Codestone

Category: Support & Managed Services

Firms investing in outsourced IT services have been reminded of the need for proper planning and communication in order to avoid a potential clash of working cultures.

A report from Computerworld UK has noted that companies are sometimes unprepared to deal with managed services providers, which operate using a model based on consistent results and organisational discipline.

This can occasionally create a contrast with the flexible, responsive approach taken by their clients, which risks leading to a "clash of organisational styles".

As a result, Todd Dreger, a partner at outsourcing consultancy TPI's operational strategy practice, said firms must work together with their outsourced IT partner to ensure conflicts are kept to a minimum.

"It has to be a collaborative effort on the part of both parties and it has to include executive level support," he explained.

This comes after Andy Gallagher of Serco Consulting told Computer Business Review last week that outsourced IT deals must be regarded as lasting partnerships, rather than one-off transactions.

Posted by Shannon Wells