Outsourcing IT functions to back office outsourcing solutions is a practice embraced by companies looking to maintain the efficiency of operations while being able to save costs. In addition to helping manage IT tasks, most businesses that outsource to BPOs do so while expecting that their company will have better security and meet required compliance needs. However, it is very important to know that “IT management” and “IT security” are not the same. Not being able to differentiate the two may result in dangerous and expensive results for you.
Security issues happen when providers don’t do their tasks or misrepresent their capabilities. But, others are because of you – the customer – failing to understand or request the solutions you really need.
Most companies that outsource to BPOs do so because they lack the expertise to effectively manage these tasks on their own. It is quite logical that these businesses need outside help to keep their IT resources functioning, but fail to see the shortcomings of security when choosing their BPO suppliers.
Most companies that outsource to BPOs do so because they lack the expertise to effectively manage these tasks on their own. It is quite logical that these businesses need outside help to keep their IT resources functioning, but fail to see the shortcomings of security when choosing their BPO suppliers. With this in mind, here are a few things you should remember and consider when looking for IT help.
Know the Security Services That You Need and What Exactly They Are Called
Be specific in asking questions to make sure that you know what you will get. Say for instance, if you are buying data backup services, remember that you need to fully understand where the data is backed up, the duration it is stored, how many versions of data is stored, as well as other important factors. If you are happy with the replies, make sure to get things documented through writing.
Know Your Third Party’s Response Time and How They Deal With Problems
Know your managed IT service provider’s response time. Also, check if they do incident response services. Check if they have partners or have recommendations who can perform these actions. The absence of an incident response plan for their own business should serve as a warning of how they function.
Have Someone Translate the Technicalities for You
Make sure to inquire about security-related concerns, which are important to your firm if you are aware of the answers and know what they mean to your company. If your staff does not have any security-minded individuals who may conduct interviews with the BPO, consider getting a security consultant that can coordinate with the BPO. Upon engaging the BPO, a third-party security consultant can assist you and potential service providers to make sure your IT infrastructure is personalized to your interests.
Make Sure Your Security Measures Are Effectively Implemented
Have your third-party security consultant do an audit of their solutions and services to make sure that all security regulations are done in a way that allows your company to be operational without putting security at risk.
Conclusion
Be up front with your BPO about your concerns in terms of security and always ask direct questions with regards to your security demands. Lastly, have consultants at hand who are ready to interpret technical terms to help you in choosing the BPO who’ll handle your managed IT services.
