Outsource Network Management
Outsource network management for optimal availability, reliability, and performance, but keep a firm hand on governance to maintain accountability and control.
- Outsourcing is a multi-faceted process, with an inherent level of associated risk.
- Although outsourcing is often viewed as a viable option to increase network management performance and efficiency, there are a number of preventative measures that must be taken prior to starting the outsourcing process.
- Without careful planning and due diligence regarding what to outsource, which vendor to use, and how to govern the outsourcing relationship, your organization will not succeed.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- Performing due diligence in deciding what to outsource leads to higher success rates.
- Outsourcing cannot be performed with a set-and-forget mentality.
- Failure is inevitable. Rather than point blame, collaborate with your vendor to continuously improve and prevent the situation from occurring again.
Impact and Result
- Perform an in-depth business analysis and assessment of your organization’s current state in order to determine whether or not you are ready to outsource your network management services.
- Ensure that the vendor’s SLA meets your requirements by performing all necessary due diligence prior to signing the vendor.
- Develop a transition strategy that takes people, process, and technologies into account, and establish a strong governance structure to keep the project on track.
- Continuously monitor and manage your vendor to achieve higher levels of performance productivity moving forwards.
Workshop: Outsource Network Management
Workshops offer an easy way to accelerate your project. If you are unable to do the project yourself, and a Guided Implementation isn't enough, we offer low-cost delivery of our project workshops. We take you through every phase of your project and ensure that you have a roadmap in place to complete your project successfully.
Module 1: Make the Case
The Purpose
- Determine whether your organization is ready to outsource its network management services.
- Compare current state of network management to the target state and analyze how the gaps can be filled.
- Determine which components should be outsourced.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Full assessment and analysis of the organization’s current situation.
- Final decision on whether or not to outsource network management services.
Activities
Outputs
Evaluate current network management state.
- Evaluation of network management capabilities.
Assess the outsourcing decision.
Determine which components will be outsourced.
- Decision regarding whether or not the company should choose to outsource, and if so, which components should be outsourced.
Module 2: Develop the Business Case and RFP
The Purpose
- Build the structure around outsourcing services within network management.
- Determine what the key criteria should be with respect to the creation of the RFP.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Business buy-in to be able to start the outsourcing process.
- Developed project structure and outline.
- Set of project steps as you move towards outsourcing network management.
Activities
Outputs
Build the business case document.
- Business Case.
Create the RFP.
- RFP document.
Module 3: Select a Vendor
The Purpose
- Select a vendor based on technical, qualifying factors as well as its strategic fit with your organization.
- Review the contract prior to signing in order to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership moving forwards.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Knowledge of vendor market and the competitive landscape.
- Contract/SLA review and signing of finalized vendor.
Activities
Outputs
RFP review.
Shortlisting vendors.
Final vendor selection.
- Vendor(s) selected.
Contract negotiation.
- Reciprocal understanding and acceptance of SLA terms.
Module 4: Develop a Transition Plan
The Purpose
- Facilitate the move from in-house to third-party vendor.
- Plan for any potential risks and problematic areas.
- Develop a set of standards for internal communications.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Guidelines for how to proceed with the network management transition.
- Identification of potential risks, and development of appropriate mitigation strategies should they arise.
Activities
Outputs
Development of an outsourcing strategy.
Creation of an outsourcing network management roadmap.
- Network management outsourcing roadmap.
Module 5: Implement and Measure Success
The Purpose
- Ensure the project remains sustainable throughout the future by performing consistent review points/checkpoints to keep vendor performance on track.
- Enable organization to achieve optimal performance levels and close any gaps that exist.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Procedures for conducting service reviews with vendor.
- Increased performance levels within outsourced network management services.
Activities
Outputs
Establish a set structure for vendor relations and communication.
- Vendor communication plan.
Evaluation of outsourcing performance using metrics.
- Vendor performance review.
- Procedures surrounding the annual service review.
About Info-Tech
Info-Tech Research Group is the world’s fastest-growing information technology research and advisory company, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals.
We produce unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. We partner closely with IT teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.
What Is a Blueprint?
A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your IT problems.
Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.
Need Extra Help?
Speak With An Analyst
Get the help you need in this 1-phase advisory process. You'll receive 5 touchpoints with our researchers, all included in your membership.
- Call 1: Make the case
Scoping call; assess the current state; make the case to outsource.
- Call 2: Develop the business case and RFP
Scoping call; review your business case; review your RFP.
- Call 3: Select a vendor
Scoping call; review your vendor shortlist; finalize the contract.
- Call 4: Develop a transition plan
Scoping call; discuss changes to your people, processes, and technology; finalize your action plan.
- Call 5: Implement and measure success
Scoping call; discuss implementation challenges and metrics; evaluate project success for continuous improvement.
Contributors
- Ning Su, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, Ivey Business School
- Yeona Jang, Professor of Practice, Information Systems, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University
- Dr. Ali Reza Montazemi, Professor of Information Systems, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
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