Signs it’s time to Outsource IT Management

Signs it’s time to Outsource IT Management

Starting, growing, and managing a small or medium-sized business is more challenging than ever before. Between intense competition, increased costs, and advancing technology, it can be difficult to create and manage the IT functions that will best serve your business. Outsourced IT services and systems administration is often the best solution when you choose a qualified managed services provider.

Rather than postponing your company’s growth due to a lack of IT knowledge or inability to hire an in-house IT department, consider outsourcing those functions to Tech Alliance. From infrastructure services to workplace IT operations and more, we take on IT-related tasks so that you can focus on what you do best and enjoy most — running your business.

Outsourced vs. In-House IT Management

Small and medium-sized businesses often struggle to choose between outsourced and in-house IT management. Both options have their benefits, and it’s important to understand the differences between them.

Managed IT Services

Managed IT services consist of any IT-related functions that you outsource to a third party. You can choose to outsource some or all of these services, ranging from implementation and migration to upgrades and maintenance. These companies consist of educated and skilled professionals who understand the intricacies of information technology, stay up-to-date on new IT systems advancements and cybersecurity, and how they apply to your business.

In-House IT Management

In-house IT management, on the other hand, consists of adding full-time or part-time IT professionals directly to your payroll. You get to do the recruiting, interviewing, reference checking, and hiring. While this does give you more control over the specific individuals you work with, the recruitment process is time-consuming and expensive. Adding even a part-time IT professional to your payroll will almost always be more expensive than outsourced IT management.

How to Know It’s Time to consider Outsourcing IT Management and Administration

If you are struggling to decide whether you should outsource system administration tasks, IT management, or other important IT-related business functions, consider the following indicators.

  • Too many unknowns. No matter what industry you operate in, and no matter what type of business you own, the future is too difficult to predict. There are simply too many unknowns to plan for, especially if you do not have modern IT-related education and skills. Managed IT services ensure that no matter what your industry or the economy throws your way, you have the knowledge and expertise on your side to help you handle it.
  • You need to transition to the cloud. As businesses grow, transitioning some or all of their IT-related functions to the cloud becomes cheaper, safer, and more efficient than housing them on-site. However, choosing the right service providers and ensuring a smooth transition with as little downtime as possible requires professional expertise. Managed IT services providers are well-versed in these transitions.
  • You’re considering an office relocation. Office relocations can allow for further growth, but they are not without their challenges. From designing an infrastructure to ensuring that your equipment will facilitate productivity, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Outsourcing some or all of these tasks to a qualified managed services provider can make the relocation process smoother and simpler.
  • Frequent updates are hampering your operations. There’s nothing worse than being interrupted by frequent updates when you and your employees are already busy. Outsourced IT services develop frameworks for updates and ensure that they only take place during your existing downtime.
  • Adding in-house IT support isn’t feasible. The time and effort that goes into finding, vetting, and hiring IT professionals can be significant, and for many small businesses, there simply isn’t enough revenue to justify paying for more staff. Managed IT services are more cost-effective, and they take the headache out of the hiring process.
  • You’re struggling to reduce risk. Small and medium-sized businesses are three times more likely to be the targets of cybercrime. While this may seem shocking since large businesses have more to lose and more revenue, cybercriminals know that SMBs are less likely to have the proper security in place. If you are concerned about security risks, consider outsourcing to a company with the tools and expertise to help.

Managed IT Service Options for Businesses and Nonprofits

Managed IT services are not one-size-fits-all. Small and medium businesses have vastly different needs, so it is important to choose a provider that can offer tailored services. Some of the IT services you can choose from include 100% managed IT, IT consulting, network security, backup and disaster recovery, office relocations, and green IT services that can help your business reduce its carbon footprint. You can even outsource individual projects depending on your company’s needs and outsource specific aspects of your company’s IT needs while keeping others completely in-house.

Ideally, you should choose a company that offers additional services that can help you grow and thrive. These include things like cloud migration, VoIP services, and various network solutions ranging from cabling to network design.

Advantages of Outsourced System Administration and Management

There are many advantages associated with outsourced system administration and management regardless of your business type or size. Some of the most important benefits to consider include the following:

  • Significant cost savings. Things like infrastructure, IT staff, and maintenance can quickly become costly. Managed IT services and system administration are cost effective and completely scalable. Furthermore, these managed services offer far more predictable budgeting with fixed regular payments.
  • Access to talent and tech. When hiring an in-house IT team, you are limited to the talent nearby. Furthermore, without a large budget, it can be virtually impossible to keep up with the latest technology. Outsourced system administration and IT management eliminates both of these issues by providing you with access to talent from across the globe and all the latest technology.
  • Enhanced security. Managed services providers are well-versed in security regulations and have access to the latest in security tech. Choosing to outsource system administration and management is an investment in your company’s security.
  • Scalability. Growth is always exciting, but when it happens quickly, or when your IT infrastructure is struggling to keep up, it can negatively impact your company’s reputation. Managed services are easily scalable regardless of your growth. Furthermore, if your business is seasonal in nature, you can scale your services up and down as needed without penalties.
  • More innovation. When your IT support is limited, new ideas and strategies may seem out of reach due to technical limitations or incapabilities. Outsourced administration and management ensures that you have access to a team of skilled professionals who can help you innovate within your space.

How to Find a Trusted Managed IT Services Provider

When you are ready to experience the benefits associated with outsourced IT services and support, choosing the right provider for your needs can seem like a daunting task. Look for a company that understands the unique challenges associated with your industry and business model, then offers the services that make sense. Opt for a managed IT services provider that focuses on saving you money, improving your overall productivity, and increasing your profitability.

Tech Alliance is a managed IT services provider offering a vast lineup of services and products designed to make building or growing your business simpler and more cost-effective. We have supported countless high-profile businesses since 1987, and we are committed to continuing our mission of making quality IT support attainable for every business, regardless of size or industry.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our managed IT services and find out how we can help your small business save money, improve productivity, and increase profitability – all while freeing up your precious time and allowing you to get back to running your business.

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