IT is normally one of the first functions to be outsourced in businesses. IT can generally be performed more cost-effectively by a local team of experts than in-house, especially in small to medium businesses. However, many businesses have IT vendors layered on top of other IT vendors – a great solution until a problem arises somewhere ambiguously amidst those layers. Rarely will IT vendors voluntarily step up and accept responsibility – not out of dishonesty, but from confusion about who was responsible for what.
In light of that, here are the top 3 methods to maintain continuity with multiple outsourced vendors.
- Ensure SLA’s (Service Level Agreements) are in place. Understanding where one contracted service begins and another ends is imperative for an effective resolution when a problem arises. These should be addressed before signing any agreements, and many service providers already have agreements in place – but they can be altered to your specifications most of the time.
- The fewer, the better. Not every technology consultant can support a Citrix app, BYOD device management and cloud-based firewalls; certainly understandable as they’re different services. However, as often as possible, use the same vendor for as many functions as possible. This establishes a seamless integration, rather than perpetually struggling with compatibility and creating unorthodox workarounds –which cause confusion and can sometimes lead to security threats.
- Outsourcing Cooperation Agreements save headaches. This is similar to an SLA, except that it requires vendors to work in collaboration with other vendors, rather than merely guaranteeing their own levels of service. An OSC ascertains who is at fault for what, and what sequence of events the collective response from multiple vendors should follow. Like SLA’s, this should be negotiated in advance.
In today’s world, there are so many services and performances that finding one company for everything is rare, if not impossible. The sheer amount of different sectors is such that in most instances, no single company can handle all of a business’s critical IT needs. Hence, effectively dealing with multiple IT vendors requires advance preparation and the ability to plan for multiple contingencies.
When it comes to IT and understanding IT vendors, we can help. At Dunhill Staffing Systems, an IT staffing firm in Charleston, can help your business find the elite talent you need for critical business operations. We understand the challenges businesses face, and can help you find a candidate with not only the hard skills, but the soft skills necessary for a long term career fit either as a contractor or an in-house IT administrator. Contact us today to see how we can help your business grow.