SAS 009 – Managing IT Vendor Relationships

Follow-Up

• Missed from SAS 006
  • Testing Hardware/Software
    • Test everything, try to break it
    • Don’t assume anything
  • Testing backups
    • Monthly backup tests
    • Quarterly disaster recovery tests
    • Annual business continuity tests

Today’s Show – Managing IT Vendor Relationships

• Everyone will need an IT vendor at some point, so build good relationships for when you need them
  • Staffing help
  • Emergencies
  • Technical assistance for core infrastructure
• Evaluation process
  • Reputation
  • Size
  • Cost
    • Price is important, but isn’t everything
  • Core competencies
  • Availability
  • Location
  • Qualify engineer who will actually be doing the work – these are often the best relationships
• Contract Review
  • Larger companies won’t budge much
  • This is the basis of the relationship
• Fixed price vs T&M vs Not to Exceed

Final Thoughts

• • Implement changes over time
  • They work for you,  you can override their recommendations

 

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