To ensure that the right decisions are made and the project is implemented smoothly, managers with this secondary responsibility in managing technology infrastructure can sign up for courses designed specially for them. Here's a snapshot of what's available in the market.

Practical Outsourcing Workshop What you'll learn: The differences between in-sourcing, co-sourcing and outsourcing The different phases of outsourcing: planning, analysis, design, implementation and operations How to terminate an outsourcing contract How to manage disputes How to conduct a cost analysis to determine viability of outsourcing How to prepare an outsourcing feasibility study proposal for management

Outsourcing 101
More SMBs are outsourcing or out-tasking their IT requirements to avoid large capital outlays and improve cash flow.

But is outsourcing the right strategy for every company? How do you decide if outsourcing is the route for your firm?

IT training specialists Integer Knowledge, with offices in Singapore and Malaysia, offers a two-day workshop aimed at helping business managers better understand and manage IT outsourcing contracts.

According to course trainer Lee Kee Siang, the "Practical IT Outsourcing" workshop is applicable to SMBs as it helps them make informed decisions on whether they should outsource their IT services or manage it in-house. "Participants should have a good overview and understand that there is no need to jump onto the outsourcing bandwagon if it is not found to be cost effective," said Lee.

Should a company decide to outsource, Lee added, the course equips executives with the knowledge on the key cost components and how to manage the vendors.

Participants will learn, among several things, how to prepare a proposal for an outsourcing feasibility study for management evaluation, the major considerations in a service level agreement and infrastructure requirements, said Lim Kian Kim, director of Integer Knowledge.

Understanding IT Security for Non-IT Managers What you'll learn: The role and importance of IT security in corporations Basic concepts of IT security, including the different types of defense strategies The different roles of IT security standards An overview of IT-related laws and regulations How to conduct a cost analysis to determine viability of outsourcing How to prepare an outsourcing feasibility study proposal for management

Security 101
Another useful course offered by Integer Knowledge is "Practical IT Security for Non-IT Managers". Designed for executives such as HR directors and financial controllers, the course explains the relevance and importance of security standards, as well as the role of security as a business enabler, said Lim who is also the course instructor.

It gives business executives an overview and a better understanding of IT security and how it impacts the business. "We will also look at how IT security is managed under the Information Security Management System (ISMS) which is based on the BS 7799 standard," said Lim. The BS7799 is the standard specification for ISMS which enables senior management to monitor and control their security, ensuring that systems fulfill corporate, customer and legal requirements.

Thumbs-up to training
Such courses are a welcome, says Eileen Tan, the business development manager for Stone Forest IT which provides IT services to SMBs with little or no in-house IT resources.

Many SMBs, she says, don't look at IT strategically, which is why she is glad that such courses offered by Integer Knowledge are available. She recommends these workshops to her clients who are often non-IT executives such as finance managers.

"It's better to have them hear from a third-party about the importance of things like security and IT maintenance," she says.

In general, SMBs don't see the importance of having a maintenance contract, and many view their service providers as "fire-fighters", she adds.

"When something goes wrong, then you're called in to look into it," she explains. "They don't view you as a long-term strategic partner,"

Tan also noted that Singapore-owned SMBs, which are typically family-owned and run by management staff with little IT exposure, are in danger of becoming outdated if they do not enhance their operations with IT. However, things are slowly changing as more firms are recruiting younger staff who are more receptive towards IT, she added.

Ask the expert: Why pay for maintenance?  

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