Managed Services

Managed Services allow businesses to hand over responsibility for specific IT functions to third parties - from network operations to application management and beyond.

This can free up internal resources, reduce costs, and improve performance - if managed properly.

We help businesses source and structure managed services arrangements that are fit for purpose, commercially balanced, and future proofed.

Some areas to be aware of when contracting for managed services:

Specification vs requirements    
See our detailed breakdown on the importance of specification vs requirements. 

Engaging consultants    
Consider appointing a consultant to oversee the transition to a managed service. The selection of an individual familiar with the offerings of service providers you consider will be invaluable.

Understanding fees    
It will be important to tender the opportunity to a range of suppliers to ensure pricing is competitively set. You should be aware of all fees associated with the contract, including transaction fees, monthly fees, and any additional charges.

Service levels and consequences of failures    
Ensure the contract includes clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that outline the expected performance and reliability of the provider's services. Key performance indicators can support performance measurement but ensure that they are objectively set to avoid arguments around compliance with the indicators.

Compliance requirements    
Verify that the provider supports compliance with industry standards, such as ISO 27001, and understand your own obligations. Compliance is crucial for maintaining the security of electronic payment transactions and protecting sensitive data.

Security and data protection    
Ensure the provider has robust security measures in place to protect your data (see data protection & cybersecurity). Regular security audits and updates are essential to safeguard against cyber threats.