Implementing Sitecore can be challenging, especially for companies new to the platform. But no matter your experience level, you'll likely need help from Sitecore experts at some point during and after launching a Sitecore-powered site. This article explores the Sitecore support options available to enterprises and how to choose the right level of support for your needs.
Who Can Provide Sitecore Support?
There are a few options when looking for help with Sitecore:
- Official Sitecore Support: Sitecore offers Standard Support, which includes community forums, and 24x7 Premium Support with increased response times. Premium Support is usually provided through Sitecore partners.
- Sitecore Services: Sitecore's professional services team can provide advice and guidance but not full implementation or support services.
- Sitecore Partners: Certified partners like QEdge offer full implementation services and ongoing support for Sitecore projects. Partners have the platform expertise needed to deliver tailored assistance.
Types of Sitecore Implementation Support
When working with a Sitecore partner, you can expect two primary kinds of support: during implementation and post-implementation.
Implementation Support
A planned approach to integrating Sitecore can smooth the transition and improve results. An experienced implementation partner will guide you through key steps:
- Create a Sitecore architecture document outlining requirements so all stakeholders understand the scope.
- Establish a realistic timeline by meeting with stakeholders and the implementation team.
- Determine the implementation type based on business needs.
- Define expectations for the process, from costs to potential downtime.
- Follow the agreed implementation plan from start to finish.
Post-Implementation Support
Conducting a post-implementation review ensures you maximize the value of Sitecore and each project built on it. Key post-implementation support activities include:
- Usability testing to understand how customers interact with the site.
- Benchmarking site performance against competitors.
- Researching user feedback from surveys or focus groups.
- Creating roadmaps to enhance the implementation over time.
- Providing ongoing maintenance and support as needed.
Without proper post-implementation support, critical issues or new needs can be missed. An expert Sitecore partner will ensure your solution continues to meet business goals.
Why Seek Implementation Support?
A Sitecore implementation requires significant time and financial investment. With so many moving parts, having an experienced guide makes the process smoother and minimizes risk:
- Discovery: Brand exploration, requirements gathering, user research, technical planning.
- Design and Implementation: UX design, architecture, development, and testing.
- Implementation: Environment setup, feature building, deployment.
- Post-Implementation: Monitoring, enhancements, maintenance.
A Sitecore implementation partner like QEdge helps across all phases, ensuring a successful Sitecore rollout and continued optimization after launch.
Top 7 Sitecore Support Scenarios
Below are seven common situations where Sitecore support services can help enterprises:
- Enable Content Editors and Marketers
Personalized training and documentation tailored to your users' needs and your specific implementation empowers your team.
- Develop In-House Expertise
Co-development consulting builds your IT team's Sitecore skills through coaching, reviews, staff augmentation, and on-call troubleshooting.
- Streamline Deployments
Experts design processes and strategies specially configured for deploying changes and enhancements to your Sitecore solution.
- Expand Sitecore Development
Certified Sitecore developers provide on-demand functionality and content updates to expand your digital capabilities.
- Resolve Performance Issues
An audit uncovers performance bottlenecks, and then optimization services from Sitecore pros get your solution running smoothly again.
- Handle Emergencies
Fast emergency support from specialists with full access fixes crises like site outages quickly and prevents future issues.
- Ensure 24/7 Monitoring
Around-the-clock server monitoring, immediate response, and direct environment access keep your Sitecore implementation humming.
Choose the Right Level of Sitecore Support
Most enterprises need some blend of the support types above at various stages. The key is choosing a Sitecore partner that provides tailored assistance plans spanning both implementation and post-implementation. Look for these best-practice support features:
- Sitecore-certified experts dedicated to your account
- Deep familiarity with your solution from kickoff through enhancement
- Direct access and permissions to make platform changes
- Proactive monitoring and emergency response
- Hands-on learning for your team
- Performance and architecture optimizations
- Continuous evolution through maintenance and new capability development
For many companies, outsourcing Sitecore support to a trusted partner is more efficient than building large internal teams. And having impartial experts assess your implementation provides valuable perspective.
The bottom line is that Sitecore done right requires experienced guidance. Partnering with a provider offering full service and support ensures your Sitecore investment keeps paying dividends well into the future.
QEdge: Your Sitecore Implementation and Support Partner
QEdge is a Sitecore Gold Partner that provides end-to-end guidance and support for companies implementing and managing Sitecore. Their comprehensive services include:
- Sitecore platform implementation
- Developer enablement and training
- Deployment optimization
- Performance tuning
- Enhancement development
- Managed maintenance and support
QEdge takes a proactive, full-lifecycle approach to ensure maximum value from your Sitecore investment. Their team of certified Sitecore developers and architects bring decades of combined experience delivering successful outcomes for clients of all sizes.
In addition to Sitecore implementation and development, QEdge provides ongoing managed services like their Sitecore Maintain program. This includes regular maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting, and feature updates to keep your Sitecore solution running smoothly.
For enterprises seeking an expert guide before, during, and after Sitecore deployment, QEdge delivers the dedicated support and continual enhancement needed to achieve results. Their deep Sitecore expertise and customer-centric model provide confidence and peace of mind.
To learn more about QEdge's Sitecore capabilities and support services for enterprises, visit their website at www.qedge.co or contact our team. QEdge is ready to partner with you on your Sitecore journey every step of the way.
