subject: It Outsourcing Services: Finding The Right Vendor [print this page] If you have decided to outsource or offshore, hiring the right vendor of IT outsourcing services is your next crucial decision. An above average tech support team can make it possible for your companys tech or IT backbone to function well without breaking down too often. And thats a world of difference. That means that your company would not go from just solving or barely surviving one tech issue to another and would instead be able to focus on strategies for growth and staying ahead of the competition.
Clearly, the kind of IT support service provider to go for is one that works with long term IT solutions in mind. So prepare to discuss your IT requirements with more than two service providers. Make a list of the specific tasks that you require, ask the potential service providers for their own list of service offerings and fees. And then begin discussing outsourcing solutions.
How to know which IT outsourcing services vendors to keep on your short list. First, the outsourcing solutions should be made with your companys size in mind. Small businesses have very different IT needs compared to mid sized and larger companies. The outsourcing solutions should also take into consideration the specific requirements of your company and the requirements within your companys industry or what your company would need to remain competitive. The crucial point to remember here is that the outsourcing solution can and should be tailor made for your company. If the service provider is trying to give you a one size fits all solution or one thats simply taken from a template, walk away.
Reasonable fees, of course, are very important. But keep in mind that you can get service packages that let you save even more from so many IT support vendors out there. So always ask about service packages so you can always remain within your outsourcing budget.
Hire the IT outsourcing services vendor that can help you gain access to some of the best tech people. Ask your potential service providers about their hiring and recruitment strategy. Check if the recruitment strategy is comprehensive and goes beyond the traditional methods to use non traditional recruitment methods. The recruitment strategy should also clearly be using all available channels and means to reach as many high quality employees as possible. A recruitment strategy like this tells you that the IT support vendor will always be able to provide you with experienced and highly skilled IT support staff that would be able to consistently turn in high quality within the specific deadlines. This also tells you that the IT support vendor has a good track record because they always have access to qualified, talented employees that have the right attitude for the job. Aside from the employees, you should assess if the IT support vendor has quality management and if they are knowledgeable of the latest technology and best practices. The combination of high quality talent, latest information, and technology will help keep your business competitive.
