How can an off-load solution free up a business’s resources to focus on its core competencies?
A large amount of time is spent on the ongoing maintenance and continual improvement of IT systems. From configuration changes, firmware upgrades, change-control meetings, managing multiple vendors and training on specific technologies, there is often little time for anything else. In organizations that have limited staffing resources, these routine — but very necessary — activities divert critical thought cycles away from solving more strategic IT challenges.
Why can it be beneficial to off-load data protection, system security, monitoring and maintenance of your IT infrastructure?
The infrastructure needed to support these capabilities is typically very expensive. Aside from the associated capital expenses, a huge amount of due diligence is typically done to ensure the particular technologies you invest in perform as expected within the specific environment they are to be deployed in. Off-loading these types of services not only relieves internal resources of the management tasks, the associated Service Level Agreements (SLAs) mitigate risk for the business.
On top of the risk mitigation benefits, off-loading security and monitoring tasks typically increases the visibility for most organizations, as they receive 24-7 support from a staffed network operations center.
Are there different types of companies that provide managed services?
Indeed. As with all industries, there are providers that have different variations within their service portfolios, different levels of investment within their infrastructure, different demographics and different specializations that their staff focuses on. These variables ultimately mean that organizations that are considering an IT off-load strategy need to be diligent when identifying the right partner. They need to make sure that partner aligns with their own business needs and is positioned to grow with their business over the term of the relationship. We recommend that CIO’s consider the following:
- Ensure the partner you choose is focused on the services they are offering you. Many firms are willing to stretch beyond their area of expertise in order to secure new business.
- Understand the associated SLAs, and make sure they support your business needs.
- Understand your infrastructure growth path, and make sure your partner can support it. Don’t overlook potential future regulatory needs, or the regulatory needs of your own customers. Also keep in mind that while you may want to maintain full control over certain aspects of your infrastructure today, consider that you may not have that requirement tomorrow. IT is a 24-7 business, regardless of industry. Make sure your partner can support you 24-7.
Carlos Oliveira is the vice president of engineering and Irvine general manager at Latisys. Reach him at [email protected].
