What to Look for in an Enterprise Infrastructure Service Provider

Chris van der Drift
Director, Service Portfolio Strategy

July 11, 2024

In the current constantly evolving hybrid cloud enterprise business environment, reliable and efficient infrastructure services for consulting, implementation and operations are critical for organizations to thrive. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, choosing the right infrastructure services provider can significantly impact your operations, scalability, and overall success. Here’s what to look for in an enterprise infrastructure services provider.

Cloud Storage Services Domains

A top-tier enterprise infrastructure services provider should offer a broad spectrum of services that cater to a variety of needs:

Professional Services: These encompass consulting, design and implementation. Experts collaborate with your team to understand your unique requirements, design tailored solutions, and ensure smooth deployment in your virtual private cloud infrastructure. Look for providers with a proven track record of delivering successful projects across diverse industries, most importantly yours.
Managed Services: These involve ongoing operations, maintenance and support for your hybrid cloud infrastructure. A reliable provider should proactively manage and optimize your systems, address issues promptly, and ensure optimal performance. Key factors to consider include response time, 24/7 availability, global coverage and the ability to scale as your business grows.
Learning Services: These focus on training and knowledge transfer, empowering your internal teams to manage and maintain the infrastructure effectively as needed. Seek providers that offer comprehensive training programs, including learning libraries, self-paced training, workshops and certifications that fit your unique and evolving needs.

Key Characteristics to Evaluate

Global Presence and Reputation: Global representation and reputational integrity are crucial for organizations operating in multiple regions or geographies. A provider with a global footprint offers diverse expertise and resources, delivering valuable market insights and best practices across various industries and IT environments. A solid reputation indicates reliability and trustworthiness, instilling confidence in their ability to meet your hybrid cloud infrastructure needs effectively.
Technical Expertise and Experience: A reputable hybrid cloud service provider should have a team of seasoned professionals with extensive technical expertise. Look for diverse skill sets, including consultants, solution architects and implementation specialists. Their ability to understand your specific needs and design tailored solutions is crucial for successful infrastructure projects.
Proactive Monitoring and Support: For operations management services, 360º visibility, proactive monitoring, maintenance and 24/7 support are essential. A reliable provider should offer round-the-clock monitoring to address issues before they escalate and have robust processes for timely resolution, optimized performance and continuous improvement.
Scalability and Flexibility: As your business evolves, your infrastructure needs will change, too. Choose a provider that can scale with you, offering flexible solutions that easily adapt to growth or reduced demand. Also, consider providers with a global presence that can seamlessly support these functional operations across multiple regions.
Comprehensive Education and Training Programs: Investing in your team's skills is essential for long-term success. Infrastructure providers should offer more than basic training, including comprehensive programs to empower your team to manage your infrastructure effectively. Look for a variety of training formats, such as learning libraries, self-paced modules, workshops and certifications tailored to your needs.
Commitment to Security and Compliance: In an era of increasing cyber threats and stringent regulatory requirements, security is paramount. Ensure that your chosen provider follows industry best practices for data protection, including robust encryption, access controls and regular security audits. Inquire about their compliance certifications, such as ISO 27001, and their commitment to safeguarding your sensitive information.

Recommendations

Embrace services and providers that emphasize automation and expert guidance throughout your IT infrastructure's lifecycle, whether in private or public clouds. Solutions should be tailored to your unique needs. Leverage services that blend onsite expertise with the cost-effectiveness of centralized delivery, ensuring exceptional support and optimized resource allocation at a cost that fits the task.

Summing it All Up

Maximizing the potential of your cloud infrastructure investments is key to thriving in today's highly competitive landscape. However, achieving this requires careful consideration when selecting an infrastructure services provider. By thoroughly evaluating their offerings, characteristics, global presence and customer satisfaction, you set the stage for a journey that not only supports but also enhances your organization's growth and success. Making an informed choice is not just about functionality; it's about access to the right expertise, ensuring a smooth and effective experience for your organization – and in turn, your customers – that aligns seamlessly with your business objectives.

While top-notch technology is crucial, without the right services, the full potential of your investment can remain unrealized. Today, hybrid cloud infrastructure services play a pivotal role in extracting optimal value from investments more than ever before. Any data infrastructure solution lacking adequate services may fall short unless your IT team can unlock the investment's full potential. Remember, your infrastructure is the backbone of your digital business. Choose wisely!

At Hitachi Vantara Global Services, we've got you covered. We're here to serve you.

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