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Systems integrator: what they do and how to choose one?

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Systems integrator: what they do and how to choose one?

system-integrator

What is a systems integrator?

A systems integrator is an organization that optimizes the activities of a client company by creating a unified and well-tuned IT infrastructure from disparate components.

The integrator implements information technologies, systems, and services on which many of the enterprise's business processes depend, ensuring their interaction and stable operation.

A systems integrator doesn't just implement hardware or software products but creates comprehensive systems that closely interact with each other.

This may include:

  • network infrastructure (wired and wireless networks)
  • server and storage clusters
  • solutions for backup and data recovery
  • software for specialized tasks
  • enterprise applications
  • systems for monitoring the IT infrastructure state

SIMPLY PUT, A SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR COMBINES DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM IN THE ENTERPRISE AND ENSURES THEIR INTERACTION

Why is a systems integrator needed?

A qualified systems integrator company performs the following functions:

1
Audit and comprehensive assessment of the existing IT infrastructure of the client, identification of existing problems, assessment of current business needs, and risk forecasting
2
Design and development of solutions that best meet business requirements, considering future IT environment scaling
3
Formation of optimal specifications for equipment or software products and their subsequent delivery to the client's facilities
4
Implementation, testing, configuration, and support of new solutions
5
Training the client's personnel to work with new technologies, providing methodological recommendations for users
6
Technical support and maintenance, assistance in solving emerging problems

Types of systems integrators

All types of systems integrators can be divided into several groups.

Broad-profile integrators. These are companies that provide comprehensive solutions and assist in a wide range of issues. Such companies typically work with clients from various industries.

Specialized integrators. As the name suggests, these organizations focus on solving specific tasks within one particular area, such as exclusively IP telephony. These companies, compared to their broad-profile counterparts, possess a much higher level of expertise in their niche and have complex technologies.

Industry-specific integrators. These are companies that work with clients only from certain industries, such as financial organizations or healthcare institutions. Such integrators can usually cover the full range of their client’s tasks but do not operate outside their industry.

requirements for a systems integrator

Requirements for a systems integrator

The list of requirements for a systems integrator depends on what tasks the client wants to solve, the specifics of the business, and other factors. However, there are universal criteria that all integrators must meet:

  • an in-house team of technical experts and project management specialists
  • a comprehensive approach with the ability to implement a “turnkey” project with post-warranty support for the implemented systems
  • partnerships with various manufacturers and distributors, allowing consideration and proposal of different solutions from multiple vendors within the client’s budget
  • willingness to undertake both large and complex, as well as small projects

WHEN CHOOSING A SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR, IT IS IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS IN ADVANCE THE PROJECT TIMELINES, EQUIPMENT COSTS, AND THE TERMS OF WARRANTY SERVICE AND SUPPORT

advantages of a systems integrator

Advantages of working with a systems integrator

Compared to an in-house IT department, working with a systems integrator offers several advantages:

1
Speed of implementing new solutions. The process happens faster due to the integrator’s experience in working with similar solutions
2
Qualification. Employees of the in-house IT department generally do not handle complex non-standard tasks, whereas integrators face them daily and know how to create systems that meet diverse client needs.
3
Financial savings. Properly setting up the information system helps reduce maintenance costs and optimize business processes.

TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY AND INTRODUCE NEW TECHNOLOGIES WITHOUT DISRUPTING BUSINESS PROCESSES, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE A SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR CAREFULLY

how to choose a systems integrator

How to choose a systems integrator?

The main factor to consider is the presence of successfully implemented projects, preferably in your or a related field. Find out which clients the company has worked with, what technologies they have implemented, and if there were any non-standard tasks.

The reliability of a contractor is determined by the length of their time in the market, the presence of positive reviews, the level of partnership statuses with equipment and software manufacturers, and the current certifications of technical specialists.

An important criterion is the terms of cooperation. A good integrator can offer flexible deal terms, including installment plans or leasing when purchasing equipment.

LWCOM

LWCOM is a classic systems integrator that has been in the market for over 20 years. The company designs, supplies, and implements software and hardware solutions for corporate IT infrastructure.

The company has more than 20 specialized engineers responsible for data storage and processing, data transmission networks, infrastructure software, IP telephony, and multimedia AV solutions.


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Victor
Victor
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