The BT services encompass those IT services that the business utilizes to plan its strategies, implement and manage the technology framework of the organization. Some of the services include IT consultancy, software installation, management services, cyber security, and sometimes even digital marketing.Companies seek these services because sometimes they do not have the capabilities within the organization to develop an IT department. Important considerations in the choice of the appropriate BT services include good contract terms, security, and references from satisfied customers.
This is generic information that does not endorse any particular firm. The prices and conditions vary depending on the country and even differ between different companies.
What are business technology services?
Every business uses technology for selling, accounting, communications, and customer information needs. It is rare for small businesses to be able to afford professionals for networking, security, cloud computing, and marketing. They outsource the skills to a service provider.
Outsourcing your tax services is like getting another person to manage your accounts rather than learning everything about taxes yourself.Outsourcing means that you get expert assistance when required and leave technicalities to the professionals.
The main types of services
IT consulting
The consultant analyses your business processes and the solutions that you currently have in place, and offers advice on what you should keep, change or add. A reputable consultant asks you all about your requirements and budget before suggesting any particular solution. Be wary if a software solution is recommended straight away.
Setup and migration
This includes migration to cloud storage/email, networking and device configuration, integration of software to enable data flow from one system to another, as well as data migration. Migration errors can cause significant downtime; hence, ensure you ask about their backup and rollback procedures.
Managed IT support
With a managed service, the vendor will monitor your systems, update, fix issues and respond to staff requests for a fixed monthly charge. The details of what you will be receiving will be listed in the Service Level Agreement (SLA). The SLA will have information about response time, support availability, and emergencies. When a vendor mentions 24/7 support, check whether it is mentioned in the SLA.
Cybersecurity
Basic security tools could be a firewall, endpoint security software, an email screening tool, multi-factor authentication, data backups, and user education. There are many companies that rely on the popular NIST Cybersecurity Framework as a foundation for their products and services; NIST is an element of the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology. You should discover if the company utilizes some frameworks or certifications like ISO/IEC 27001 or SOC 2.
Data and analytics
This entails using the sales, customers, and operations information to create dashboards and reports that will help them know what works. This will only be helpful if the information used is clean. Therefore, the first task here will involve cleaning up the information collection process.
Digital marketing
Other vendors will even provide SEO, social media, email marketing and website management services. This might come in useful if you need someone to manage both your technological and marketing needs in one package. All that is required is for the vendor to have previous proof of success.
In-house IT or outsourced services?
|
Factor |
In-house team |
Outsourced provider |
|
Cost pattern |
Salaries, training, tools |
Monthly or project fee |
|
Range of skills |
Limited to who you hire |
Wider mix of specialists |
|
Availability |
Depends on staff leave and shifts |
Depends on the SLA |
|
Knowledge of your business |
Usually deeper |
Builds over time |
|
Control |
Higher |
Shared, set by contract |
|
Best for |
Large or highly specialised firms |
Small and mid-sized businesses |
Most companies combine the two, having someone from within the company to deal with daily matters and an external company for security and projects.
How to choose a provider
- First list down all your requirements. This should include the tools available with you, number of users, problems encountered, and budget.
- Ask for references. Talk to two or three present clients in a business similar to your own.
- Check the contract. Take into account the length, notice period, fate of your data after you leave, and control over the accounts and passwords. It becomes absolutely necessary for you to retain control.
- Ask about security practice. How do they secure their network and yours? Do they have a mechanism for multi-factor authentication on their side? How do they report security incidents?
- Look for clear pricing. Predictability is much more common in the fixed monthly costs that have a specific range as opposed to hours that are unlimited.
- Get confirmation before entering into any agreement. Just ask an easy question and watch how fast you receive your reply.
- Do not believe in such promises. Words such as ‘the best in the business’ or ‘no downtime’ are merely sales tactics.
Red flags
- Documentation of SLA not available and no time limit mentioned.
- Refusal of providing any references.
- Admin password is known only by one company.
- Requirement of signing long-term contract.
- Not any information about backup and security.
Key takeaways
- With business technology services, businesses can take advantage of IT expertise without the requirement to set up an IT department.
- They include consulting, configuration, managed services, cybersecurity, data and even marketing services.
- The SLA and the contract are more important than the sales pitch.
- Never lose control of your own accounts, passwords, and data.
- Check references and security procedures before signing anything.
Frequently asked questions
What do business technology services include?
Normally, it involves IT consultancy, installation of systems, managed services, cyber security and even data analytics and digital marketing. It is the specific mix that changes with the service provider.
Are they only for large companies?
No. The smaller and medium-sized organizations can get more from this strategy, as it is very costly for them to hire an entire IT department.
How long does it take to implement new business technology?
It depends on its size and complexity. A basic move of cloud email could take days to weeks, while the connection of multiple systems could take months. A competent vendor provides an estimated time table.
How do I know a provider is secure?
Inquire about their security model, certifications, data back up procedure, access controls, and incident management process. Seek evidence rather than statements.
Is outsourcing the IT department less expensive than hiring employees?
Yes, for a small to medium-sized business. Outsourcing allows you access to a team of specialists at a small fraction of the cost of employing them.
What is an SLA?
Service Level Agreement refers to the provision of the agreement which outlines the response time, support period, and responsibilities of the supplier.
Sources and further reading
- USA – NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). Cybersecurity Framework.
- ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management System.
- AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants). SOC 2 Reporting Guidelines.
- CISA (USA’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency). Small Business Cybersecurity Guidelines.