What Endeavor stands for   How to select an IT provider   Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF)  

What Endeavor Technologies, LLC. stands for:

Large companies have Information Technology (IT) departments. These IT departments perform several critical roles for an organization. There are roles which are obvious, numerous are less obvious -

  • Alignment of appropriate technology with corporate goals/needs
  • Take part in organization’s budgetary process as it relates to technology
  • Thorough documentation of all technology including assets, licensing, service contracts, etc…
  • Act as company’s representative and liaison for all technology vendors
  • Maintains company’s network infrastructure
  • Performs routine, proactive maintenance on server(s) and PCs
  • Troubleshoots and resolves any technical issues
  • Responsible for uptime of all server(s), PCs, and mission critical applications
  • Keeps up with industry and constantly evaluates products and services for application in organization

Smaller companies usually do not have an IT department. Consequently, several, or in some cases, all the above roles are overlooked or neglected. The result is an organization that is always “putting out fires” related to technology and each expenditure that is technology related comes as a surprise.

To fill this gap, smaller companies either:
A. Hire an individual to perform all the tasks of an IT department
B. Rely on a “friend” to support them
C. Outsource the responsibilities to an IT provider

The problem with Option A is twofold. First, the individual is usually underpaid and not experienced with companies of that size. Second, it is extremely difficult to retain the individual long term.

Option B works for numerous small businesses when they start out. These resources often work gratis or cheaply. Eventually, however, as the business grows, the organization requires more reliable, more available support.

Option C is the only way for a smaller organization to accomplish all the roles of an IT department without having one of their own. So how does an organization select an IT provider? What criteria does it test against?

What Endeavor stands for   How to select an IT provider   Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF)

How to select an IT provider?

  1. Do they subscribe to industry standards and best practices?
  2. Are they focused on clients in your industry or business size?
  3. Do they have sufficient resources to service you effectively and resolve issues in an appropriate response time?
  4. Are their technicians trained and certified in the products that they support?
  5. Are they affiliated or partnered with companies so they can effectively make recommendations for services/products they don’t offer themselves?
  6. What are their normal business hours and what is the availability outside of those hours?
  7. Are their rates in line with others in the industry?
  8. What are their billings practices i.e. travel time, minimums, retainers, etc..?
  9. How well do they document work performed so you, the client, have accurate and complete records?
  10. Can you get in touch with them in an emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
  11. Do they have obligations to meet quotas from hardware and/or software vendors?
  12. Do you trust them?

What Endeavor stands for   How to select an IT provider   Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF)

Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF)

At Endeavor Technologies, we work within the Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF). MSF is an industry-accepted methodology for technology-based implementations. By following MSF, our customers benefit from a structured, organized implementation as well as one that arrives on time, on budget and within scope.

MSF is comprised of four primary phases that are included in every project. The phases are: Envisioning, Planning, Implementation or Development, and Stabilization. The purpose for the Envisioning phase is to establish a general idea of the project goals and purpose. It is within this phase that a “broad strokes” approach is taken with regard to time, budget and primary goals of the project. Additionally, project sponsors are identified and project scope is loosely defined.

Once a general idea of the project is outlined, the planning phase can begin. Within this critical step, assumptions are tested, resources are allocated, scheduling is agreed upon and a project plan is developed. Project goals are solidified in a definitive project scope. At this point in the project, a much more accurate idea of costs and timeframe necessary to complete the project are identified.

The third phase is the Implementation (or Development) phase that is the actual work that has been outlined within the scope of the Project Plan.

The Stabilization phase simply closes “loose ends” and finalizes the project by ensuring that all Project requirements have been met, identifying any issues that have not been resolved and reviewing the Project as a whole.

What Endeavor stands for   How to select an IT provider   Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF)