Your business’s information technology support is the foundation for securely storing information, efficient business processes as well as employee and customer engagement. Having control of your IT environment allows you to innovate and make necessary changes to keep the business running smoothly.
There are several ways to approach a business’s technology management solutions, namely In-House IT and Managed IT Services. Each structure offers its own advantages but selecting which approach is right for the business is key to long term success and peace of mind.
Managed IT Services
Managed IT Services is the ongoing support of a company's IT infrastructure by an external provider. For a business owner, fiddling with IT issues can be a major distraction. Managed IT frees you to focus on your core competencies – sales, marketing, product development – while safe in the knowledge that your IT infrastructure is in capable hands. This allows you to maximize your productivity and achieve your business goals.
Utilize External Expertise
Many small businesses choose managed IT services to gain access to expertise they wouldn't have in-house. Some smaller or less experienced teams may benefit from external IT service providers (ITSP) who can implement best practices and improve their IT infrastructure and operations. These companies offer a range of IT services to businesses, such as managed services, cloud computing, and network security.
Free Your Team From Routine Tasks
Proactive IT maintenance is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of a company's IT infrastructure. This practice of regularly maintaining and updating IT systems prevents problems before they occur.
Regular IT infrastructure maintenance, including the ongoing upkeep and care of a company's IT systems, including hardware, software, and networks, is vital for preventing outages and data loss.
Scalable Technology Solutions
These external experts don’t just provide reactive solutions, Managed IT services are proactive. They constantly monitor and maintain your systems, provide scalable technology solutions and prevent IT headaches that can stall your momentum.
When your company is thriving the last thing you want to consider is if your IT infrastructure can keep pace. With a managed IT partner, you focus on growing your business with the peace of mind that your IT infrastructure scales seamlessly to support your success.
Budget Considerations
External IT services offer predictable monthly costs, often lower than maintaining a full-time staff.
IT outsourcing allows companies to access a wider talent pool and potentially reduce costs. Without the need to build and train an internal team every time your business expands or combat frequent turnovers, you can focus on other company needs and outsource the rest.
Providers will work with you to determine the budgetary costs depending on your anticipated growth, current equipment and upcoming business software upgrades. As your business demands surge, cloud technology can help manage costs, allowing you to only pay for what you use.
Maintaining In-House IT expertise
In-house IT refers to an IT department you build and employ directly within your company. This team is responsible for managing all your technology needs, from hardware and software to networks and security. Large enterprises often have in-house IT teams to handle complex technology management solutions.
Develop A Deep Understanding
An in-house team intimately understands your specific systems and how they interact. This allows for quicker troubleshooting and more efficient solutions tailored to your unique needs.
In-house IT might be right for you If you have a large, intricate IT infrastructure with specialized software or custom configurations. An in-house team can develop deep expertise in your specific systems, leading to faster troubleshooting and more efficient solutions.
Initiate Rapid Response
With in-house IT, you have immediate access to your IT experts. This can be crucial for resolving critical issues quickly and minimizing downtime that can impact productivity and revenue.
If downtime is extremely costly for your business, then having immediate access to IT professionals may be preferable. This allows for quicker resolution of critical issues that could otherwise disrupt operations.
Budget Considerations: A Double-Edged Sword
While in-house expertise can be cost-effective in the long run for companies with complex IT needs, building and maintaining a skilled team requires a significant upfront investment. Salaries, benefits, and ongoing training can quickly eat into your budget. You will need to have a sizable IT budget to cover salaries, benefits, training, and potential turnover costs associated with maintaining a full-time IT staff.
Which approach works best for you?
Choosing between an in-house IT team and external IT services depends on several factors specific to your business. Managed IT services free you from IT headaches, allowing you to focus on your strengths. This allows you and your employees to concentrate on core business functions like sales, marketing, or product development. However, maintaining in-house expertise offers undeniable advantages, particularly for large enterprises with intricate IT landscapes. It is important to weigh the costs and significant resources involved with hiring, managing, and potentially firing IT professionals.
Consider a Hybrid Approach
If you're unsure which option is best, a hybrid approach can be a good compromise. You can maintain a small in-house team to handle core IT functions and outsource specialized tasks or overflow work to an external provider. This allows you to benefit from both in-house expertise and cost-effective external support.
How PremCom can be your “IT” factor
Navigating the world of IT support can feel overwhelming. Whether you choose an in-house team or a managed IT services provider, understanding your specific needs is key. Consider factors like budget, expertise requirements, and desired level of control.
Don't let IT headaches slow down your business growth! PremCom's team of experts can assess your unique situation and recommend the ideal IT solution. Schedule a call with us today and let us show you how PremCom can be Your “IT” Factor – because you have other things to do.