Hosted servers

Define the requirements first

Outline the applications and workloads you need to host, who requires access and how the service fits with your existing systems. Prodigy can discuss the available options and an appropriate scope.

Agree migration and support responsibilities

Before proceeding, confirm the proposed infrastructure, commercial terms, backup arrangements and support responsibilities directly with Prodigy.

Describe the business workload

Start with what the server needs to do rather than a preferred hosting specification. List the applications involved, who needs access, the information being stored and any systems that must connect to it. Explain the operational impact if the workload is unavailable.

This information helps establish which hosted arrangements should be considered. Capacity, location and availability requirements need to be confirmed for the proposed service rather than assumed from the term hosted server.

Review responsibilities before moving

A hosted server still needs agreed responsibilities for configuration, access, application support and changes. Identify which parts Prodigy will manage and where your business or another supplier remains involved. Include the backup and recovery requirements in the same discussion.

It is also important to understand how administration will work and what happens when a change is needed. Service scope, support arrangements and commercial terms should make those expectations clear.

Plan and check the transition

Migration planning should identify the information and configuration that need to move, the people who need to approve the work and the checks required for acceptance. Existing licensing or application-vendor requirements may need to be confirmed before a migration can proceed.

Discuss the sequence, expected interruption and contingency arrangements before the change. After transition, verify the agreed functions and complete the documentation needed for ongoing support.