The Defense Department and other federal agencies have challenges when it comes to their IT and managed services. Many government IT leaders recognize that they are behind their commercial counterparts in a number of ways. At the same time, the necessary limitations associated with security and other considerations for federal government agencies, the DoD, and other government entities can slow the progress of technology.
However, the right managed services partner can help the DoD close the gap between commercial entities and their own agencies. A good partnership will bring the services that the Department of Defense needs as well as a collaborative mindset that adapts commercial solutions to a regulated government environment.
Managed Services for Government: Safe, Accessible & Resourced
There are several key managed services that are particularly meaningful for DoD technology leaders. Working with the right services partner in these areas can advance the technology available, increase the accessibility of modern solutions, and ensure that teams receive the support they need to do their jobs effectively.
Device Management
Every device in service requires sourcing, provisioning, securing, and general management, whether you are in government or the private sector. However, the DoD and armed services have different needs and requirements for their devices, including considerations for use in unusual and extreme environments — think of a Marine stationed in the Middle East — software management and restrictions, and network service management.
These elements need to be taken into account when a device management program is designed and deployed so that the technology in use can better meet the modern demands of soldiers, support staff, and leaders.
Lifecycle Management
While device management handles the provisioning and management of technology, lifecycle management takes those devices from set up to upgrades to deployment to decommissioning, as well as disposal or proper remarketing.
Modernizing technology used by the DoD and the Armed Forces and keeping it updated requires adaptations of the plans commercial entities use, but with consideration for the unique usage and security requirements for Defense Department equipment and its retirement.
Security
Obviously, security is a primary concern for DoD and U.S. Armed Forces groups. Clearly, encryption and physical security are essential, but the management of platforms and software updates are important elements of a security program as well.
Of course, location, availability of devices, and tracking are different from security concerns for the private sector. Plans for a commercial security program can act as a starting point for the enhanced needs of government entities.
Help Desk & Device Support
Practical support for users and devices requires an understanding of who, what, and where the devices are in use, and what the needs are of the users. DoD needs to cover a broader range of times, locations, and variables, but experienced help desk resources with proper training can be as effective for soldiers and staff as they are for C-level executives and office workers.
Traits of a Good DoD Managed Services Partner
Using these services to accelerate government technology and operations closer to their modern commercial counterparts requires having a partner that can evolve a public sector plan into one that meets the constraints and special considerations of DoD usage and needs. That means working with a group that is highly skilled in managed services but is also willing to think beyond the contract.
DoD managed services providers need the following traits:
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Consultative & Relational
To bring forward the technology and services of DoD agencies, a partner must be willing to bring forward new ideas and suggestions, even if they are outside of the contract mandate.
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Innovative
It can’t be enough to do things the way they have always been done. A DoD MSP partner needs to be familiar with the commercial world and creative enough to adapt public sector solutions to the government space.
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Honest & Transparent
Above all, an MSP partner must be clear, forthright, and trustworthy. They do what they say they will do when they say they will do it and aren’t afraid to bring forward concerns or questions as needed.
Conclusion
A conversation with a qualified managed service provider doesn’t require an RFP. Instead, DMI is always open to a conversation that will bring value to government agencies, like the DoD and the U.S. Armed Services. DMI is human at the core and is dedicated to being a partner to each and every client.
If you’re interested in learning more about strategies that can bring Defense Department and Armed Services technology and services a step closer to what private sector companies enjoy, contact us at DMI. We’d be happy to sit down with you and discuss options for closing the gap, even if you don’t have an open RFP to fill.
