Outsourcing operation.
WHAT THEY DO
Operate cloud services on your behalf: monitoring, updates, response, sometimes cost management.
WHEN IT SUITS
You lack the skills internally The systems matter enough to warrant it You would rather pay than build the capability
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Exactly what is included Response times What is charged extra What they do not cover
WHAT TO AGREE
That accounts are registered to you That you retain administrative access What documentation you receive What happens when the arrangement ends
WHAT TO CHECK
Whether they hold your credentials or use their own accounts under yours
THE PREFERRED ARRANGEMENT
Your accounts, with named access for them.
WHAT TO MONITOR YOURSELF
Cost Whether agreed work is actually happening
WHAT TO ASK FOR
Regular reporting.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Hand over everything and stop paying attention.
WHAT REMAINS YOURS
The obligations, and the consequences.
