OUTSOURCING FRAMEWORKS: Sourcing the Right Data Centre Solution

Data Centres form an integral part of IT Operations in any business or government organisation. In migrating part or all of this function to third party outsourcers however, how can managers benchmark the opportunities available and ensure the facilities and services proposed are fully aligned with the business requirements? In this valuable contribution to the work of outsourcers within any type of organisation, this new study offers a structured sourcing framework that defines the approach from the experienced perspective of managers who have already undertaken the process.

The report distinguishes between facilities and IT infrastructure management, and offers case studies based on the specific data centre requirements of a large multinational corporation, a retail outlet and a government department.

At the heart of the report is the sourcing framework which provides a detailed step by step guide to the processes in which the sourcing team must engage, to arrive at a decision that is aligned to their original goals. This include sourcing analysis, model assessment, establishing a base line plan, technical specification and operational costs - including a useful comparison of in-sourced versus outsourced costs and data centre construction costs.

Analysing the information collected is supported by another detailed framework, termed the "internal readiness assessment model", which provides managers with an evaluation process and a case study for each of a data centre services, and a facilities management scenario. External readiness models complement the internal processes identified, and underline the quality approach of the frameworks. A final framework for the assessment of sourcing options, sustains the intensive nature of managers undertaking this process, and provides practical models together with a risk assessment strategy.

Having completed these rigorous processes, managers now need to engage in rounds of negotiations with the data centres identified in the framework conclusions. Again, a step by step guide is recommended and the report details how to enter into direct negotiations to procure Data Centre services, or engage the broader market through an RFI/PFI process with examples of the commercial models available.

Overall, the report demonstrates the value that sourcing teams can add to the process of making a Data Centre outsourcing decision. Most importantly it lays out a very clear pathway, alerts managers to the pitfalls they may encounter and highlights other factors, notably environmental considerations that in total represent the complete process for outsourcing to a data centre.

• Definitive step by step guide to outsourcing a data centre
• Practical frameworks to use in data centre engagements
• Assessment models
• 39 Tables and Charts
• 120pp

• Enterprise Data Centre Owners and Users
• Data Centre Operators
• Telecommunication Service Providers
• Technical Property Specialists
• Systems Integrators
• Outsourcing Agencies
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Specialists
• Software Companies