As high as 93% of businesses today have some form of digital initiative in place to help run their day to day affairs. From sales and marketing to customer service, tech keeps things running smoothly. But what happens when it goes rogue?
An in-house IT team can be great at handling these moments, but for many businesses, it’s simply not an option. This is where outsourcing IT support comes in. It’s a massive market (valued at USD$500 billion) for a reason: it offers powerful solutions that can benefit your company.
But how exactly, you may wonder?
Here are a few advantages:
Building and maintaining an in-house IT team can demand a pound of flesh. You’ll need to pay salaries, benefits, and keep your staff up-to-date with the latest tech (training can be expensive!). For perspective, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the median IT worker salary at around USD$104,420 a year in May 2023.
When you outsource, you tap into a team of IT professionals for a predictable monthly fee that you’ve agreed upon. This eliminates the burden of managing payroll, benefits, and unexpected expenses like equipment upgrades.
Think about this: you’re about to venture in a new business direction. For the stars to align, you need experts well-versed in cybersecurity, network management, cloud computing, or specialized software.
Building an in-house team with such a diverse skill set can be expensive and impractical. However, outsourcing to partners like timewade.com or others you’re comfortable working with gives you access to a wider range of IT specialists.
This ensures you have the exact expertise you need, whenever you need it.
Outsourcing allows you to easily scale your IT support up or down based on current business demands. This eliminates the challenge of hiring and managing additional IT staff during periods of growth or potentially having to lay off staff during slower times.
Managing IT infrastructure can be a significant time commitment for you and your team. Outsourcing IT support frees up your internal team to focus on core business activities that drive revenue and growth.
While outsourcing IT support offers numerous advantages, it also comes with potential drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of some key considerations:
Sharing your company’s data with a third-party vendor can be a concern. Here’s how to handle potential security risks:
Thoroughly research potential vendors to ensure they have a proven track record in data security. Look for certifications like SOC 2, which demonstrates their commitment to secure data handling practices.
Establish a clear Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlining the specific data your provider needs to access and the security protocols they must follow.
Don’t outsource all your IT security needs. Maintain internal controls such as user access management and data encryption to add an extra layer of protection.
By outsourcing IT support, you relinquish some control over your IT infrastructure. Here’s how to manage this effectively:
Develop a detailed SLA that outlines the specific services your provider will deliver and your responsibilities as a client.
Schedule regular meetings with your provider to discuss performance, identify potential issues, and ensure they understand your business needs.
Have a designated point person within your company to manage the relationship and monitor the provider’s performance.
Over-reliance on a single vendor can create challenges if the partnership dissolves. Here’s how to manage this risk:
Don’t settle for the first option. Get quotes and compare services from several qualified vendors before making a decision.
Negotiate an SLA with a clear termination clause outlining the process for switching service providers, if necessary.
While outsourcing routine tasks, it’s wise for your internal team to maintain a basic understanding of your IT systems to ensure a smooth transition if needed.
Now that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of outsourced IT services, it’s time to decide if it’s the right move for your business. Here’s a roadmap to guide you:
The first step is to gain a clear picture of your current IT landscape and future requirements. Consider the following:
Taking inventory of your current state and future goals will leave you better equipped to determine if outsourcing aligns with your business needs and budget.
Look for providers with the following qualities:
Taking the time to research and compare providers will ensure you find a partner that can effectively meet your specific needs and offer the best value for your investment.
Your SLA outlines the expectations for both you and your IT outsourcing provider. It should clearly define the following:
A well-defined SLA ensures clear expectations and accountability, fostering a successful and long-term partnership with your IT outsourcing provider.
Outsourcing IT support can bring massive benefits to your business. But to make it work, you’ve got to know what exactly you want for your business and go for a support team that can deliver just that. Getting this right might help you reap the business benefits of IT systems that are always running at their best.
