Introduction
Owning and running a business is much akin to juggling. You’re juggling different parts of your business (marketing, sales, operations, customer service) and then things start to fall apart because you’ve become too reliant on email. Now you’re the IT guy too. Sound familiar? Should You Choose Outsourced IT Support?
If you’ve ever dreamed of someone else finding a way to navigate the tech chaos, you’re not the only one. Enter outsourced IT support. But is it in your business’s best interest? Here’s a breakdown in plain English — no geek speak necessary.
What is IT Support Outsourcing?
Outsourced IT support refers to when a company pays an outside provider to meet their technology needs — think services like networks, data backups, cybersecurity and help desk support. You don’t have the talent in-house; you hire experts on a freelance basis.
It’s like getting food delivered to your door. You reap the rewards of a good meal but don’t have to cook it.
Why You’d Want to Outsource IT
So, why hand off your IT? Here are a few reasons:
- Lack of expertise in-house
- The expense of having a complete IT staff
- Need for 24/7 support
- Desire to concentrate on what you do best.
When tech headaches become distractions, there is value in outsourcing to redirect your energies toward growth.
IT Outsourcing Services you can outsource
You don’t need to delegate everything. Lots of companies fit in-and-out. Here’s a quick list:
- Help Desk Support: When your printer quits working or you lose your email.
- Network Management: Ensuring maintaining an optimal and safe internet.
- Cybersecurity Service: Guarding against hackers and leaks.
- Back-up and Recovery: Breaking glass in case things go wrong.
- Cloud Services: Storage, programs, processing, and computing all in the cloud.
You can also scale each service up or down depending on how big your business is and how it operates.
Outsourced IT support advantages
This is where outsourcing becomes most valuable:
- Cost Effective: Using the service and only pay for as much as you require.
- Access professionals: take advantage of a large group of professionals.
- Rapid Issue Resolutions: Problems are solved at lightning speed.
- Better security: Keep your website updated for safer cybersecurity.
Focus on Your Business: More time to build your business, less time to manage field and technical issues.
Drawbacks to Look Out For
Outsourcing isn’t perfect. Be aware of these risks:
- Less Control: You might not see what’s going on.
- Delays in Communication: Time zones and feedback can be a challenge.
- Trust Issues the security of your data: entrusting access to someone and concerns around data security.
But with the right partner, these challenges can be controlled or sidestepped.
Costing: Outsource vs In-House
Let’s talk money. It can cost up $60k-120k per employee to hire a full-time IT team. And then training, equipment, benefits — it all adds up.”
Outsourced services? You could be paying a monthly retainer or hourly rate, which could fall between $500 and $5,000 a month, depending on your needs. You can count on that, and it’s scalable.
How to Know When You Need to Outsource IT
Not sure if now’s the time? Look for these red flags:
- Common tech problems that frustrate your flow pubs.twimg
- Security alarms,Leaks of information
- Understaffed employees doing IT with no experience
- Business is growing fast, and infrastructure can’t keep up
These are signs it’s time for professional help.
Selecting the Right IT Partner
Choosing the right carrier is key. Look for:
- Demonstrable track record and positive client references
- Scale as you grow
- Open communication and specific service level agreements (SLAs)
- Security-first mindset
It’s a little like dating: You want someone who’s dependable, not someone who ghosts you the minute your system crashes.
Security Issues and Countermeasures
Yes, security is a big deal. But a lot of IT support companies are better placed than in-house teams to:
- Firewall protection
- Real-time monitoring
- Encryption protocols
- Legal compliance (eg: GDPR or HIPAA)
Ensure providers offer clear security policies and perform regular audits.
Scalability and Flexibility
The best part of outsourcing? You pay only for what you use.
Whether you are a team of 10, or a business adding new hires each month, a provider of outsourced IT grows alongside you. More services, for a big project? Easy. Downsizing? Downsize without guilt.
Outsourcing for the Small Business
Small business gain huge advantage from outsourcing. Why?
- Affordable pricing tiers
- Enterprise tools and support with access to APIs
- Rest easy in the knowledge that someone’s got an eye on your systems
If your company doesn’t have the budget to hire a complete team, then outsourcing is what’s best for your pocket.
Misconceptions About IT Outsourcing
Let’s bust a few myths:
- “It’s only for big companies” — False! Entrepreneurs who run a small business are some of our favorite clients.
- “I’ll lose agency of my systems” Good partners inform and involve you.
- “It’s not secure” — Actually, in practice, with experts standing watch, it’s often more secure than it was.
Don’t let dated assumptions get you down.
Real-World Success Stories
Consider TechPrint Co., a small printing company. They had to deal with daily network problems that would slow production. Within six months of moving IT support offsite, their downtime reduced 90% and customer satisfaction increased.
Or Middle Sterling, a mid-size law firm, who outsourced cybersecurity and was able to avoid a crippling, costly data breach.
These tales demonstrate the true costs of failing to trust the experts.
Bottom Line: Is It the One for You?
There is no one-size-fits-all to outsourced IT support. But for a lot of businesses, it’s the kick-stand that makes everything else roll.
If you need more time, improved security and reduced costs—outsourcing may be your next best move.
FAQs
What does IT support include?
That can be help desk support, network maintenance, security against cyberthreats, backup of data or cloud features — whatever you need to fit your business operations.
Is IT support via outsourcing safe?
Yes, if you select a solid provider and negotiate strong security protocols and clear contracts.
What does outsourced IT support cost?
Pricing depends on your requirements, but typically costs range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a month.
Is Outsourced IT A Good Idea For Small Business?
Absolutely. It is an inexpensive option and you get to such high quality support that small businesses wouldn’t be able to hire them in their office.
How to select an IT supporct company?
Look for experience, clear communication, positive reviews, service-level agreements, and a premium on security.
