Need Security Help? Enlist a Partner Sometimes it’s okay to ask for help — especially if you are a small or mid-sized business that doesn’t have the time, staff, or expertise to properly manage your IT security and availability. Security help is available — you just need to know how to find the right partner for your business’ unique needs. Partners don’t just sell hardware and software; they also offer strategic planning, design, implementation, training, and consulting services. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of enlisting a security partner, and some factors to consider before you make your decision. Partner benefits “For the most part, organizations have realized that they don’t have the manpower to watch every node on their network 24/7,” says Steve Groom, TIG’s director of security and wireless solutions. According to Groom, outsourcing security and data recovery not only saves money, it allows businesses to have their networks monitored more intelligently than even the best IT in-house employees can accomplish. “Because they work with different companies, [partners] see all kinds of different attacks; internal monitors are always seeing attacks they may not recognize,” Groom says. “Using a [partner] also is about one-third the cost of having one or two IT engineers plus all the monitoring tools you’d need to buy, so customers are starting to understand that it’s cheaper and you get a better level of response. “What do you need? Once you have established a clear understanding of your needs and objectives, it’s time to look for a partner. Finding available partners is easy; virtually all major hardware and software manufacturers link to a partner locator directly from their Web sites. It’s choosing the right partner for your business that is the challenge. Here are some important considerations: Location and staff. Some partners will be geographically closer to you than others. You might consider the role that proximity can play in cultivating a stronger relationship with the partner. Many partner companies will subcontract out the work to be done. Find out if the potential partner will be utilizing their own staff, or if the people working on your account will be subcontracted. Certification. Consider the potential partner’s level of accreditation — check that they are certified in areas of expertise that complement your needs. Major technology solutions providers offer certifications, demonstrating that a partner has the qualifications and knowledge to expertly work with their solutions. While hiring a certified partner may cost a bit more, it may save you in the end. You could end up spending a lot more in time and implementation costs to get up and running if you hire the wrong partner. Certifications also indicate that the partner has a good relationship with the manufacturer, which can mean faster access to experts if needed. Specialties. Operations. Cost. References. Conclusion from Symantec |