For many organizations, outsourcing IT infrastructure operations is a prerequisite for efficient operations, scalability and access to specialized skills. At the same time, new regulatory requirements, geopolitical uncertainty and consolidation among IT suppliers increase the need to think about preparedness and alternatives. What does the organization do if the current supplier suddenly can no longer – or is not allowed to – deliver the infrastructure?

A well-defined Plan B for infrastructure outsourcing is a key tool for risk management and business continuity. It provides a clear overview of options, costs and consequences if the outsourcing agreement is to be terminated at short notice or if there is a need to re-establish control over the IT infrastructure.

In this article, we review how organizations can build a robust Plan B for outsourced IT infrastructure operations. We present five specific Plan B scenarios and highlight the degree of control, complexity, and financial consequences for each scenario – both in the preparation phase, during activation, and in subsequent operations.