Consumer Credit talks to icenet’s Chief Designer, Steve James about third party hosting …

 CC. Can you briefly outline what hosting involves and its relevance to a company?

 SJ. Basically, hosting is the provision of an off site data centre, within which you can locate your core IT applications.

 The data centre is secure and built to a high specification and operates an uninterrupted 24/7 service. The service can be provided either to small businesses with rack space or large enterprises, which have dedicated private suites.

 Using a third party hosting supplier, allows a company access to first class facilities and to dramatically improve their computing environment, for a fraction of the cost of building their own data centre.

 CC. What are the key benefits of using a third party hosting solution?

 SJ. The key benefits are threefold:

 1.Reduced costs

• Less reliance upon internal IT resources and associated costs
• No huge investment in IT equipment
• Option to spread financial commitment over a period of years

 2. Ease of implementation and subsequent use

• Instant, skilled, hands-on assistance around the clock for rapid resolution
• Ability to grow with your business, without having to re-invest

 3. High level of security and resilient infrastructure

• Services are pro-actively managed 24/7
• Protected against security threats and data loss

 CC. How can you evaluate a service provider?

 SJ. The process to select a provider should start with a review of what is available in the market and you should endeavor to seek advice from within the industry as to which suppliers are likely to be most suitable. 

 Fundamentally, your evaluation should include the following areas:

Functionality – does the supplier do the job you are looking for? You may be looking for add on services such as telecommunications, internet services, server management, monitoring, back up and restore services as well as straight forward hosting.

Delivery – the supplier should be able to illustrate a comprehensive and realistic approach to delivery.

Technology – make sure the service incorporates adequate contingency for business continuity.

Supplier Credentials – look for financial stability, industry knowledge, and capacity.

Maintenance – ensure that you gain a commitment to service levels and – if you can get them – service credits for failure to comply.

Contract – this is for the mutual protection of you and the supplier and should incorporate, apart from standard clauses, statements of requirements, services to be delivered and payment dates. If in any doubt, seek professional assistance.

 If you would like to find out more please contact icenet on +44 (0)8707 542 323 or at www.icenet.co.uk

< back to articles