While there is a myriad of reasons to outsource your IT needs to a managed services provider, there are things you want to avoid. Otherwise, the hopes of maintaining high-performing technology systems are dashed.
Take care to avoid these outsourcing pitfalls. Doing so can help to ensure you achieve the intended results.
Compromising on Quality
No one faults you for looking for ways to save money. However, you want to avoid accepting the cheapest offer. Unfortunately, the IT outsourcing provider that only wants to win the bidding war does not have your business’s best interest in mind.
Furthermore, any money added to your bottom line is quickly deducted when you have to shell out more money to correct incompetent decisions. Technology is a vital artery within your business. You want to avoid problems that cause irreversible or costly damage to the network.
Hidden Managed Service Provider Costs
Reducing costs was probably your primary reason for considering an outsourcing partner to manage the IT infrastructure. You benefit from the economies of scale from a third party without adding to your business’s operational costs.
Be careful that the provider does not promise one fee upfront and adds more to the invoice. Instead, the right provider will thoroughly evaluate your current and future IT needs. As a result, they will present a proposal that outlays service expenses.
Inflexible With Contract Terms
Initial assessments should come from an honest look at your IT needs. The outsourcing provider offers management and support it considers appropriate for your IT platform. However, some things may change.
Therefore, you want a partner willing to provide flexible terms supportive of growth and change. Ideally, the service contract spells out current needs with the flexibility to make changes as necessary.
This should not be problematic when the ultimate goal is to keep your business and employees connected.
Promising Unrealistic Expectations
Some IT outsourcing providers may offer rigid terms. Others might be tempted to set unrealistic expectations about their ability or what your infrastructure actually needs. Generally, this happens when the provider is too eager to secure the contract.
They magnify their capacity to give businesses immediate results and benefits from using their services. But, in their haste, they are tempted to be agreeable when they should offer an expert analysis of what is needed and achievable.
Avoid disappointments by choosing a partner who is agreeable to what is required to achieve your goals and objectives.
Relinquishing Total Control
A significant risk to outsourcing any business function is the loss of control. This reality is especially concerning when you depend on an outside party to manage your IT assets with care.
Partnering with a provider that remains transparent throughout the contract is the best way to avoid relinquishing total control. In fact, a good provider wants to keep you in the loop of how they are managing the infrastructure.
Even if the IT outsourcing company works remotely, there should be a constant line of communication on both sides.
Poor Communicators
Silence is not golden when you have an emergency and cannot reach your managed IT services provider. Advances in technology include different ways to communicate in virtual settings. For example, face-to-face meetings are easily replaced with video conferencing platforms.
In other words, you need an outsourcing partner that understands the importance of open, honest communication. You are entrusting your digital assets and infrastructure to their abilities.
Poor Performance
When an outsourced IT provider is unfamiliar with your infrastructure, their performance will suffer. Solutions to information technology are not one-size-fits-all. Care should be taken to provide services that fit your needs.
This includes resolving unforeseen issues with little to no downtime for your business operations. In addition, you want to avoid a potential provider that does not take time to become well-versed in the infrastructure of your business.
https://meriplex.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/What-is-managed-SD-WAN.jpg
1333
2000
Greg Allen
/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Meriplex-Logo-Full-Color.png
Greg Allen2023-03-20 18:52:062023-02-20 18:53:18What is Managed SD-WAN?
