10 key questions to ask your managed network provider
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Transcript of 10 key questions to ask your managed network provider
STUART WILLIAMSON /
SENIOR PRE-SALES CONSULTANT/ NETWORK SERVICES /
Next Generation Networks:
10 Key Questions To Ask Your Managed Service Provider
INTRODUCTION
• Robust access to corporate resources anytime, anywhere
• Flexibility is required now more than ever
• Acquiring and retaining the skills and systems to run a network is challenging
QUESTION 1 / TELL ME ABOUT YOUR NETWORK
• How resilient is your network ?
– What is the topology of your core network?
– What design is used for site resilience?
– What service level agreement is available?
QUESTION 2 / WHAT HAPPENS IF...... ?
• How Do You Ensure Business Continuity?
– How do you continue to operate if ...?
– Do you have a BC policy in place?
– Do you have more than one data centre I can use?
QUESTION 3 / HOW IMPORTANT IS SECURITY TO YOU ?
• Describe the care you take with my data and systems
- Are formal security policies in place?
– Is strong authentication used?
– What physical security measures are in place?
QUESTION 4 / HOW DO YOU GUARANTEE NETWORK PERFORMANCE?
• Describe the network performance I can expect ?
– What types of QOS are available?
– What if I want to upgrade bandwidth?
– Is your core network scalable?
QUESTION 5 / HOW SCALABLE & FLEXIBLE IS YOUR NETWORK?
• Describe how your network can change as our needs change?
– Do you have a cloud strategy?
– Can I host applications in your data centres?
– What other services do you provide?
QUESTION 6 / WHAT CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
• Describe how my locations will connect to the core network?
– Do you have multiple access providers?
– What is the range of bandwidth options?
– Is network coverage confined to UK only?
QUESTION 7 / DO YOU HAVE 24/7 AUTOMATED MONITORING TOOLS ?
• Describe the tools used to monitor the network?
– Which tools and vendors are used and for what purpose?
– What types of reports are available?
– What percentage of faults are fixed without us knowing?
QUESTION 8 / WHAT SELF SERVICE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
• Describe what ‘self-service’ options are available to me?
– Is there a customer portal I can use?
– Can I request ports online via the portal?
– How can I interact with the support team?
QUESTION 9 / WHAT IS YOUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AND BEST PRACTICE?
• What demonstrates that you follow best practice methodologies?
– What formal certifications and training do you have?
– Are procedures documented for me?
– How much have you invested in the systems and networks?
QUESTION 10 / WHAT LEVEL OF SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER?
• How pro-active are you in detecting and rectifying faults?
– Do you have your own 24/7 network operations centre ?
– Is the NOC staffed 24/7?
– Is the NOC in the UK ?
SUMMARY
• Not all networks are built or operated in the same way
• Due diligence is essential when choosing your service provider
• Track record, security, coverage, services, investment, roadmap... the list is a long one but one worth doing
STUART WILLIAMSON /
PRE-SALES CONSULTANT / NETWORK SERVICES
THANK YOU /