You’ve decided you need managed integration services, but you’re not sure which partner will be the right fit for you. Choosing a managed integration services partner doesn’t just affect your B2B integration suite – it has an impact on your ability to meet customer demands as well as your efficiency.
Read on to learn what you should look for in a managed integration services provider to see positive outcomes for your business.
What to Consider When Choosing a Managed Integration Services Partner
It would help if you looked at the following things when choosing a managed integration services partner:
- Industry (and niches within an industry)
- Experience
- Reputation
- Integration delivery approach
- Support
- Security
- Cost
Industry and Niches
Does the managed integration services partner work in your industry? Here’s why this matters: some industries are highly regulated, and if a company isn’t aware of those regulations, you could face hefty penalties. Moreover, familiarity with your industry means a deep understanding of workflows.
Experience
How long have they been in the field? Is the company just starting out? The answers to those questions also have a bearing on the success of your relationship with this partner.
An inexperienced managed integration services provider could make costly mistakes that could hurt your business.
Reputation
Latin writer Publilius Syrus once wrote, “A good reputation is more valuable than money.” If a managed integration services provider doesn’t have customers who can vouch for the company, that’s a problem.
Loyal customers point to a stable partner who won’t disappear or who isn’t in it just for the paycheck. You want someone who will build a long-term relationship with you.
Integration Delivery Approach
When it comes to integration delivery approaches, which one does your managed integration services partner favor? There are four approaches (on-premises, hosted, cloud, and hybrid), and not all of them might be the right fit for you.
“On-premises” means that B2B integration software is installed on-site, while “hosted” means it’s installed off-site. A cloud delivery model refers to B2B integration software delivered over the Internet, while a hybrid model is a mix of any of the three approaches mentioned above. Depending on the regulations in your industry, the cloud or hosting might not be appropriate options.
Support
What kind of support package does the managed integration services partner offer? Moreover, when you call them, how long will it take to answer? You want reliable support to maintain business continuity.
Security
In 2019, 60% of cyber-attacks targeted small businesses, including services providers in the technology space. Therefore it’s critical to ask potential partners about their security practices, certifications, and policies to keep yourself safe.
Cost
Cost is an important issue, but not for the reason you think. When a provider gives you a quote, make sure you understand exactly what it includes. You might not be getting the support you think you will, or the provider could cut corners in other ways.
Choose the Right Managed Integration Services Provider
The right managed integration services provider has a solid reputation and years of experience in your industry. They offer an integration delivery approach that meets your needs, in addition to excellent security and support. Integrate. Then Dominate.
