Here are the final three questions from our ten-point Q&A that's designed to help guide your procurement process. Part 1 included the first three managed and hosting service buyer's guide questions and Part 2 had the next four questions.
8. What are the type and scope of management capabilities that you routinely offer?
- Request a list of capabilities and associated benefits, relative to your needs.
- Historical reporting is essential, forward-looking insight is valuable.
9. If required, how will you support existing or acquired IT/networking infrastructure?
- Service providers may have policies that limit the device types they support.
- In addition, some providers only support devices they install and configure.
10. How do you price and deliver professional services, beyond the scope of the managed service?
- Examples of advice, support, and guidance should be included as standard.
- Ask for non-standard consultation examples, and associated fee structure.
In Summary
Managed services have a long and successful history of helping businesses like yours to reap the full benefits of IT and networking technology capabilities -- without the drudgery and distraction of the ongoing equipment operation, management, maintenance, and perpetual updates or enhancements.
You can download the complete checklist "How to Select a Best-Fit Managed Service Provider" as a .pdf document.
Also, the "Managed versus In-House Service Comparison Calculator" may help you build an internal business case. This build vs. buy expense comparison tool should only be used for basic estimates. We recommend that you consult a managed service provider to obtain an accurate comparison, based upon your actual requirements.