Should you outsource your IT? Answer these 8 questions to find out
Learn if it’s time to hire a managed IT service provider for your business
Managing your business’s IT systems can often feel like a full time job. With cyberthreats to combat, infrastructure to manage, and employees to train, you may find yourself spending more time playing tech support than focusing on your business operations.
When your IT systems start to overwhelm you, it may be time to consider outsourcing your IT. The good news is that utilizing a proficient IT company instead of relying on yourself or an internal IT team will actually save you time and money in the long run.
Continue reading to learn the 8 questions you should ask yourself to help you decide if you should outsource your company’s IT needs.
#1: Is technology an integral part of your business?
First and foremost, consider how essential technology is to your business. Do you rely on emails to communicate with customers? Do you have to keep sensitive client information in your servers and computers? Are you an e-commerce company? Did your business have to move your operations online in the past year?
If you answered yes to any of those questions (or your business predominantly relies on technology in some other capacity) you can’t afford to have technology issues that prevent your company from operating and growing.
Outsourcing your IT will provide you with a team of people regularly monitoring your systems to prevent large-scale problems. They’ll also be available when an issue arises to fix it as quickly as possible. An experienced IT company will also be able to make recommendations on new technology that can help you increase efficiency and cybersecurity.
#2: Is spending time on IT issues affecting your business operations?
Another important reason to outsource your IT is if it’s negatively affecting your business operations.
If you find yourself or members of your team spending more time on IT issues or combatting technology roadblocks than working on your overall business objectives, it’s time to outsource your IT.
When you outsource, you’ll have an entire team of IT experts at your disposal whose sole focus is monitoring your technology. This also allows your employees to focus on what they were hired for and paid to do instead of being tech support.
#3: Is your IT infrastructure becoming too complex for your in-house team?
As your business grows, its needs change. Especially now, growth often means an increased reliance on technology. You may find that your in-house IT team no longer has the expertise or capacity to handle all that you need for the most efficient operation possible.
Outsourcing your IT will provide you with an IT team that can provide increased flexibility and the ability to remain relevant in a fast-paced industry—goals that all businesses should be focused on in this digital age—thanks to the best technologies and IT services available.
#4: Does your business require niche expertise?
Outsourcing could be a benefit in many capacities if you work in an industry such as medical or legal that requires specific IT compliance standards.
A managed IT service provider will be well-versed in the compliance standards required in your industry. They’ll know what changes need to be made to your systems to achieve compliance. They’ll also regularly monitor your systems and protocols to ensure compliance is followed at all times which in turn avoids any issues during an audit.
#5: Could you save money by outsourcing your IT?
The cost savings of outsourcing IT services are different for every company, but it’s usually substantial considering the cost reductions and increased productivity most businesses experience.
Partnering with a company that provides IT support services allows you to no longer take on IT specialist employees, always have a team maintaining and servicing your IT systems, and allow your employees to focus on company operations while using the best IT tools available.
#6: Will having advanced IT resources improve your business?
Especially for small to mid-sized businesses, outsourcing your IT could mean access to cutting edge technologies and services that only large businesses can access on their own.
Advanced IT resources such as VoIP phone systems, PCI compliance security measures, and cloud computing could mean increased productivity, mobility, and efficiency for small businesses. This in turn provides a more equal playing field for small and large companies in the same industry.
Learn more:
5 common small business technology problems (and how to solve them)
#7: Is your cyber security up to the job?
With the amount of data breaches on the rise each year, it’s essential for your company to be properly equipped with the best cyber security measures.
While an in-house team can provide basic security needs, outsourcing your IT would provide your company with a comprehensive set of IT security measures from everyday essential protection to full compliance security options.
With a team dedicated to monitoring your IT systems, the risk of data breaches decreases and if a threat is posed, they’re ready for combat.
Learn more:
How to choose the right IT Security package for your business
#8: Would outsourcing your IT improve your business strategy?
Making the decision to outsource your IT doesn’t necessarily have to stem from budgetary concerns or a lack of the best IT systems; the decision could also be a strategic one for your business.
Managed IT service providers have years of experience, a team of experts, and internal resources that would take your business years to accumulate on its own. If you’re looking to gain an edge on a competitor or catapult your business to success, outsourcing your IT could be the best business strategy to get you there.
Ready to outsource your IT?
You can outsource your IT by relying on us as your managed IT service provider to ensure your business has the reliable, efficient and secure IT systems that you need for your business to run smoothly.
We have experience in the medical and legal fields as well as services for updated phone systems and IT security. Whether you’re a small or large business, we’re equipped to help you with your IT needs!
Contact us today to learn more.