Working on cars can be quite the challenge. If you’ve got a project car that you’re hoping to get up and running, you probably want to control every aspect of what goes into it. From the engine to the tail lights, you’re willing to tackle every project head-on without any external help.
Until you get stuck on a problem that you’re not equipped to handle.
When you hit a brick wall, you can keep trying to fix the issue by yourself – which can be extremely frustrating. Or, you have the option to take your car to a master mechanic that can easily fix the issue for you.
It’s not unlike running your company. When you need IT support, what’s your best option for support? Most businesses have two distinct choices; either hire an in-house IT support employee (the DIY fix), or partner with a managed service provider (the master mechanic).
Though both options have their own pros and cons, one comes out on top for growing organizations that want to stay ahead of the curve.
In-house IT
It’s not uncommon for companies to hire someone to handle day-to-day IT operations for them. Small and medium-sized businesses usually can’t afford to hire an entire team. Instead, they choose a special someone who can handle a bit of everything. This person may know a bit about networking and helpdesk support – but they’re far from a master in the field.
Pros:
- Developing a deep internal knowledge of the company’s infrastructure and specific needs
- Immediate support when you need it
Cons:
- Higher personnel costs (salaries, raises, benefits, office supplies, training, and taxes)
- Knowledge residing with one person who can leave whenever they want
- Limited experience and/or knowledge of best practices and technology advances
- Possible overtime charges for after-hours emergencies
Outsourced IT
Many companies prefer to get their IT support from a third-party source. They typically deliver their services at a lower cost while providing a greater quality of work. In other words, partnering with a managed service provider yields many more benefits than having in-house IT support.
Pros:
- Access to teams of industry experts and specialists at no extra cost
- Flat, stable, monthly rate of service that’s easier to budget around
- 24/7 availability to provide support for your organization
- Legally binding SLA to guarantee uptime and quality of service
- Shared access to modern technologies, software, and hardware to stay competitive
- Electronic issue management systems for efficient monitoring, reporting and resolution
Cons:
- Finding the right MSP to work with takes time and effort
- Diversity of service delivery options can seem complex and confusing
- Limited on-site availability
The Winner: Managed Services
Managed services are recommended for meeting the needs of most modern, growing organizations. 72% of SMB decision makers say that technology solutions can help them significantly improve business outcomes and/or run the business better.
However, that’s not to say that in-house IT departments should be completely replaced. Combining the knowledge of in-house IT with the expertise of outsourced MSPs creates a symbiotic relationship that ends up benefitting the business.
Of course, companies need to focus on choosing the right MSP to partner with. They need to understand the overall direction of the company, as well as their immediate needs, to meet their technology goals.
If you’d like to learn more about Continuity Centers and how we can help you better your business, reach out to us. We’ve helped countless businesses reach their goals through our IT support, and we’d love to help you too.