Changes to prepare for
When technology is outsourced, numerous changes will take place, Tritsch said. But one thing should remain constant: Outsourcing doesn’t eliminate your need to ensure the timely delivery of ed-tech services.
“You must do this with the same fervor you manage the solutions on site,” he said, explaining that it’s the service provider who now must be managed.
One change to prepare for is that some degree of control will be lost. “Will you get the same response—in terms of both speed and flexibility—from a service provider that you can provide yourself?” he asked. Another change is that institutional knowledge might be lost.
Outsourcers might offer broader expertise, but in-house personnel often have a better feel for the institution itself, Tritsch said—which can be invaluable.
Key questions to consider
Here’s a list of questions to ask as you consider whether to outsource your IT systems, Tritsch said:
• What problem are you trying to solve? Why?
• What does an outsourcer bring to the table that you don’t already have in-house?
• Does outsourcing make sense in terms of stability, size, and culture?
• Can the outsourcing company provide equal or better flexibility?
• Which services make the most sense to consider for outsourcing?
• What would be the impact on staffing levels?
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