This write-up has a couple of streams of thought. Bear with me while I sort it out.
IT Solutions, a lesser known Pennsylvania provider of network, development and consulting services has announced the launch of “SharedVision, its unique approach to IT managed services.”
The other day I interviewed two principals of a firm called Info Partners, based in the California Bay Area, which also offered similar services — though with much less focus on application development and without the fancy name for the set of offerings.
IT managed services, otherwise known as utility computing, is becoming a big deal, even for little firms. Yes, the HPs, IBMs and CSCs have their solutions in this space — which are much more complicated, pricey and slick. But even smaller companies are coming up with a menu of services they can take to prospective clients and say, “Here, let us do your IT.”
If you ever wonder whether small companies can benefit from outsourcing, here’s your answer. Small law offices, real estate operations, advertising agencies, insurance firms or even remote offices of larger entities want their networking, security, backup and recovery and a slew of other functions made easier. We’re not talking about operations that are unique from one company to another, but the stuff that everybody needs in some form. (Spam solutions don’t really vary from industry to industry.) That’s what makes it a utility. What could be easier than paying a month-to-month fee to let somebody else take care of that stuff for you — and, even better, in a typically proactive way without those mystifying IT people sucking up office space?
Of course, the press release I read about IT Solutions’ announcement says the company “offers four levels in its SharedVision program: Core, Advanced, Guardian and Universal. The basic level, Core, includes 24×7 monitoring, auditing and inventory. The services increase to the highest level, Universal, which offers a complete IT service (from help desk support to a CIO) at a cost much lower than hiring a full-time IT staff.”
This kind of rundown reminds me of going to the carwash. Should I opt for the more affordable pre-rinse, wash, rainwater rinse, dry or go for the $3-extra undercoat spray, foambrite and eukanuba wax job?
Couldn’t find any pricing information on the Web site; but when I run the article about Info Partners, you’ll find some numbers in that. I’d be interested in hearing from clients or providers who can share pricing for their situations.
