Finding the IT approach most suited to your business needs is essential, but it can take time to distinguish which type of IT support will enable smoother business operations and maximise efficiency. Outsourced IT support is growing in popularity, but is it as effective as in house IT support?
In this guide, we will take you through the difference between the two IT services and how they can affect your business. We will weigh the benefits of each type of support, helping you decide which approach to take with your company.
What is Outsourced IT Support?
With outsourced IT support, your business joins forces with an IT service provider to receive support services for your IT systems. Managed service provider plans will differ depending on the service you use. However, they usually handle the daily technology management of your business. This day-to-day management includes;
- System and software updates
- Disaster recovery
- Handling system failures (computer and phone lines)
- Tech support
- Ensuring your IT infrastructure is up to date
- Offer solutions to cyber attacks
What is In House IT Support?
On the opposite end of the spectrum to outsourced IT support is in house IT support. With in house IT support, your business will hire specific staff members to meet your technical needs. You will hire an individual or team of IT specialists to work on your business premises, adding them to your payroll and making them your responsibility. Therefore, if you have any issues with your IT systems, they will fix them.
The Benefits of Outsourced IT Support
Outsourced IT support has significant benefits that can result in better IT management which plays a massive role in business success. Using an outsourcing company instead of in house staff or an IT department may sound intimidating initially, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. Let’s take a look at the benefits you can expect to encounter;
Cut Costs
Although hiring your own IT department can have positives regarding your IT environment, it leads to having more staff on your payroll. Whilst larger businesses can afford this, hiring more staff isn’t the most cost effective approach for smaller companies. A way to overcome this struggle is by working with a managed service provider, in which you pay a fixed monthly fee for managed IT support that ensures your IT systems are updated and secure.
Scale Up or Down
Having in-house IT staff can leave businesses limited regarding scalability. An example is if your business suddenly needs more support than your current staff can deliver, it can leave you in a tricky situation when trying to scale up effectively.
Using an IT service provider can give you the competitive edge you need, with operational efficiency that enables your business to expand. If you need on site or remote support, you can receive this much more efficiently than by hiring your own staff, meeting core business needs easier than ever.
Leverage Your Flexibility
Having in house IT staff is a less flexible approach, as your business will need to create policies and outlines for your staff to follow, which is more time consuming and prevents you from using a vast range of techniques to solve problems efficiently and effectively.
With managed IT support, your technician will have extensive knowledge, enabling them to guide you and get creative in their approach when handling issues. As a result, your business can be more flexible, with tech support that reflects your needs whilst evolving and keeping up with modern techniques.
Focus on Business Operations
It can be challenging for businesses to handle various operations, and if you aren’t experienced with technology, it is stressful when issues arise. Outsourced IT support enables your business to focus on procedures that truly matter, whilst an expert handles all your technology management.
Not only does this support help your productivity, but it ensures your software and IT systems are continuously updated and working efficiently.
The Benefits of In House IT Support
To make our comparison fair, we must also consider the benefits of in-house IT support. Despite the rise in the popularity regarding outsourced support, some businesses still opt for in house IT support and services. Here’s why;
Familiarity
Company culture is an essential element of all businesses based on premises with staff members. Whilst some businesses enjoy the freedom of outsourcing IT support, others prefer having a personal relationship with each staff member, including those handling their IT support.
Another level of familiarity is that your hired staff will know your software thoroughly, whereas outsourced IT providers will need an initial debrief on the systems you use.
Real Time Visibility
When dealing with an on-site team, you can see your technology and have full access to the software, ensuring you have maximum visibility. Again, this is another benefit that can help business owners feel more secure, ensuring only hired staff members have access to IT systems and the company’s network.
Tailor Technology Approach to Business Needs
Is it Better to Use A Managed Service Provider Instead of In House Staff?
The type of IT services you choose will depend on your business needs and priorities. Still, managed service providers have an increasing list of benefits that keep modern businesses afloat.
Despite working with several clients, managed IT support is designed to accurately adhere to your business needs, ensuring that your software and IT systems are matched with attentive support. Understanding that managed services are designed to meet your specific needs should help you to have faith that the personal approach of in house support can still be achieved with managed services.
Managed service support aims to avoid potential issues and solve them before they arise. Managed service providers have an extensive skill set that enables them to leverage your day-to-day business operations at a fast response rate that blows traditional in house solutions out of the water.
Many businesses worry about using managed services and how their sensitive information and data will be handled. Still, it is essential to note that providers aim to help companies and have advanced security knowledge, with data storage being a main priority.
Another reason many companies are now switching to outsourced IT support is to cut costs and save money by not hiring more on-site staff. The only downside is that some companies may miss out on face-to-face services, with many types of outsourced IT support they receive being remote.
In conclusion, companies could opt for either type of IT support, but the type with the most benefits that coincide with modern business plans is outsourced IT support, ensuring you can cut costs whilst effectively preventing issues from arising.
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FAQs
What is the difference between outsourced and in-house IT support?
In-house IT support sees a company hire or place IT operations on-site within work premises, whereas outsourced IT support enlists the help of a third-party company or outside source to provide IT support whilst not being a direct part of the company infrastructure.
Why do companies prefer outsourcing rather than in-house?
Many companies prefer outsourced IT support as it reflects the quick-paced nature of modern-day business, with advanced levels of knowledge that can spot technical issues prior to their arrival, ensuring companies have an effective system in place at a cost effective price per month.
What are the 3 advantages of outsourcing?
Outsourcing has many advantages, with three of the most impactful being reduced costs, improved productivity and ability to focus on business decisions and operations, and reduced risk of technical issues arriving due to working with technology experts that may surpass in-house solutions.