Managed Service Provider: Big Portfolio?
Does your Managed Service Provider cover all aspects of your communications and do they have the necessary flexibility to ensure smooth deployment?
This BYOD project is just the beginning really isn’t it? Let’s be honest..
It is part of a much bigger picture. This picture includes the possibility of adding video and looking into how your wireless network can be made sexy.
The truth is communications evolve and the project is never ‘finished’. There will always be something that can be improved and always a new technology to replace those old looking chalkboards and projectors…
Think about your organisation over the past 5 years and tell me that you still use the same communications platform and it works fine? (To be honest if you are it may be worth having a conversation anyway!)
This is exactly my point.
Keeping on top of these developments isn’t easy, and considering that the speed of change is increasing, how are you going to ever get ahead?
My guess is this is why you are thinking about a Managed Service Provider in the first place. Their sole job is to be at the forefront of technology and provide you with the reliable services you need and take that burden away.
So, how can you be sure that your Managed Service Provider is on top of things?
How big is their portfolio?
Well, their website is naturally the first port of call. What does it say they do on there?
How many partners do they work with? The bigger the list of partners the more access to technology and the larger the portfolio.
Do they operate a strong partner programme? Are they trying to incorporate new partners into the fold to plug any gaps in technology that they may have?
One of the greatest assets of a Managed Service Provider is understanding the whole portfolio and ensuring their customer needs are satisfied by the available technology that they provide.
Do they provide you with suggestions on improvements and strategic direction or are you the ones suggesting changes? This is a strong indicator as to their grasp on available technologies as well as their understanding and capabilities with it.
Do they have any of their own technology?
As I am sure you are aware, attempting to mix and match across multiple vendors can be a tricky process, leaving many systems functioning under capacity.
Nothing worse than spending half the budget on a new system that doesn’t work properly, huh?
What does your Managed Service Provider do to help combat this? What do they do to help supplement your networks and systems?
Britannic, for instance, have a strong development team creating many innovative products ranging from systems integration, complete management and reporting tools to our own private cloud platform, aimed specifically to help our customers make all the pieces of the communication jigsaw slot together.
Understanding that no two networks are the same, and that to make things work properly takes extra time and developments, we invested in being able to give customers what they really need.
A Managed Service Provider who is able to develop existing systems and supplement with new technologies and practices of their own demonstrates a real capability to help develop your business strategy now and in the future.
What about the implementation?
Excellent question, I’m glad you asked.
You can have access to the latest and greatest technology in the world, but if you can’t set it up properly what is the point?
Check to see their capabilities, again reviewing their case studies and testimonials as a first port of call. What do other people say about them?
Are their engineers of the highest standards? Do they possess all the latest accreditations?
These types of things help you identify a strong Managed Service Provider from a not so proficient one, giving you the trust that you need in their capabilities and the peace of mind to relax and let them do the job you need them to.
A Managed Service Provider is as good as the technology they provide and the reliable services they deliver. A broad portfolio demonstrates a strong technical capability and the capacity to provide you with what you need now, and in the future.
What are your current challenges with your networks? What do you think are going to be the biggest challenges with your networks going forwards?
