Outsourcing

Principal doesn't exist just to sell technology. We've established a holistic approach to technology; and depending on your size and needs, that can mean anything from complete outsourcing to being a friendly voice at the end of the phone line.

The information you find here is based on our many years of experience, and should help inform your IT strategy as your company grows.

Your IT Strategy

IT exists to support the goals of your business and to help you achieve them efficiently both in terms of time and cost. Maintaining a network infrastructure needs a plan, just as your business needs a business plan. We call it IT strategy. Before you consider outsourcing or any other solution, we’ve got lots of advice to help you build an IT strategy which will grow to match your future needs. Build your IT strategy here.

Implementation

If considering your IT strategy made you ask yourself some hard questions, that's a good thing. The next step is implementation, and that involves another set of questions. Whether it’s a new-build infrastructure project, an office network, or an upgrade, we never forget that simplicity is desirable in itself- from finding the straightest-line purchasing solution, to remembering that whatever you buy, your staff and customers are the people who will have to use it. For us implementation means:

• Getting solutions which are workable rather than merely elegant
• Recommending solutions which work day-to-day for your staff and clients
• Offering solutions which also take into account your existing IT: very few IT projects exist in isolation from what was there before
• Operating to sound budgetary limits and demonstrating a clear return on investment
• Keeping your business running whilst work is progressing

As you can imagine, in the real world there are tradeoffs to be made. Different systems achieve the above aims to different degrees, and navigating those questions is what our consultancy expertise is all about. Whether we have developed your strategy or not, Principal can help develop a pragmatic, workable implementation plan. We can help you through the purchasing maze, ensure you make an informed choice for your money, install the resulting system and see you well into using it.

> Find out more about implementation here.

Outsourcing

Outsourcing the technology function is becoming ever more popular, especially with new remote management tools which allow problems in your office to be fixed without expensive on-site visits. You may simply want to have IT issues taken off your plate so that you can concentrate on running your business. There are many more reasons to consider outsourcing the IT function- and in many cases it can present a financial saving. For “everything you need to know about outsourcing but were afraid to ask”, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Outsourcing. Our guide, ’Do I need to outsource?’ will help you ensure you’re really going to get value for money from an outsourcing agreement.

Your Principal Adviser will be able to answer any questions you might have, call us now on 0800 132908.