Independent schools are making significant investments in technology including network upgrades, cybersecurity platforms, AV systems, cloud infrastructure, and more. But success isn’t just about the tools you choose, it’s also about the people behind them. Choosing the right technology partners can make or break a project, especially when your internal IT team is already stretched thin.
At Knowing Technologies, we’ve helped schools vet, select, and manage dozens of vendors over the years. Here’s what we’ve learned about building strong vendor relationships that support your school’s mission, not just its devices.
1. Start with Strategy, Not Software
Before evaluating any vendor, clarify your goals. Are you trying to improve classroom connectivity? Strengthen cybersecurity? Expand remote learning capacity?
Having a clear strategy helps you:
- Narrow your search to vendors who align with your vision.
- Avoid being sold tools you don’t need (or can’t support).
- Ask better questions in the vetting process.
Tip: Your IT roadmap should inform your vendor decisions, not the other way around.
2. Look for Education Focused Expertise
Not all vendors understand the unique needs of independent schools. Look for those who:
- Have experience working with K12 institutions.
- Understand the academic calendar and operational cycles.
- Offer flexible, school-friendly licensing models.
Education expertise isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s essential for seamless implementation and ongoing support.
3. Ask the Right Questions
Before signing a contract, ask potential vendors:
- Who will support us after implementation?
- How do you handle training for faculty and staff?
- What happens when there’s an outage or a cyber incident?
- Can you integrate with our existing systems (like our LMS, SIS, or network infrastructure)?
Better questions lead to better partnerships, and fewer surprises down the road.
4. Evaluate More Than Just Price
It’s tempting to compare vendors based on cost alone, especially when budgets are tight. But in our experience, the lowest price often comes with hidden costs:
- Poor customer service
- Complicated maintenance
- Limited scalability
Instead, weigh price alongside:
- Long-term value
- Ease of deployment
- Support quality
- Integration with your current environment
A good partner saves you time, energy, and stress well beyond the initial purchase.
5. Don’t Go It Alone
One of the biggest mistakes we see schools make? Trying to evaluate vendors without enough internal capacity or technical depth.
A trusted IT partner can help you:
- Translate technical jargon into clear decision making criteria
- Coordinate demos and trials
- Negotiate contracts in your school’s best interest
- Ensure your vendor mix supports, not complicates, your IT ecosystem
We’ve built strong relationships with vendors across cybersecurity, wireless infrastructure, endpoint management, and more. We’re not resellers, we’re advisors who sit on your side of the table.
Final Thoughts
The right tech partners are more than service providers, they’re long-term collaborators in your school’s success. Choosing them well means your team can spend less time troubleshooting and more time focusing on what matters most: empowering teaching and learning through great technology.
If your school is facing a big tech decision or just wants a second set of eyes on a proposal, we’re here to help.
