For both individuals as well as organizations, it’s wise to focus on your strengths and dedicate time and energy to those activities that can yield the greatest return. Personally, I may or may not have leveraged a content marketing professional in the creation of this blog.
Software Developers Buying Software
To best maintain a focus on their strengths, many organizations outsource areas outside their core expertise, such as facilities management and web design. I formerly worked with business intelligence application provider Logi Analytics. A substantial portion of Logi’s customers are also software providers. Despite their core business consisting of software development, they still purchase and embed reporting and analytics software from Logi. They have excellent in-house developers, but find that it’s more profitable to maintain their focus on the specific functionality of the app they sell. Dashboards and reporting are Logi’s core competency, and customers are able to seamlessly integrate this functionality into their own apps.
Outsourcing Squared
When your organization elects to outsource to a specific vendor, there’s no need to select that same vendor for all related services. For example, the company that designs the website on which you sell products doesn’t need to be the same firm that ships out products, or manages customer service inquiries.
Purchasing products and services from the most effective vendors can benefit all organizations involved. Specialization enables each business to focus on their areas of competitive differentiation, bringing value to their partners and customers.
The Best Software Developers Aren’t Always the Best Service Providers
Whether shipping route optimization, building automation, or applicant tracking, software developers require domain expertise to create apps. It’s natural for customers to turn to those developers as potential providers of any accompanying managed services. This structure may seem appealing, but unfortunately it often fails to meet customers’ needs.
While the software vendor may possess the requisite domain expertise, they may not also possess the capability – or the will – to build and run an effective managed services division. As far as TLM is concerned, software development expertise is distinct from the skills required to effectively manage telecom expenses on an ongoing basis.
So, Don’t Outsource TLM Services?
In the case of TLM services, too often the problem isn’t outsourcing, the problem is the manner in which the outsourcing agreements are structured.
It can certainly be beneficial to outsource ongoing telecom lifecycle management in addition to purchasing software. However, you need not buy software and services from the same vendor. Rather, consider the core strengths of each vendor individually. Do not sign up for services with a TLM provider just because of software features. Realize the flexibility you have and select a solution that meets your needs for both ideal software and ideal services.
Bust the bundle. Read our TLM Services eBook for more info.
While these lemurs look adorable bundled, the same can’t always be said of all software and service bundles.
