Shepherding outsourcing refers to a type of outsourcing strategy where an organization outsources all of its IT functions to a single vendor. This vendor, or “shepherd,” serves as the primary point of contact for all IT-related matters and is responsible for managing the entire IT function, including hardware and software management, network administration, security, and other related tasks.
The concept of shepherding outsourcing is based on the idea that it’s more cost-effective and efficient to have a single point of contact for all IT functions than it is to have multiple vendors managing different aspects of the IT infrastructure. This can help organizations save time and money, as well as reduce the complexity of managing their IT systems.
There are several key benefits to shepherding outsourcing, including:
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Cost savings: By outsourcing all of its IT functions to a single vendor, an organization can save on the cost of hardware, software, and other IT infrastructure.
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Increased efficiency: With a single point of contact for all IT-related matters, organizations can streamline their IT processes and improve their overall efficiency. This can help organizations focus more on their core business activities and reduce the time and resources they spend on IT tasks.
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Improved security: A single vendor managing all of an organization’s IT functions can help ensure that the IT infrastructure is secure and protected from potential threats. This can include implementing best practices for network security, data backup and recovery, and other security measures.
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Reduced complexity: With a single vendor managing all of an organization’s IT functions, there are fewer moving parts to coordinate and manage. This can help reduce the complexity of managing the IT infrastructure and make it easier for organizations to scale their IT systems as needed.
There are several case studies that illustrate the benefits of shepherding outsourcing. For example:
XYZ Corporation, a mid-sized manufacturing company, was struggling with a lack of resources and expertise in its IT department. By outsourcing all of its IT functions to a single vendor, XYZ was able to save on hardware and software costs, as well as reduce the time and resources it spent on IT-related tasks. The vendor also helped implement best practices for network security, data backup and recovery, and other security measures, which helped improve overall security and protect the company from potential threats.
ABC Company, a large financial services organization, was looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency in its IT department. By outsourcing all of its IT functions to a single vendor, ABC was able to save on hardware and software costs, as well as reduce the time and resources it spent on IT-related tasks. The vendor also helped implement best practices for network security, data backup and recovery, and other security measures, which helped improve overall security and protect the company from potential threats.
While shepherding outsourcing can provide numerous benefits to organizations, there are also some potential risks to be aware of. For example:
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Loss of control: By outsourcing all of its IT functions to a single vendor, an organization may feel like it has less control over its IT infrastructure. This can make it more difficult for the organization to make changes or adjustments as needed.
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Dependence on a single vendor: If a single vendor is responsible for managing all of an organization’s IT functions, the organization may become heavily dependent on that vendor. This can make it more difficult to switch vendors if necessary, and may also increase the risk of vendor lock-in.
To mitigate these risks, organizations should carefully consider their outsourcing options and choose a vendor that is reliable, responsive, and has a proven track record of success. It’s also important for organizations to have clear communication channels with their vendors and to regularly review and evaluate their IT infrastructure to ensure that it continues to meet their needs.