The time is right to outsource your IBM mainframe operations. But who do you turn to? How do you tell the difference between mainframe outsourcing companies?

This is a serious – perhaps entirely transformational – decision for your company. And it’s different than making a straightforward purchase. Outsourcing offers the opportunity to develop a long-term working partnership, as long as you make the right choice.

So what should you look for?

Capability.

Do they have the physical infrastructure to comfortably support your needs now but also smoothly enable growth or change as needed in the future?

What training and experience do they bring to the table? Along with in-depth legacy systems experience, your outsourcing provider should have cutting-edge knowledge of the latest technologies and trends regarding mainframe operations, especially if your goal is to wholly redirect your efforts toward new approaches.

Their skilled professionals can augment or entirely replace your existing mainframe-oriented staff. You want to keep personnel costs down but also broaden the range of expertise available to help you expand and improve quality by introducing best practices at every step.

How many clients do they have? Are they able to provide immediate, 24/7 response and support to keep you up and working? That includes disaster recovery. Delays and downtime can be deadly, especially since problems often seem to occur at the most inopportune times.

Look for a provider that wants to exceed your expectations. A well-crafted SLA can formally incentivize above-and-beyond performance.

Compatibility.

You want a partner that, like you, has a strong, demonstrable track record. But don’t automatically discount newer mainframe outsourcing companies, because one of them may be the right choice. The key is to be extra-vigilant in making your decision.

Do they have their own internal agility to flex and grow with you?

Mainframe outsourcing companies that understand the big picture – your big picture – will be able to give you the best-targeted service and support, even well-placed sage advice from time to time. You need a team of people that can help you think and plan as well as execute.

Pricing.

Pricing models vary, and new, more creative options are constantly appearing. Mainframe outsourcing is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, but customers are demanding individually-tailored pricing just as they are customized services.

One of the primary benefits of outsourcing is scalability -- you pay only for what you get. But you need flexibility, too, to remain competitive. Predictable pricing smoothes the way for daily function. It also facilitates your ability to continue functioning smoothly even when the marketplace is unpredictable. So while costs may fluctuate, the right model is also capable of adding and reasonably reflecting new services or performance levels.

Pricing arrangements can include performance incentives or allow you and your provider to share the financial benefits of newly-developed products you might pursue. You can also choose to pay ahead or after the fact, depending on your internal accounting preferences.

In effect you’re creating a partnership with mainframe outsourcing companies, so the best pricing model is the one that works best for you.

A professional consultant can help you find the best match.

Getting knowledgeable-but-unbiased outside assistance with your decision-making process can you:

• Develop an thorough assessment of your internal capabilities, future needs and expectations.
• Determine whether selective outsourcing would be an effective option.
• Understand subtle differences among mainframe outsourcing companies.
• Pose the right questions regarding performance and pricing.
• Evaluate responses.

That will ensure you find the most appropriate match -- the team most likely to sustain a successful long-term professional relationship.