Are you a business owner who is contemplating outsourcing IT? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of outsourcing so you can choose which option (outsourced or having a dedicated in-house IT team) is right for your business.
Information technology (IT) has changed the way businesses operate at every level. You cannot connect with your customers, support your employees, or grow your company without it. The role of IT in business is so important that your IT services and the success of your business go hand-in-hand.
Understanding the importance of IT is only half the battle, though. As a business owner, you will have to choose if you want to maintain an internal IT department or if you’d rather opt for outsourced IT.
There are several factors that go into that decision, so it can be helpful to make a list of pros and cons. There are lots of benefits of outsourcing, but you want to make the most informed decision possible.
If you’re considering outsourcing IT, read on. We’re detailing the outsourcing risks and benefits so that you can make a choice that works for you.
1. Pro: A Bigger Pool of Knowledge
The IT industry is growing quickly, and each year, new experts are joining the field. One of the benefits of outsourcing is that you’ll have access to a bigger pool of knowledge than you would if you hired in-house personnel.
When you hire an external IT company, the issues you experience or problems you raise become the work of the entire company. You aren’t limited to the expertise of the person you happened to hire.
There are so many different IT challenges that a business can face, so it makes sense to work with a company that can provide you with comprehensive support.
2. Con: You Can’t Meet Face-to-Face
As a business owner, it can be hard to trust your IT strategy to someone you don’t see on a regular basis. Many people think of that as one of the main disadvantages of outsourcing.
For some IT companies, that could be a valid concern. That’s why, if you do outsource your IT, you should always work with a company that’s you trust. Ask them questions about how they prioritize incoming requests, and what the process will be if you do need immediate assistance. There are also many local IT companies that are willing to meet with you and provide onsite support.
Just because they aren’t down the hall doesn’t mean they should be hard to reach.
3. Pro: Reduced Costs
People often assume that IT services come with a big price tag, but outsourced IT can actually save your business money in a variety of ways.
To begin with, you won’t be responsible for employee benefits, like sick-leave or vacation days. You also won’t have to worry about turn-over, and losing the investment you spent training a new hire.
Predictable billing can also help you with your company’s budget. Most importantly, an expert IT provider will be able to identify ways that you can reduce business costs by implementing a better IT strategy and services.
4. Pro: You Can Focus on What You Do Best
If you’re not an IT expert yourself, you might not have any idea of what to look for in a potential hire. If you opt for outsourced IT, you can trust that your IT provider has done the work to find the best people.
Rather than conducting endless interviews or trying to manage a department you don’t fully understand, you can focus on what you do best.
Ready to Consider Outsourcing IT?
Because IT is so important to your company’s success, you can’t afford to get it wrong. Outsourcing IT to a provider you trust is the best way to ensure you can focus on growing your business and serving your customers.
For more information, please contact us at any time.