Pitfalls

The common trend in IT services is to outsource, but there are many pitfalls involved with outsourcing. Notably:

• Most IT outsourcers will only enter into a contract if they are allowed to move the servers to their own data center. Many reasons are given for this, but the end result is it makes it more difficult to move away from that outsourcer.
• Once an outsourcer takes ownership of a system, they tend to resist change, and that involves much more time and effort than they are willing to invest in the contract. The end result is your systems become outdated and outmoded, with them paying the electricity bill.
• Off-shore outsourcing has hidden costs in slower development cycles because of the language barrier, and typically these developers spend three or more times as long to complete a project as a local developer who is in the same building and has a tight communications loop with the users.

InSourcing

Protos has defined a system for inhouse outsourcing, where System Administrators and Developers are placed on-site, backed by a system of managing the capabilities of each reasource. The values of this system:

• Deeper Knowledge-Network:
  • Our Administrators can pull off the greater Protos-wide network of knowledge, rather than having a single individual on-staff and limited to their own expertise.
• Enterprise Discipline: Developers and Administrators with Enterprise Experience and Discipline are better trained and capable. This discipline includes:
  • Knowledge and ability to implement and use process methodologies (such as the CMMI).
  • Issue Tracking systems
  • Change Management Processes
  • Help Desk Functionality
• Capable Monitoring Infrastructure:
  • Each Administrator can hook into a centralized monitoring system, or deploy a localized one locally. System Availability Monitoring and a defined incident handling process provide for more immediate resolution and less downtime.
  • Monitoring System performance and health, with historical trends and archives, provides for a better knowledge of how utilized systems are, allowing for future purchases and upgrades to properly reflect business needs.
• Data Security: Defined policies for Data Management and adherence to these policies, including:
  • Backup Procedures
  • Security Policies for more stable systems and networks
• Capability Management:
  • Regular client-driven reviews of staff, to provide the highest quality value.
  • Ongoing training of staff, to hone capabilities and maintain a current level of knowledge for new technology.
  • Emphasis on real-world experience and certifications where appropriate, not certifications for the sake of having book knowledge.

All of these elements combine to create a value to our clients which results in:

• Less Unplanned System Downtime
• Controlled Infrastructure Costs
• Greater value per "Man Hour" for Administrator and Developer Resources