Six things to look for in an IT partner
Choosing a business solution can be daunting. Get it right, and you can
increase efficiency; get it wrong, and your business may suffer. A good
partner will work with you to develop and maintain the system that best
meets the needs of your company. This partner helps create a system that
works for your business now and accommodates for change and growth in
the future.
Here are a few important indicators of a good partner:
- Is the partner a Certified Gold Microsoft Partner?
Certified Gold Microsoft Partners are available worldwide to help
companies of all sizes and industries select and implement the right
business technology-and to provide support through future business
change. To become certified, they must achieve the highest level
expertise in Microsoft technology and in specific business areas.
- Will the partner provide references?
Make sure the partner will supply you with a list of customers in your
industry who will answer questions and provide written references to
you. If not, the partner is not for you.
If the partner does supply a
client list, you might want to
ask them the remaining questions.
- Is the partner's business stable?
Find out if the partner is a stable business organization with the
technical infrastructure and staff to deploy a solution for your
business within your time frame. After the partner implements the
business solution, you want to make sure the organization supports your
IT staff to fine tune the system and to address any problems that might
arise.
- Is the partner an expert in your industry?
You need a partner who demonstrates a clear understanding of your
business concerns and your industry, a partner who can draw from
extensive expertise with multiple businesses in your industry. Your
partner should suggest strategies and develop your business solution
with you.
- Does the partner clearly consider the features and components you need?
The software solution proposed by the partner should be the right one to
address your business requirements. If it isn't, the partner needs to be
willing to rework the proposal until you have exactly what you need. For
example, does the partner have expertise in working with the database,
portal and business intelligence solutions you intend to use?
- Are the partner's consultants technologically proficient?
Make sure the partner uses a proven implementation methodology and
configuration tools that speed implementation, configuration, and
upgrades. Ask the partner if the person(s) who will implement your
solution has been certified by the software vendor on that solution.
What kind of certification do they have? To become certified, Microsoft
Partners must prove expertise in Microsoft technology and in specific
business areas.
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