As the pace of change accelerates, we’re all confronting a new reality: Digital transformation is a continuous process that never ends. And whether you engage a digital transformation consultant or do it all in-house, someone has to actually implement that continuous transformation—and support it.
Hence the need for digital transformation services.
But what do these services typically cover? What should you look for in a service provider?
Here’s everything you need to know.
What are digital transformation services?
These services typically cover things like consulting, scoping, and implementation for digital transformation projects. Depending on the requirement, the provider, and the client’s internal capabilities, digital transformation services may cover the entire project, or only certain phases of it.
How are these services different from traditional IT support services?
They’re separate but related, often covering the same technology functions within in an organization—but with different goals. IT services typically involve maintaining the status quo in terms of technology and processes. Digital transformation, on the other hand, is all about positive change.
Common types of digital transformation services
Digital transformation is a pretty generic term that covers all kinds of projects. This can make it difficult to envision transformation at your organization. You know you need to become more efficient and competitive, but what does that actually look like?
Broadly speaking, there are 9 types of transformation that we engage most often with our clients. Of course, these categories aren’t mutually exclusive, and a given project may overlap several of these—but here’s what we see the most.
- Business process immersion. Some organizations may feel the pain of outdated technology without knowing exactly what’s wrong. In these situations, digital transformation starts with a service provider immersing themselves in the client’s existing processes and supporting technologies. Since the service provider knows digital transformation inside and out, they can spot the issues and help the client understand how to move forward.
- Microsoft Copilot training and consulting. The advent of Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and other generative AI solutions has created all kinds of opportunities to improve efficiency—but you have to do it wisely, paying special attention to cybersecurity and data governance. Digital transformation services often start here for organizations that want to leverage AI.
- Microsoft 365 optimization. Believe it or not, you may not be using Microsoft 365 to its full potential. Optimizing your processes around this powerful technology is often the first step in an iterative approach to digital transformation services.
- Application modernization. Outdated applications make it difficult for your team to perform at their best. This creates ripple effects across the organization, as lackluster technology creates inefficiencies, data errors, and confusion. Application modernization services typically involve a review of your current technology landscape, which leads to a plan for replacing and upgrading your systems in a highly achievable way.
- Data and systems integration. When essential systems aren’t on speaking terms, your operations get very difficult—or may even come screaming to a halt. B2B integration solves these issues, as experts connect your essential systems for flawless data exchange. This type of digital transformation service has a huge impact across the organization.
- Database migration. Sometimes your existing databases just need to be optimized. In other scenarios, it may make more sense to migrate them to a better solution. A good service provider can analyze the situation and advise on the best way to implement this type of digital transformation.
- Cloud migration (or reverse migration). Some systems and processes are best served from the cloud, while others will work best with an on-premises delivery model. Your service provider can help you determine what’s best for this type of digital transformation.
- Custom software development and support. Sometimes, you just can’t find what you need among commercial software solutions. Your unique processes may dictate special requirements that no platform provider has addressed. In these scenarios, custom software makes sense—as long as your service provider doesn’t stop with the initial digital transformation project. You’ll need support after launch as well.
- Custom mobile application development and support. In the age of mobile apps, it’s essential to get this right, as users have high expectations—whether they’re customers or team members. Your service provider should have a strong grasp of digital transformation in terms of mobile best practices and UX.
What to look for in a digital transformation service provider
When it comes to digital transformation, not all service providers are created equal. Beyond sales pitches and testimonials, you want to dig deep and see what the provider is really like. Here’s what you should look for.
- Broad consulting experience. The more digital transformation projects that your service provider has executed, the more they’ll be able to cut through the noise and make intelligent recommendations for your organization. This is one of the biggest arguments for using a service provider rather than doing it in-house.
- Industry experience. Best practices may vary from industry to industry. Ideally, your service provider should have deep experience with digital transformation in your industry. This is essential to positioning your organization properly against the competition.
- Comprehensive technical knowledge. While so much of digital transformation concerns the “soft side,” i.e. organizational culture and internal processes, you absolutely need deep technical knowledge of the relevant systems and technologies. The right service provider will have intimate familiarity with digital transformation and what it means for those technologies.
- A “can-do” attitude. It should go without saying—but you want to make sure your digital transformation services team has the interpersonal skills required to deliver excellent services. Yes, technical capabilities are essential, but they’re not enough. You also want a team that’s easy to work with and prioritizes your needs.
- Client-friendly billing policies. Some service providers are built to maximize billable hours. This leads to unpredictable costs for clients, as digital transformation projects can get big and messy if they aren’t carefully scoped. It’s best to find a service provider who offers unlimited technology services for one predictable monthly price. That’s our policy here at Corsica Technologies.
- A cybersecurity service guarantee. Not all digital transformation service providers have expertise in cybersecurity. This is unfortunate, because transformation projects can impact your security posture. This is one of the big reasons we have a diverse team with experts in cybersecurity, IT, digital transformation, data integration, and more.
Moving forward: Getting the digital transformation services you need
Digital transformation offers incredible benefits when it’s done right—but you need the right service provider to realize these benefits. That’s why Corsica Technologies brings together specialists in every technology discipline, backed by 30 years’ experience. Our clients engage in transformations of all sizes, and we work alongside them as both strategic guides and implementors in the day-to-day grind.
Ready to explore digital transformation services?
Reach out to schedule a consultation with our specialists.
