

3) Share details of existing IT systems and suppliers

Provide information on:

• Current IT provider and handover contact
• Internet/telecoms provider(s), mobiles, printer/print management
• Key applications and any third-party vendors

This helps avoid service gaps, ensures access is coordinated, and allows any migrations to be planned properly.

4) Install remote management software on all devices

Most IT providers use a Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) agent. Installing it across all devices enables:

• Remote support
• Patch management
• Security tool deployment
• Hardware/software inventory and reporting

Installers are usually available for both Windows and Mac.

5) Confirm the transition timeline and handover date

 Agree the date the outgoing provider will release access and complete the handover. Onboarding can only be fully completed once the handover is confirmed.

This helps ensure:

• No downtime
• A smoother transition
• Correct sequencing for security setup, admin access, and backup configuration