The relationship between a company and its IT services provider is just that — a relationship.
Part of that relationship is regular IT business reviews, which are extensive sit downs conducted quarterly or bi-annually to assess IT service performance, align technology initiatives and business objectives, and plan for future needs.
During our reviews with clients, we normally focus on these seven areas:
1. Performance metrics and service delivery
This is a detailed analysis of service availability, response times, incident resolution rates, and adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs). Reviewing these metrics helps assess whether our IT services are meeting the client’s needs and where improvements can be made.
2. IT infrastructure assessment
We review the current state of the client’s IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and network systems, to identify any gaps or outdated components. This assessment provides insights into potential areas for upgrades, maintenance, or optimization to improve overall system performance.
3. Project updates and roadmap
Ongoing IT projects are discussed, focusing on their progress, outcomes, and any challenges faced. Additionally, we discuss the IT roadmap we’ve developed with clients, outlining future projects, timelines, and expected benefits. This ensures that projects are aligned with business goals and that there is a clear plan for their execution.
4. Security and risk management
We review recent security incidents, the client’s current security posture, and any vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. We also discuss measures to mitigate risks, including updates to security policies, employee training, and the implementation of new security technologies.
5. Budget review and cost analysis
Financial aspects, such as current spending, cost savings, and ROI of IT investments, are key points of the discussion. This analysis helps our clients identify cost optimization opportunities and plan for future budget allocations. We also present recommendations for cost-effective solutions to enhance IT efficiency.
6. Client feedback
Understanding the end-users experience with our IT services is crucial to us. Our review sessions often include surveys and discussions about user satisfaction to identify areas where service improvements are needed.
7. Strategic planning and future initiatives
Our reviews normally conclude with strategic planning, where the focus shifts to future initiatives and technology trends. This is our opportunity to offer insights into emerging technologies and how they could benefit the business. This planning is critical for keeping the client technologically competitive.
Benefits to all parties
IT business reviews are a critical component of our managed services, providing our clients with the information they need to know that their investment in us is worth that investment.
It’s also important to us internally, since it allows us to examine and assess our own capabilities and the quality of work we are delivering to our clients. When we partner with a company, our focus is nurturing and building upon that partnership. The more frank and thorough we can be with not just the client’s IT but also our own performance as a provider, the easier it is for us to help our clients achieve their business goals with their technology.
Want to learn more about our process for IT business reviews and how we can help your business get the most from its critical technology? Schedule some time to chat with us.
