Chuck Orrico, Executive Vice President at DYOPATH
In my first blog, I discussed the market’s recent move toward IT outsourcing. I hope my blog that followed helped you figure out whether IT outsourcing can resolve your organization’s specific challenges. If you’re exploring your options, finding a good cultural match with a trusted managed service provider (MSP) will be crucial to the successful integration of IT outsourcing services in your organization.
Ensure a Culture Match with Your IT Service Provider
When you know which qualities to look for in an MSP you can weed out the mismatches. Many clients seek hybrid solutions in which remote IT specialists collaborate with their in-house personnel. When blending staff and resources, it’s important to view your provider as a strategic partner. Focus on:
- Inherent intellectual capital – Does the scope of expertise and organizational processes your partner will bring to the table balance out your own?
- Employee morale – Are your employees set up to work with your new partner?
- Functions – What role will each side play in resolving IT issues?
- Communication styles – How proactive will your communication be with one another?
Fully Understand One Another’s Expectations
When you outsource some or all of your IT systems, it’s important to fully understand what each side expects of the other. Beware of promises, even ones in writing, that may not come true. I’ve seen unrealistic Service Level Agreements (SLAs) derail IT partnerships that started with good intentions. At DYOPATH, we avoid mismatches with an SLA that identifies the client’s expectations, the service performance levels that DYOPATH will provide, and the metrics that will measure our performance.
Other Key IT Outsourcing Considerations
The bottom line: don’t rush into a commitment. Take the time to analyze your needs and ensure that whatever service you get addresses your particular concerns. The exploration stage will require taking steps to understand which elements each side will control as you field potential providers. You deserve answers to questions such as:
- How much flexibility and scope for innovation are built into their solutions
- What the governance structure that manages IT outsourcing will look like
- Whether they fully communicate their service delivery frameworks
- Whether they’ll ensure a fair “out” clause and proper due diligence beforehand
Our work with a mid-sized electrical utility company in Texas shows what a successful partnership can achieve. It started with our thorough assessment of the client’s highly complex technical environment. By virtualizing their server environment, DYOPATH was able to reduce the physical footprint of their business functions. Next, we improved their organizational efficiency by streamlining their infrastructure and improving the interface for their business applications. Ten years later we are still working together.
Are you considering outsourcing part or all of your IT? DYOPATH can provide the necessary elements to ensure optimized, safe, and reliable IT services. It starts with a conversation. Visit us online to find out more about our different IT service options and schedule a meeting with our experts today.
Click HERE to schedule a meeting
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. If you’ve been following our campaign, I hope I provided some valuable insights into why and how IT outsourcing is helping organizations run more efficiently. Learn more about DYOPATH and our diverse outsourcing services by visiting our website.
Chuck Orrico, Executive Vice President
DYOPATH
About the author: Chuck Orrico is a co-founder of DYOPATH, a board member, and serves as the company’s Executive Vice President (EVP). He is responsible for leading strategic growth initiatives across sales and marketing. Orrico has more than 35 years of experience helping clients develop business solutions through IT strategic planning, information management, and technology investment.
