Understanding Application Managed Services: A deep dive

Like machines need upkeep, applications need ongoing management and optimization to deliver peak performance. 

Application Management Services, or AMS, is an umbrella term for an array of services that facilitate continuous management of applications and help companies achieve a streamlined, efficient IT landscape. 

AMS, also referred to as Application Managed Services, is outsourced to a third-party service provider. When companies hire AMS professionals, they benefit from periodic enhancements, upgrades, and optimizations that ensure optimal performance of their applications. 

The application development landscape, as we see and know today, is always experiencing headwinds of change. As customers become more demanding - and markets turn more competitive - companies are increasingly leveraging AMS for application landscapes that are globally relevant and future-focused. 

What is AMS? Exploring its significance, benefits, and components up close

For companies striving to extract the full potential of their applications, AMS has the massive advantage. 

Services like application monitoring, management, and maintenance that fall under the gamut of AMS aid enterprises in ensuring optimal performance and reliability of their software systems.

An AMS provider may operate either on-site or in the cloud - and assumes the pivotal role of overseeing and monitoring business applications and providing remedial measures as challenges arise. He’s continuously scheduling upgrades, enhancements, and optimizations to ensure the application landscape is performing up to scratch. 

Besides, the AMS provider is well-versed in application integration. He offers comprehensive application integration services, unifying new solutions with the existing ones across every stage of installation, configuration, and testing, before the actual deployment begins.

Benefits of AMS

AMS brings forth a plethora of advantages, with the spotlight on three crucial ones as indicated in the table below.

Other AMS benefits for businesses

1. Continuous improvement:  AMS aids in enhancements and updates that roll out unabated, keeping applications in an optimal state to deliver superior performance.
2. Scalability: With the ongoing support of AMS professionals - having fingers on the pulse of the market - companies can easily scale applications based on always-evolving requirements without the hassle of managing it internally.
3. Enhanced security: AMS-backed expert management services ensure heightened security of applications. Professionals guard the integrity and reliability of applications by delivering robust security measures, averting risks effectively. 
4. Focus on core competencies: With AMS professionals onboard, companies are relieved from the demand of round-the-clock application management. They get an opportunity to redirect resources and focus on core business objectives. 
5. Proactive monitoring: AMS has proactive processes at its epicenter. It preempts potential threats before they ensure to become bigger problems - and hence, ensures seamless operations.

What are the main AMS components?

AMS comprises four components:

• Application monitoring (AM)
  Keeping tabs on performance to preempt issues and ensure uptime
• Performance management (PM)
  Optimizing efficiency, resolving bottlenecks, and enhancing bottom line results
• Maintenance and support
  Updating, patching, and offering technical support for smooth operations
• Security and compliance
  Ensuring compliance with standards to safeguard data and continuous value generation

These four components build a four-pronged approach organizations can harness to keep their applications up and running. Capitalizing on the value of each component, organizations can ensure peak performance, reliability, and security of applications, powering seamless business operations and continuity. 

AMS components: A closer look

Let's delve into the specifics of each AMS component for a thorough understanding. 

• Application monitoring (AM)
  This is where AMS providers adopt processes to monitor application performance and availability. These professionals look into every nook and cranny of the application, including servers and databases, to gain holistic understanding of operations, preempt issues, and ensure seamless outcomes.
• Performance management (PM)
  This component entails modes and methods to continuously optimize the performance of applications via code enhancements, server configurations, and bottleneck resolutions for peak efficiency. AMS providers keep an eye out on domain developments and hand-pick optimization techniques applications need to thrive and excel.
• Maintenance and support
  This is a critical AMS component, encompassing routine updates, security patches, and technical support to ensure seamless functionalities. AMS professionals introduce every possible upgrade and enhancements, making applications run smoother and faster.
• Security and compliance
  This component is integral to AMS, where professionals bring forth a volley of security and compliance measures to ensure applications work in sync with global standards and oscillating market conditions. AMS professionals apply the best of security, encryption, and compliance practices to safeguard data and ensure unfaltering adherence to standards. 

Types of AMS

Application Managed Services are classified into four major categories, elucidated below.

• Service requests
  AMS providers offer end-to-end guidance and configuration support to help businesses fine-tune their applications and achieve the anticipated performance levels.
• Incidents
  AMS providers step in with corrective measures when the application malfunctions or fails to operate effectively.
• Routine tasks
  AMS providers ensure system currency by executing necessary updates for usability and security.
• Enhancement Hours
  AMS providers schedule upgrades to minimize application downtime, prioritizing non-business hours whenever feasible.

Key considerations to keep in mind while choosing an AMS provider

When considering a partner for Application Management Services, a company must look into a set of factors to make the right decision. 

• Business model flexibility
  Evaluate whether the provider offers a time-and-materials structure or a fixed-fee package. Each option has its advantages; while time-and-materials offer flexibility, fixed-fee packages provide predictability and eliminate the need for constant time tracking.
• Scalability
  Ensure that the AMS provider can accommodate your business's growth by offering scalable solutions. Check if the contract allows for adjustments as your needs evolve and confirm that the provider has the capacity to handle larger application requirements.
• Dedicated account manager
  Look for an AMS provider that assigns a dedicated account manager to your contract. This individual will serve as your main point of contact, ensuring effective communication and oversight to prevent any issues from slipping through the cracks.
• Experience and reputation
  Choose a provider with a proven track record and experienced executive team capable of delivering the solutions you require. Consider seeking recommendations from industry peers and conducting thorough research to identify a reputable provider known for their success and quality of service.

Why Kellton for application managed services? 

Kellton’s AMS capabilities are built upon a combination of smart digital capabilities, robust skill sets, and a sustainable delivery ecosystem, supported by partnerships. As your trusted AMS service provider, we ensure high performance of your business applications against market expectations and disruptions - and keep your operational bottom lines strong. 

We collaborate with our customers across different time schedules to ensure they gain maximum advantage from our AMS capabilities. Our operations are designed to accommodate various schedules, offering support 24/7, 24/5, 16/5, and 8/5. Our AMS approach is characterized by attention to detail and a commitment to delivering value at every step of our multi-faceted approach that includes due diligence, transition, cutover and go-live, and stabilization.

From application management, optimization, and support to implementation, migration, and security, we offer end-to-end AMS to help you go beyond administrative care to ensure an application landscape that accelerates go-to-market, efficiency, and cost savings. 

Important FAQs

1. What types of applications can benefit from Managed Services?

   AMS has the potential to be used for a broad spectrum of the applications such ERP, CRM, BI, E-commerce platforms, Content Management Systems(CMS) and other custom-developed systems applications. AMS can be applied on almost every type of application to ensure seamless functionality.

2. How does AMS differ from traditional IT support?

   In contrast to traditional IT support, which is more reactive, AMS offers proactive application management and optimization to solve a crisis situation. The majority of AMS providers offer bespoke services, catering to specific needs of applications.

3. Can Application Managed Services help with cloud migration and optimization?

   True that! AMS providers do offer services like application migration to the cloud and cloud performance optimization to organizations looking to elevate performance levels in the cloud and drive higher-quality outcomes. Cloud-led services include activities such as architecture design, migration planning, and ongoing cloud management.

4. What is the typical cost structure for Application Managed Services?

   The cost of AMS depends on factors including but not limited to the factors, like the core and complexity of applications, the level of support needed, and the pricing. Before partnering with vendors offering Application Management Services, it’s crucial to gather fundamental information on the pricing and gain clarity about any potential additional expenses. 

5. How can I determine if my organization needs Application Managed Services?

   Simple, begin with taking into account factors like the complexity and criticality of the applications, internal IT skills and expertise, budget constraints, strategic goals, and scalability requirements. .