A Calculated Risk

When it comes to software deployment, it is all about addressing the unique requirements. While many large enterprises in the past have rolled out a range of contemporary IT appsERP, CRM and SCM, there is always a disconnect in some areas and hence, one needs interconnects that can optimize on the apps ecosystem. To better tune to the requirements and get that strategic edge, boutiques often play a critical role. But, its easier said than done as CIOs need to do proper diligence in selecting the right kind of boutique that can bring in the key value they are looking into.

Says N Tamilvel, vice president, global IT, Take Solutions, Boutique providers started with niche skill sets, minimum manpower, but were more focused and attached with the project. Most of the corporate companies use boutique providers as its cost effective and they can achieve quick turnaround times. They are also innovative and technically savvy.

If we look at the key differentiators, large IT management consulting firms provide diversified services while boutiques are narrowly focused. Thats their key strength anyway. If we look at advantages of boutique firms, they are able to resolve the business issues more quickly than the large firms that tend to require more time for specific projects. Boutiques offer better turnaround times for business resolutions with a high impact which enables an organization to address IT issues more quickly.

Moreover in terms of cost, a small/medium boutique consulting firms charges tend to be lower than those charged by larger firms. This is due to lower operations cost and fewer staff. Due to lower costs, enterprises today are using boutique firms in addition to large consulting firms.

I think the unique advantages of a boutique firm are good professional skills with an excellent customer service, ability to narrow down solutions for a specific problem with a high business impact and it is cost effective too. But, on the flip side, boutiques are smaller in size and there is an element of risk associated with them. Moreover, in terms of best practices, boutique consulting firms adoption techniques may be different from those practiced by larger firms, says Tamilvel.