As your company grows, you will need to decide whether to outsource your IT and if so, when. If you don’t necessarily know, that’s fine. There are a lot of factors that go into the decision, and it isn’t one you want to take lightly. Let’s go over some of the benefits of IT outsourcing and what factors might contribute to making that decision.
In-House IT: A Thing of the Past
Outsourcing wasn’t as widely accepted several years ago, especially for IT services. Currently, however, outsourcing IT is at a five-year high, according to Computer Economics’ 2017 Outsourcings Statistics Study.
Nowadays, companies of all sizes are outsourcing their IT needs, most notably security services. With recent reports of data breaches, security leaks, and credential hacks, it’s no surprise that IT security is a growing concern among many firms.
If you’re concerned with the security of your data and systems, outsourcing your IT security is a great way to ensure you’re minimizing risk and taking proper precautions to keep your IT infrastructure secure. This is especially true if your business handles sensitive personal information such as financial or medical records.
The Cost Benefit of Outsourcing
As your company grows, managing your IT can quickly become a full-time job. The cost of keeping IT in-house can loom large and prevent your business from pursuing other opportunities. By comparison, outsourcing your IT is substantially cheaper.
Hiring and training a full- or even part-time IT staff can be expensive and time-consuming. With managed IT services, you get a robust IT department without the prohibitive costs.
Scale With Ease
Speaking of growth, all companies endeavor to expand over the course of their lifecycle. Your business is no different. Growth means product and service innovation, and that can put a strain on your current IT staff. You may even need to hire new employees with more specialized training to handle new projects.
When you outsource your IT, you’ll have access to a wide array of talents and specialties, and to the specializations you need to remain competitive without lag or downtime.
Play To Your Strengths
What is it that your business does? If you’re considering outsourcing your IT, then odds are you aren’t an IT company yourself. One golden rule of business is not to outsource your specialty. After all, how would it look if one restaurant were found to be buying pre-cooked meals from its competitor?
If you aren’t a business firmly entrenched in the IT space, it may be best to outsource your needs to a company that is. The world of IT is complicated for newcomers because new technology is developed almost daily. Moreover, the growing number of regulatory concerns are instituted almost as frequently.
In short, if IT isn’t “what you do,” then it may be best to leave it in the hands of someone who does. You’ll streamline your processes and minimize the risk of falling behind or of non-compliance.
When Should I Outsource?
The short answer is “when it makes sense.” This can occur at any stage in your business’s lifecycle, but here are a few unmistakable indicators:
- When your IT needs have expanded beyond the range of your in-house capabilities
- When your business has a clear direction but not the IT capabilities to get there
- When it is time to scale
In our experience, businesses can be ready for IT outsourcing at nearly any time. Companies of all sizes, from established businesses to startups, can benefit from reduced operating costs, greater efficiency, and lower operating risks.
Ready To Outsource?
Complete Technology is an IT company based in Kansas City that helps small and medium-sized businesses meet and manage their IT needs. From on-site management to our 24/7/365 Help Desk services, we help shoulder the IT burden so you don’t have to.
If you’re a business in the Kansas City area and are considering outsourcing your IT, contact us today for the last IT support service you’ll ever need.