Like it or not, IT is integral and vital to your business. It is core to your operation and has become essential to your processes. This can be a challenge for those who need to focus on managing a business instead of managing the ever-changing technology. Like many companies, if you don’t understand the detailed complexity required, you don’t know if you are spending money on non-essential, unnecessary, or redundant systems.
For smaller to midsize companies that may not be maintaining an in-house IT team, it is especially difficult. They must continually think about cutting costs and operate a lean and tight ship. Outsourcing IT services can save time and money and improve productivity as long as the process is well managed.
Managed IT Services
Outsourcing the coordination of all matters related to IT services includes everything from computing services, cloud storage, and network security needs, to office hardware maintenance. Outsourced IT services may include such aspects of your business as your helpdesk, an outsourced CIO, backup planning for disaster recovery, or even anti-virus software to protect your internal security systems. All requirements and every solution are as unique as your company. One thing that is common to all is the vital effect that these systems have on your reputation.
According to trend reports, the in-house IT required to keep business-critical systems working can take as much as 70% of a company’s IT budget. This is not a sustainable solution as IT continues to become a bigger part of the overall operation. Complicating matters is the situation where the smaller your business, the more you may need senior-level expertise that is not on your payroll.
Where Do You Begin to Outsource IT?
A common strategy is to outsource the management of your cloud infrastructure. This way you can focus on new features that improve your customers’ experience. Another cost-effective first step might be to contract an MSP to handle routine systems such as software maintenance or anti-virus protection. These are vital ongoing issues for any sized company, and it frees you up to address other issues requiring business development skills.
Moving Forward with Your IT
It seems that all territory is uncharted these days. So, it is really in all businesses’ best interest to stay lean and agile. Today’s challenges can be unexpected, and the consequences are severe. Outsourcing IT services has two important advantages. First, you maintain more control over costs, as this work is frequently more project-based. Second, an outsourced service might stay more in tune with current trends and regulations. Maintaining an in-house team, on the other hand, means that they are dedicated to the company’s specific issues and are more aware of the unique aspects of the challenges from processes to the software.
Recent studies show that over 40% of all cyberattacks target small businesses. These businesses are many times out of business within six months. For small businesses looking to cut costs and defend themselves against unforeseen IT-related matters, managed IT services are a great option.
Whether you opt for managed IT services or not, it is vital to maintain vigilance and keep system security and information security at the top of your mind. This is not an option. The stakes are too high.