To Host or Not to host?

Are having your applications and databases hosted a possible strategy?

By this they aim to remove the resource headache's of managing Application specialists, DBAs, network engineers, hardware, operating systems and storage administrators. They are also asking the questions 'why have the fixed cost overhead of providing a technology platform, when your assets can be focused on projects that improve competitive position and profitability? There is an argument that says let the experts manage the platform and applications – they do it for a range of other clients so they can quickly and efficiently resolve any problem which may arise, with immediate expert advice.

If the benefits are so great, why don’t all companies adopt this outsourcing strategy? There are many reasons why companies are less than enthusiastic about having their Databases and Applications hosted: concerns about data security, fear of longevity of the providers, doubts that service provider could understand their business and customisations, and all of the other issues related t outsourcing.

Standards from the ITIL framework makes DSP a trusted software & technology partner
Organisations require timely response, expert knowledge and a broad understanding of the business environment. Many organisations believe that no one supplier can provide a complete and comprehensive service. With changes to accountability, data control, data protection and security many are unwilling to entertain the notion that their precious IT assets are managed by an external organisation.

However, this attitude is changing, with the advent of faster technology, implementation and adherence to standards such as the ITIL Framework and British and European standards protocols. Control mechanisms such Audit and Data separation allow organisations to completely capture all available audit statistics and prevent unauthorised access to view and change sensitive data. With service management delivered at the required levels, organisations can now be more than confident that their own organisation will be supported effectively.

There are also further added bonuses as typically Disaster Recovery and Security Management can be controlled at a level that reduces risk significantly. Organisation's are much better protected via a pro-active rather re-active service, which can be delivered by the service provider.

Questions To Ask ?
  • Are having your applications and databases hosted a possible strategy?
  • Does the potential hosting firm offer the services that are needed?
  • Is the team available technically strong enough and abundant enough to resolve tough problems to agreed service levels?
  • Would the overall level of service provided meet the expectations of the user community?
  • Are the constraints to application customisations acceptable?
  • What are the finacial implications?
  • Will there be a perceived lower quality of service
Each company needs to answer these questions honestly and weigh the importance of each question appropriately when determining if an Application or Database hosted service should be considered.
DSP has a range of services aimed at allowing organisations to reduce cost whilst maintaining
or improving service. By budgeting a fixed amount on a monthly or yearly basis organisations can focus on core benefits and improvements rather than supporting core infrastructure.

For further information please contact DSP to discuss your growth plans or any ideas or questions around Application, Database Hosting and outsourcing.


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