subject: How To Choose A Managed Hosting Service Provider [print this page] The business of IT outsourcing is a big one and includes many components. One of them is managed hosting outsourcing and that is done by companies which do not either have the resources to do this on their own or do not believe they should spend time and resources on this activity. They recognise that a service provider well equipped with the personnel and technical resources would handle this for them well enough and also save them some money in the bargain. However, it is vital to ensure that the selection of the service provider is done with care and this article looks at what you should be looking at when choosing such a provider.
It is essential to know the requirements for your business before you try to meet up with various providers. Having clarity on this and communicating it clearly to the potential provider is essential on your part. While there should be no compromise on basics such as customer service, back up of data facilities, technical support and so on, it is also important to choose a provider who has a lot of experience so that they can address your specific requirements properly.
Once you have identified a particular provider after preliminary discussions, you need to follow up on their credentials by checking with BBB, speaking to similar businesses on how they are managing, talking to customers the provider has mentioned by way of references, reading reviews about managed hosting in general and so on. If you get positive reviews, you can go ahead and check with the provider if they can offer you an evaluation period during which you can test the service of the company to see if they can live up to their commitments.
Generally, a good service provider will not refuse to provide you with this opportunity and though this is by no means a fool proof method since service providers are at their best behaviour during the trial period, it at least gives you some idea of what to expect.
Be clear that you would not want any compromise on your requirements with regard to service level parameters. It is typical of most service providers to give you a generic solution and while that is good on paper, it may not suit you totally. You have to discuss specifics with the company and how they intend meeting those requirements along with the associated service level parameters. Their plan of action should they default on any of the agreed parameters should also be discussed and mentioned in the contract. Any provider not willing to accept this should not be considered.
Cost should not be the driving factor in your negotiations. While it is important to show savings, remember that you are outsourcing managed hosting services more for its utility and the fact that it will allow you to concentrate on your core business. If you have to pay a premium to a good service provider, then do not hesitate to do so. Once you do business with them over the first year, you can try and negotiate for better rates for subsequent periods.
