In an era where digital transformation is no longer a buzzword but a strategic imperative, the IT infrastructure that powers our businesses has never been more crucial. However, for many companies, the question isn’t whether to invest in technology but rather how best to manage and procure these essential services.
This brings up the growing trend of outsourcing IT network infrastructure—the nitty-gritty of servers, networking and storage—the backbone of your IT setup, potentially landing your business a trove of benefits.
The Shift from In-House to Outsourcing
Gone are the days when the in-house data centre was the default. Major technological shifts, such as the rise of cloud computing and as-a-service models, have redefined what a robust IT infrastructure looks like. But why the change? The decision to outsource is a strategic one, often enhancing a company’s resilience, scalability, and agility while also potentially mitigating costs and reducing the maintenance burden on internal IT teams.
Resilience through Redundancy
Redundancy is crucial when it comes to IT infrastructure. Having a failsafe in place, which can automatically switch systems or storage locations in the event of an outage, is mission-critical. External providers can bring economies of scale and experience from managing large amounts of infrastructure, meaning your redundancy solutions are battle-tested and robust.
Scaling Responsibly
A sudden spike in website traffic or the on-boarding of a large volume of data shouldn’t cause a meltdown. Cloud-based infrastructure can scale elastically, only consuming resources—and in turn, costs—as your needs grow, a capability that isn’t an easy win for on-premises setups.
Agility and Competitive Edge
Adopting new technologies and upgrading legacy systems in a timely manner can set the pace for innovation and competitive advantage. External providers, particularly those specialised in certain technologies, can ensure that businesses are not just up to date but often ahead of the curve.
Mitigating Risks and Managing Costs
In IT management, risk management and cost control go hand-in-hand. Outsourcing IT infrastructure can potentially reduce these risks and costs associated with building and maintaining your network on your own.
Cost Control and Predictability
Outsourcing allows for more predictable and manageable IT costs. Typically, you’ll move from a capital expenditure model to an operational one, with service-level agreements (SLAs) that bring clear visibility into your budget requirements.
Risk Mitigation through Expertise
Cybersecurity threats, data protection, and compliance with tightening regulations are daunting tasks, even for the most robust IT teams. External providers with dedicated teams and the latest security measures, such as Fortinet EPP, can offer a depth of expertise that’s often infeasible to maintain in-house.
Focus on Core Competencies
Your IT team’s time is best spent on initiatives that add value to your company, not mired in the day-to-day management of infrastructure. Outsourcing allows them to focus on strategic projects and technological innovation.
Best Practices in Partnering with External Providers
The decision to outsource is just the starting point. To extract maximum value, businesses need to establish sound practices for managing these partnerships.
Clear Communication and Alignment
Start with clear expectations communicated effectively. Regular communication and alignment on strategic goals ensure that the external provider is acting as an extension of your team.
Foster a Partnership Mindset
Avoid treating your provider as a commodity. By fostering a partnership mindset, you encourage the provider to invest in your business’s success, providing better service and innovations.
Continuous Evaluation and Adjustment
An outsourcing arrangement is not a ‘set it and forget it’ situation. Regular evaluation and, where necessary, adjusting the scope or terms of the engagement to reflect your business’s needs and the provider’s performance, are critical.
The Human Element
Technology alone does not create value; it’s the people behind it that drive success. In the case of outsourcing, understanding the impact on your workforce is just as important as the technical benefits.
Upskilling and Reskilling your IT Teams
Outsourcing can provide a unique opportunity for your internal IT teams to develop new skills and focus on higher-value activities. Consider how the change will affect your workforce and develop a strategy for upskilling and reskilling.
Change Management Is Key
A significant shift in IT infrastructure can unsettle the day-to-day of any organisation. Managing this change effectively will ensure a smoother transition and maintain employee morale and productivity.
Envision Your IT Future
It’s vital to have a clear vision of what you want your IT infrastructure to achieve for your business, irrespective of who manages it. Think forward to the next five to ten years and ensure your IT strategy, including outsourced elements, aligns with your business objectives.
Final Thoughts
The decision to outsource your IT network infrastructure is a significant one, with the potential to redefine your business’s technological capabilities and operational efficiencies. It’s a choice that shouldn’t be made lightly but, when approached strategically, can lead to substantial business enhancements. Whether you’re looking to bolster resilience, control costs, or leapfrog the competition, partnering with the right external provider might just be the key to unlocking the full potential of your organisation’s IT infrastructure.