How to Outsource Server Management

Stabilize, Optimize and Profit by Outsourcing IT Management

Jeff Huckaby – CEO, rackAID

Jeff Huckaby, CEO, rackAID

• Attitude• Strategy• What & Who• Management• Benefits


Managed Service Transformation


Can’t do Attitude

“I cannot manage everything myself and I personally cannot trust anyone …

outsourced support is not an option.”


Can’t Do Attitude

• Only I know how to manage our systems.

• My customers will only deal with me.

• I cannot trust someone else with this.

• I tried it and it failed.

• It will cost too much.


Is it for Me?

• Their staff are not your employees.

• Their policies and procedures.

• Micromanagement will fail.

• Trust is a must.


Outsourcing Strategy: SWOT

• Build Upon Strengths• Eliminate Weaknesses• Capture Opportunities• Reduce Threats


What to Outsource?

Keep Core Value – Outsource the Rest

• Servers are Commodities • Routine Management Tasks • Data Protection• System/Network Security• Call Center Support• Helpdesk Support

X as a Service


Finding a Provider

• Read Service Level Agreements

• Mutual Expectations

• Scope of Services

• Billing Terms and Costs

• Match Due Diligence with Impact

• Know Your Outs


Due Diligence Depends on Impact


Making the Switch

• Start small with low impact functions.

• Be patient in the first few days/weeks.

• Pay attention to any cost surprises.

• Outsource more as confidence builds.

• Leverage the relationship.


Managing Outsourcing

• Stay in touch.• Stay within scope.• Track improvements.• Check when unsure.• Conduct reviews.• Change when needed.


Realizing the Benefits


Questions and Answers (hopefully)

@jeffatrackaid

[email protected]

http://facebook.rackaid.com/

Business

How to Outsource Server Management