Tips for Selecting an Infrastructure Management Company
Posted by Cheryl Balassone on Tue, Dec 20, 2011 @ 11:21 AM
Gartner forecasts that by 2012, 70% of North Amercian companies be be engaged in infrastructure magement contracts. When it comes to IT infrastructure management companies, too much is at stake to choose a partner who doesn't understand the client's unique needs and how technology effects their overall business objectives.
At first glance, many infrastructure management providers offer similar services in terms of securing operations and reducing costs. The following key factors differentiate providers and should be carefully examined when evaluting infrastructure management companies:
- Flexibility: Today's global marketplace demands quick repsonse time, the ability to make rapid changes and universal collaboration.
- Process maturity: At a mimunum, the infrastucture management provider must embrace a framework such as ITIL and deliver consistent performance. Benchmarks and metrics for improving service delivery indicate an emphasis on continuous process improvement.
- Service delivery visibility: If problems arise related to IT service delivery, the provider should offer visbility into the problem and how its was addressed/resolved.
- Value: Companies must ask prospective infrastructure management partners specifically what value they bring in terms of operational efficiencies and providers must be able to provide a detailed accountability of the value they will deliver.
By exploring these critical areas when selecting an infrastructure management company, businesses can ensure they find a partner who truly supports the IT needs of the organization.