Your company, regardless of its size, relies on an IT department to manage the computers, network, and architecture that make it possible for you to do business. Whether that IT department consists of one dedicated employee or a team of professionals, someone is responsible for setting up new computers, installing and updating software, overseeing data storage, troubleshooting network issues, creating new email accounts, and configuring new printers. Many companies now outsource these responsibilities—a recent study revealed that 37 percent of small businesses outsource their IT services, making it the most commonly outsourced service. Why are so many companies opting to partner with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to handle their information technology needs rather than keeping an in-house IT staff?
First, outsourcing your IT is typically more affordable than hiring your own dedicated team. In addition to the salaries and benefits of in-house IT professionals, you’re also responsible for recruitment costs and on-going training to keep your employee(s) up to date with the latest skills and knowledge. On the other hand, by partnering with an MSP, you’ll have access to a team of IT pros without shouldering the burden of employing them. Instead, you can choose a provider and plan that meet your IT goals while fitting within your budget.
Another benefit of outsourcing your IT is access to a broader spectrum of industry expertise. Say your business employs three IT specialists. While these three employees might possess adequate knowledge of general IT services, it’s unlikely their skillsets will cover every aspect of network management. You’re limited to the experience these three employees possess. When you partner with an MSP, you’ll have access to a large, diverse staff and skill set. Having an entire team of IT professionals that continuously undergo training at your service will ensure you are afforded expertise in the latest skills and technology, preparing you for any IT problem that might come your way.
Keeping your systems and network up and running is imperative for a small company; downtime can put a halt to doing business. An in-house IT team is rarely available 24/7 to respond to any emergency that occurs outside of working hours. Not to mention being shorthanded when someone is out sick or on vacation. However, outsourcing your IT means you’ll always have the resources you need to handle a critical issue, no matter the time or day. Your MSP will have someone on call at all times, ready to respond quickly and tackle any IT problem before it causes you more serious problems.
Lower costs, access to greater institutional knowledge, and reduced downtime are why so many small businesses outsource the management of their IT. If your company is interested in learning more about partnering with a Managed Service Provider to take on the responsibility of managing your internet technology, contact us today.