Although industry observers debate the merits of diversifying carrier services, they agree that there are certain best practices to keep in mind when considering changing your relationship with service providers.
“My caveat would be…make sure you get service level agreements and timelines that are firm in the contract,” said Don Corbett, acting vice-president of Contour Telecom Services Inc. “You must have recourse, just in case it doesn’t go.”
Diversification is a good idea, but only when done right, according to Samantha Kane of Kane-MacKay & Associates Ltd.
“The theory might be great, but the implementation of the actual conversion (from carrier to carrier) is where you need to spend the money. If it’s not converted properly, well, garbage in, garbage out. It really is worthwhile hiring a good project manager.”
And watch your minimum annual commitments, said Joe Basili of Teldata Control Inc. When it comes to putting your expected usage on a contract, go low before going high. You’re looking for “the best price with minimal commitment,” he said.