The landscape of outsourced IT services has transformed significantly since the early 2000s. While the fundamental concept of outsourcing remains, the intricacies and value of this model have evolved, especially in the realm of technology outsourcing. This is where the Cloud can help.
This blog used information sourced from Thrive. You can read more here
The Traditional Model
Not long ago, the standard approach to providing technology services involved maintaining a communications room within your workplace. This room housed an extensive technology stack, including networking, storage, and computing devices. It served as the backbone, delivering applications and data directly to user devices and workstations on-site. For service continuity, a replica of this setup would typically be maintained offsite, usually in a data centre. Managing this ecosystem requires a combination of in-house infrastructure, development, and support professionals, resulting in significant financial costs and management burdens.
The Shift to Private Cloud
The first major shift came with the transition from this “on-prem” setup to a data centre-derived solution, known as “private Cloud” or “co-location” (co-lo). This change eliminated the need for on-site hosting of enterprise systems and data, making applications more accessible and reducing infrastructure risks tied to the physical workplace.
The Public Cloud and SaaS Revolution
The next major evolution was the global adoption of public Cloud and SaaS services. Previously, technology outsourcing required substantial capital investment in data centres and hardware, along with a highly skilled team to manage and support these systems. Public Cloud and SaaS services have commoditised this environment, drastically reducing the need for significant capital and consolidating the expertise required.
As a result, many functions that would typically be handled by an internal team are now outsourced to service providers. This shift has transformed the technology function into a cost allocation within an outsourced services budget, providing numerous credible providers in the market. Customers now base their decisions primarily on cost and service quality.
Focus on Service Quality
Despite the complexities of technology outsourcing, the decisive factors for customers are straightforward: cost and service. While cost is important, exceptional service commands a higher value. The emphasis has shifted from the technology itself to the quality of service and the people behind it. Customers prioritise service and relationship quality over technical details.
Contact 4th Platform
Partner with 4th Platform to empower your business through expert-driven technology outsourcing. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business.
How 4th Platform (Powered by Gamma) keeps your business ahead with Cloud Communications. The UK’s analogue phone network is being switched off in 2027, and
Why getting your cloud setup right the first time matters more than you think. Cloud services have revolutionised how modern businesses operate offering flexibility,
Despite increased awareness of cyber threats across the legal sector, law firms continue to be prime targets for cybercriminals. These attacks are no longer
In today’s fast-paced business environment, technology is the backbone of productivity. When IT systems run smoothly, employees can focus on their tasks without unnecessary
When we think about cybersecurity threats, external hackers and cybercriminals often come to mind. However, some of the most significant risks come from within
In an era where financial fraud is on the rise, UK businesses are increasingly finding themselves targeted by cybercriminals deploying sophisticated scams. The financial
The UK government is ramping up efforts to strengthen national cyber defences with the introduction of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. This legislation
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, AI is no longer just a tool for defense—it’s now being weaponised by cybercriminals to launch more sophisticated
The rapid pace of digital transformation has made it increasingly challenging for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to keep up with evolving technology needs.
4th Platform is proud to support LegalAI in transforming the legal industry with cutting-edge AI solutions. One of LegalAI’s latest successes is its partnership
