Deciding whether to bring IT support for your small business in-house or outsource it to an external IT team is a difficult decision for any growing business.
From proactively addressing cybersecurity issues to managing your VoIP systems, choosing the right IT solutions for your business can mean the difference between smooth operations and the difficulty of keeping up with changing business needs.
We look at the key differences between outsourced IT support and in-house IT to help you make the right choice for your business.
What is outsourced IT support?
Outsourced IT support
Here, an independent company acts as an external specialist and takes care of your IT infrastructure in whole or in part. These managed IT services can include everything from threat detection and monitoring to helping you upgrade your IT infrastructure or migrate to the cloud.
What is an internal IT team?
Internal IT teams take care of all your IT needs as salaried employees and work exclusively for your company. Depending on the size of your company and the specific needs of your IT infrastructure, a small business’s internal IT may consist of one or more people.
Outsourced IT vs. in-house IT
Cost
When comparing IT costs, the main cost of in-house IT services is the salary of the employee who manages your IT systems. Additional costs may apply for additional training. In contrast, outsourced IT incurs a constant monthly fee.
Expertise and skills
An in-house IT professional typically needs to be a “jack of all trades” who will handle all aspects of your IT retail business. This includes everything from troubleshooting and problem resolution to system upgrades and cybersecurity measures. Outsourced IT companies give you access to multiple specialized professionals to manage your IT smoothly.
Scalability
One of the biggest advantages of IT outsourcing is its ease of scalability. Instead of going through a hiring process for a new IT team member required to scale internal IT, you can simply increase your support as needed to ensure continuity of service.
Availability and support
Managed IT services are often available 24/7, including automated monitoring systems that alert the team to problems and enable quick resolution. In-house IT is typically only available during normal working hours unless you hire enough people to provide 24/7 support or require on-call employees to resolve IT issues at short notice.
pros and cons
Benefits of outsourced IT support:
- Access to expert support: An external team typically has experts in all areas of IT, from cloud migration to managing specific hardware and software
- Advanced Protection: Managed IT services typically include advanced cybersecurity protection, including firewalls and 24/7 threat detection, to keep your business safe
- Systems support: If you want to upgrade your systems, introduce a new cloud telephony solution or procure suitable software, an outsourced IT team can provide you with expert help
- Proactive Management: Active monitoring and 24/7 support allows problems to be resolved proactively rather than waiting for them to be discovered later
Disadvantages of outsourced IT support:
- No physical presence: While technicians visit your site to resolve issues, IT support is generally remote, with tickets submitted through a help desk to receive support
- Less Direct Control: Outsourcing services mean you have less direct control over your day-to-day IT operations, which can leave you feeling out of touch
- Data security and compliance: When working with an outsourced IT team, it is important that you choose a service that complies with all necessary GDPR and industry regulations to ensure data security
Internal IT professionals:
- Complete control: Get complete visibility of your IT services and change focus as needed to suit your business plans
- Easily accessible support: An in-house specialist is directly available to colleagues, reducing the administrative burden of reporting IT system issues
- Strong business understanding: Internal IT teams understand your organization’s goals and know what matters most. This allows them to prioritize effectively and know how to use opaque or bespoke systems
Disadvantages of internal IT:
- Higher Costs: The cost of an in-house IT salary or salaries can be significant, especially when combined with training and other company benefits
- Skills gaps: An individual IT professional is likely to lack in-depth knowledge and may experience skill stagnation if they do not have the time for additional training
- Poor scalability: In-house IT is difficult to scale effectively compared to an outsourced contract, especially when extensive training is required to bring new IT staff up to speed
Which option is right for your business?
Whether outsourced IT or an in-house team is right for your business depends on your priorities and business goals. For fast-growing businesses, the ability to scale effectively makes a managed IT service a better choice. For small businesses with highly specialized software needs, an in-house professional may be better suited.
The hybrid approach
Using outsourced IT for a range of services, including cloud telephony and cybersecurity solutions, can be an ideal way to expand your in-house IT services without having to hire new employees. The hybrid approach is a popular choice for many companies and offers the best of both worlds.
Diploma
If you’re unsure whether outsourced or in-house IT is best for your business, looking at the pros and cons of each is a great place to start. At Flotek we specialize in providing managed IT services to SMEs across the UK, with 24/7 support to increase uptime and advanced cybersecurity protection to keep your business safe. If outsourced IT is the best choice for your company, we are your ideal partner.
