The I.T. ANSWER
Managed Services and Outsourced IT: Find The I.T. Answer
Today, many companies are looking to decrease their IT infrastructures. In particular, companies are shrinking their IT departments because outsourcing provides a cost-effective way to manage security, virtualization, reporting and customer service. With all the managed services available, companies should follow some basic guidelines to ensure they receive the right combination of solutions for their current, and growing, business needs.
There are many areas to consider when choosing an outsourcing firm. Some of those areas are as follows:
• Flexibility and customization – Make sure your chosen firm understands your company’s IT infrastructure and the goals you hope to achieve. This equates to choosing a firm that offers flexible options. For example, choose a firm that lets you decide what components of your infrastructure you need assistance managing. An outsourcing firm should allow you the ability to customize solutions. In addition, your chosen firm should first analyze your IT options to offer the best solutions.
• Complexity and cost – Some companies operate using an advanced IT infrastructure. Therefore, that complexity means a company runs more equipment. The more equipment you run, the more cost you accrue. In turn, that cost carries over to customers. If you lack resources to manage that infrastructure, managed services provide assistance because that outsourcer provides you with the needed security measures and bandwidth to support customers and employees.
• Certified professionals – There is some truth behind the saying, “you get what you pay for.” When looking for the correct managed services’ provider, ask about credentials and what certifications its staff possess.
• Support – Many IT firms provide consultants for companies to complete tasks such as an upgrade. However, what happens once you complete that upgrade• This is where a company needs to decide what level(s) of support it needs. If you need client and/or employee support 24/7, choose an outsourcer that offers that service. In addition, look for an outsourcer that also monitors systems. This helps ensure that your systems return to full operating modes with little to no downtime.
• Security – To reach your IT and business goals, you need to operate with as little risk as possible. Therefore, make sure your outsourcer understands how to protect your firm and its customers from viruses and data loss. As part of its services, an outsourcing firm should provide options for data recovery. Moreover, an outsourcer may also suggest implementing a disaster recover plan to prepare for the unexpected.
•Storage and Virtualization – 2010 is the year to consolidate your server closet from a tangled mess to a streamlined upgradeable enterprise class server room. With storage solutions that blow away the Competition on price and versatility. It doesn’t matter if you have 1 server or 30 scalability is The I.T. Answer.
• Transitions – Ask an outsourcing firm how it helps make the transition to managed services
comfortable for clients and employees. For some, outsourcing means lay-offs. Therefore, choose a firm the supplies open communication so you do not disrupt your employees’ productivity levels or customers’ loyalty. Conducting any Internet search will find many firms that offer managed services and IT outsourcing. However, because of competition within this space, choose a firm that goes beyond the basic levels of support. For example, contract with an outsourcing firm that also sells computer hardware and peripherals at the lowest possible prices. This move may keep your costs down if you need to replace or upgrade equipment.
In addition, actively seek out information to assess if a researched company’s values are compatible with your company’s values and project goals. The I.T. Answer lists its cores values on its website so new clients have the ability to see if their core values align with this firm.
To see how this company may support your IT needs, please visit: http://www.theitanswer.com/
