subject: It Consulting Services That Every Business Needs [print this page] IT Consulting is a domain that focuses on advising organisations on how to enhance the performance of their existing information technology assets to meet their business objectives.
There are a number of reasons for which you may require the help of an external IT Consulting Services firm, as the services provided cover a number of areas, such as:
Consulting for business change
Consulting for infrastructure management
Building competitive advantage through IT
Aligning the technology strategy to the business strategy
Capturing synergy benefits related to technology in a post-merger integration
Global delivery models - knowledge and transition management
Establishment of processes and methodology to transform captive units into external service providers
Reducing IT cost and needless complexity
Projects can be rather complex to design, deploy, secure and manage; therefore, a project requires a strong level of expertise to execute it proficiently. It is a big advantage if the supplier also has the capabilities to deliver IT project management services. A dedicated IT project management team can focus on delivering trouble-free implementation with minimal disruption to your business. They can deliver your requirements expediently, from commencement of your project, or at any stage in the project life cycle.
Broadly speaking, the Project Management Capabilities that are required are as follows:
Technical Project Management
Microsoft
Cisco
Converged & Mobile Technology
Infrastructure
Citrix
Virtualisation
Technical Architecture
Business Project Management
SAP
Oracle
Microsoft
Information Security
Business Solutions
Enterprise Architecture
Change Project Management
Process Improvement
ITIL
ITSM
CTT Cultural Transformation
Shared Services
The advantages that you will gain whilst working with such a provider are as follows:
Aligning business and technology strategy
Reducing IT complexity
Improving overall efficiency and /or costs
Professional and cost effective transition programmes
Change management from experienced professionals
Independent 3rd party consulting will help non-emotional decision making
Expertise when none is available
These advantages will translate into the benefits of your ability to:
Evaluate and prepare a comprehensive IT plan to minimise wastage of labour and spend, if time or experience is an issue
Complement or enhance skills sets where deficiencies are apparent
Improve efficiencies of your work force, if forced upon the individual or department
Hewlett Packard (HP) was facing problems in its project management processes and other support processes which led to missing milestones, considerable delays, and excessive costs. The business challenge was to address inefficiencies and reducing exposure to IR35 liabilities. Their supplier provided project planning, implementation and risk management solutions to help them overcome the challenge. The solution included provision for ramp up or down of service, as and when required; also planning and taking into account any necessary time required to bring new staff up to speed. The project management solution for HP helped the company manage multiple projects at lower cost (15% less), increased their efficiency and eliminated IR35 and contractor liabilities.
