Remote Access in the Field: Outsourcing Remote Access Solutions

Given the complexity of managing equipment in hundreds of locations internationally, many
companies have elected to outsource their remote access solutions. This option provides a
great deal of support flexibility because the outsourcing company can frequently provide technicians
over a larger geographical area. As a result, outsourcing provides a great deal of benefit
because it can provide faster response times and can free corporate support personnel from
the responsibility of responding themselves.
Outsourcing solutions can also provide cost savings in the form of leasing options for remote
access equipment. Although the final cost of leasing might be greater, many companies use
this financing option as a means to reduce corporate taxes.
By no means should companies use outsourcing as a panacea. Significant down sides exist,
including the real risk of outsourcing too many components of the network. Should the outsourcing
company be unable to comply with service-level agreements or unable to provide a
reasonable level of service, the remote users will suffer and the ultimate recourse will be to
change outsourcing companies—a process that is time-consuming and costly.
Companies should seriously evaluate the benefits of outsourcing against their overall corporate
strategy. Selective use of outsourcing, in addition to leasing, can greatly facilitate remote
access solutions.