Basic requirements of amanaged IT services provider

TheNeed forManagedHostingandResponsive Flexibility

These are essential to enter into a relationship through whichmanaged hosting is delivered. Such requirements, althoughimportant, are quantitative, non-differentiated and do notnecessarily provide a basis for two-way communication andprogressive relationship building.

ReliableEquipment, technology offerings,physical facilities and processes areup-to-date and proven dependable, asare the personnel who manage them.Systems redundancy and operationscontinuity are assured.

SecureIn/out data transmission is protected byadvanced monitoring systems and multiplelevels of network and data security.

ScalableVirtual/cloud proficiency, integration knowledgeand flexible resources accommodate changingneeds of the client’s business.

Competitively pricedResources, skills and business acumen canbe leveraged into offering reasonable or lowerTotal Cost of Ownership.

Certification andcomplianceBacked by a full range of process managementand auditing standards; facilitates compliance withPCI, HIPAA, SOX and other regulatory practices.

You know it and you face it every day: Keeping your IT department’sperformance consistent with the expectations of management, end-users and business partners is harder than ever. Why? Becausebusiness is not a fixed, predictable activity; it’s an increasingly dynamicprocess now influenced by a host of variables. Business complexityand a growing list of technology issues can really make your life difficult.And you need computing-environment efficiency, reliability and scalabil-ity that sustain revenue enhancement. Are you struggling with any ofthe following issues?

� Limited budget or head count� Outdated technology� Lack of systems integration� Conflicting or changing business priorities� Changing business drivers (e.g., distribution, supply chain,compliance requirements, processing volumes)

Perhaps you are considering a managed IT services providerto manage all or part of your IT infrastructure. If so, you shouldlook for a provider to cover two levels of “requirements”:(1) Basic Requirements — these are the quantitativeessentials that allow the provider to enter into a relationshipwith you; and (2) Strategic Requirements — these arethe critical, qualitative differentiators that allow the provider

to define and drive the relationship with you so that objectives thatmake your business measurably better can be achieved.

Featuring two Tier III, SAS 70/SSAE 16/SOC 2-audited hostingsites through which the most advanced technology is delivered,Worknet strives to develop a long-term relationship in whichthe infrastructure, resources and facilities of Worknet are fusedin varying degrees with your infrastructure, resources andfacilities to form a singular or enterprise-wide solution/operatingenvironment. Worknet’s relationships are guided by responsiveflexibility. This means Worknet continuously aligns and adjusts itstechnology and operations model in accordance with the changesin your business and processes — all with the goal of strengtheningyour overall business and technology model.

wn Managed Hosting Brochure:Layout 1 2/3/12 1:50 PM Page 5

SuccessfulManagedHosting

Relationship

Insightful solution designThe relationship with a client is supported by a probing two-way discussion that ultimately helps shape highly creativesolutions that are both practical and flexible. The solutionprocess is not fixed but dynamic, open to modifications thataccommodate changing needs and unanticipated issues.

Platform breadthBackground should include working in complexheterogeneous environments requiring smooth integrationof hardware, operating systems, storage and cloud/virtualization practices.

Alternative service locationsMultiple points of service delivery can strengthensolution packages. Service may emanate from providerdata center(s), client premises, temporary DR site orpublic-cloud facility.

High-touch working relationshipProvider should have special skill in top-down/bottom-uphierarchal communication to bridge idea flow betweenexecutives and diversified talent, giving constant attentionto the people of an organization and their business.

No-risk implementationand migrationAny modifications to computing environment must bedone with safeguards against loss of operations continuity.Creativity and resourcefulness limit unnecessary expenses.

Change managementProvder must conform to change-mangement scheduleof client to minimize disruption and risk to businessand end-users.

These are the qualitative difference-makers that set the foundationfor a high-touch strategic relationship between a managed ITservices provider and a client. In a strategic relationship, bolsteredby responsive flexibility, strong communication establishesmilestones and routine checkpoints to make sure that advancedtechnology and human interaction are aligning with the client’sneeds to strengthen the likelihood of robust business growth.

Strategic requirements of amanaged IT services provider

wn Managed Hosting Brochure:Layout 1 2/3/12 1:50 PM Page 6