Bell Business Insights newsletter

Start with integrated infrastructure management

If network maintenance costs keep increasing and managing multiple vendors has become a full-time job, it could be time to consider an integrated infrastructure management solution. It is a way of reducing operational costs while moving towards end-to-end network infrastructure management. Integrated information management is a growing trend, thanks to synergies made possible with communications convergence.

Lower costs, focus on core business

Integrated infrastructure management puts the onus on a network management provider to troubleshoot and maintain different vendor network services that make up your local or wide area networks and firewalls. Here are some ways that improving managed infrastructure lowers costs and adds value:

Lower costs

• Reduces infrastructure and associated management costs
• Lowers capital spending on IT
• Reduces system management tool complexity and licensing costs
• Enables the redeployment of internal resources
• Improves cost predictability

Added value

• Shifts IT team focus back to core business operations
• Improved performance and availability through the use of top-level systems and infrastructure
• Gaining access to niche skills and expertise
• Improving internal processes and procedures

Getting started with integrated infrastructure management

To find out if integrated infrastructure management is a solution that makes sense for your business, first define your IT objectives and application requirements in light of your business and financial objectives. Don’t limit this task to the IT desk – teams that include management, technical staff and end users develop the most accurate requirements assessments.

Evaluating potential partners

Once your requirements are clear, it’s time to evaluate potential service providers. Your final choice of company should be one that mirrors your own business in several respects. Consider whether providers have the expertise, transport infrastructure and geographic coverage that you need.

Also keep in mind that different service providers have very different core competencies. Some focus primarily on network connectivity and operations, while others have deep IT and applications hosting expertise. If you are running demanding enterprise applications, chances are you need a partner with both capabilities.

Customizing service

Finally, be certain that you reach an agreement that meshes perfectly with your particular needs. Be sure also that your agreement has the ability to evolve as you do, accommodating inevitable changes to the network, your applications and the managed services relationship.

Talk to Bell

Bell is a leader in the field of integrated infrastructure management solutions. We manage the network operations of some of Canada’s largest organizations. To find out how integrated information management solutions could help your business, contact your Bell representative or click here to have a Bell representative contact you.