How to choose your server management provider?

If you own a server, you know how important it is to ensure its regular maintenance and security. However, this can be a lot of work for you or your team, and it can also be very costly. This is where server outsourcing comes in, which consists of entrusting the management of your server to an external service provider. But how to choose the ideal provider? In this article, we will give you the criteria to take into account and the key steps to choose the outsourcing provider that best suits your needs.

Criteria to take into account when choosing your outsourcing provider

The choice of the outsourcing provider is crucial to ensure the proper functioning and security of your server. Here are the criteria that you must take into account:

The services offered

The first criterion to consider is the range of services offered by the provider. Here are the most common services:

Preventive and corrective maintenance

Preventive maintenance consists in carrying out regular actions to avoid breakdowns and optimize the server's operation. Corrective maintenance aims at solving breakdowns and malfunctions.

Server supervision

The server supervision allows to monitor in real time the state of the server, to analyze the logs and to detect the problems quickly.

Data Backup

Data backup is essential to guarantee the security and continuity of your business in case of disaster. It is therefore important to check that the provider offers a regular backup service.

Technical support

Technical support is one of the most important services, as it allows you to quickly resolve any problems that may arise. Therefore, check that the provider offers 24/7 technical support.

The quality of services

The quality of services is also an important criterion to consider. Here are the elements to evaluate:

Technical skills

Check that the provider has solid and up-to-date technical skills, especially in terms of security.

Responsiveness and availability

It is essential to be able to count on a provider that is responsive and available, capable of responding quickly to your requests and resolving problems as soon as possible.

Respect of contractual commitments

The service provider must respect the commitments made in the contract, particularly in terms of intervention times and quality of services.

The security

The security of your server is a crucial issue. Make sure the provider offers solid security services:

Protection against cyber attacks

The provider should be able to protect you from cyber attacks, by implementing firewalls, antivirus and intrusion detection tools.

Infrastructure monitoring

The provider should monitor your server infrastructure continuously to detect intrusion attempts or malfunctions.

Data backup and recovery

Make sure that the provider has an efficient backup system and is able to restore data quickly in case of a disaster.

The quality/price ratio

Finally, the quality/price ratio is a criterion to be taken into account, because the cost of outsourcing can vary considerably according to the providers. Here are the elements to evaluate:

Pricing of the services

Compare the rates offered by the different providers, taking into account the services included in the offer.

Level of service customization

Some providers offer more personalized services than others. It may be worthwhile to choose a provider who can adapt to your specific needs.

The different types of outsourcing providers

There are several types of outsourcing providers, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main ones:

Large, specialized companies

Large, specialized outsourcing companies offer comprehensive, quality services, but can be expensive.

IT engineering services companies

These companies often offer more personalized services than the large specialized companies, but may lack responsiveness.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

ISPs often offer managed server services, but their technical expertise may be limited.

Local providers

Local providers can offer local service and personal attention, but may lack technical resources.

Key steps to choosing a Managed Services Provider

Here are the steps to follow to choose the outsourcing provider that best suits your needs:

Define your needs

Before contacting providers, it is important to define your needs precisely, in terms of services, security level, budget, etc.

Evaluate providers

Once you have defined your needs, you can start evaluating providers. Ask about their experience, references and certifications.

Request quotes

Contact several providers to request detailed quotes, taking into account the services you need.

Check references and certifications

Before choosing a provider, check their references and certifications to ensure their reliability and competence.

Negotiate contractual terms

Once you have chosen a service provider, you can negotiate the contractual conditions, making sure to define the services included, the intervention time, the payment terms, etc.

Conclusion

The choice of the provider of outsourcing of your server is crucial to ensure its proper functioning and security.