We live in the digital age, and businesses big and small rely on technology to operate efficiently and effectively. For some businesses though, managing IT systems and infrastructure can be a daunting task, requiring significant investments in time, resources, and expertise. For this reason, many businesses choose to outsource their IT support services to third-party providers.
IT support outsourcing means delegating IT tasks and responsibilities to external experts who specialise in providing technical support, system maintenance, cybersecurity, and other related services.
Outsourcing IT support to a third party can provide a range of benefits for businesses, including cost savings, improved security, increased productivity, and access to specialised expertise. In this blog post, we will explore the business benefits of outsourcing IT support, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your organisation.
Cost savings
When you outsource your IT support, you will usually pay a fixed monthly fee or pay a cost-per-use basis, depending on the level of support required for your business. With this in mind, you’ll never have any surprises on your bill at the end of the month.
When working with an outsourced IT company, IT infrastructure projects are likely to be planned in advance during IT strategy meetings at the beginning of the year. This means you should have a clear idea of what systems, software or hardware will need addressing, renewing and replacing throughout the year, along with an idea of the cost involved.
By working with your outsourced team to plan ahead when it comes to managing and maintaining your IT infrastructure, there is less chance of unexpected bills and you can spread the cost of planned projects as required.
We know what’s important when it comes to looking for the right IT support. Read our what to look for in IT Support blog to find out what’s right for you.
Increased efficiency
Using an IT support provider is a cost-effective way to access a wider range of skills at a fixed rate and improve the efficiency of your business.
When you take on an IT team you will have access to multi-tiered levels of experience that you can call upon. In most cases, you will benefit from a dedicated account team who will be familiar with your business, and a wider pool of expertise when you need it.
This is often a lot cheaper and more efficient than having an in-house IT department, especially for smaller businesses.
Access to expertise
Outsourcing IT support gives businesses access to a wide range of specialised technical expertise that they may not have access to in-house. When a company outsources IT support, they are able to tap into a pool of professionals with a variety of skills and specialities. This can be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have the budget to hire full-time IT staff.
Your core account team will often include an account manager, front-line helpdesk support and an experienced IT strategist to support your business needs. Most IT support partners will also specialise in networking, office 365 migrations, compliance and cybersecurity available to name a few. Our expert team includes a dedicated account manager, to ensure your technology and IT supports your long-term business goals.
IT specialists will also know the latest technology trends and can provide businesses with access to the latest hardware, software, and tools needed to keep their IT infrastructure up-to-date, keep up with competitors, and support their business goals.
Flexibility
IT support providers have become increasingly popular for businesses of all sizes, as it offers numerous benefits that can help improve flexibility and efficiency.
By using an external, expert team, you can focus on your core competencies. For companies that don’t specialise in IT, this is a great opportunity to leave technical aspects to the professionals.
Outsourcing IT eliminates the need for businesses to worry about IT-related tasks, such as maintenance, upgrades, and security. This frees up time and resources, allowing businesses to focus on their core strengths and pursue growth opportunities. This offers greater flexibility and agility, helping you to stay competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.
Improved focus
Using an external IT support provider can help businesses improve their focus by allowing them to concentrate on reaching their goals. With outsourced IT support, companies can delegate tasks such as system maintenance, software updates, and troubleshooting to experts.
This frees up valuable time and resources for businesses to focus on their primary tasks, whether it’s developing products, serving customers, or expanding their market reach. Not having to worry about IT-related tasks can relieve stress for business owners and staff, allowing them to redirect their energy towards more productive tasks.
If you want improved focus, increased productivity, and greater innovation, outsourcing IT could be the route for you.
Enhanced security
Outsourcing IT can be an effective way for businesses to enhance their security. You’ll benefit from a team of experts who specialise in identifying and addressing security risks, keeping your team and customers safe.
IT support can keep all your files digitised, organised, backed up and secure. This also reduces the risk of losing data from malware and secures your data from possible breaches or any attempt to leak information.
IT support partners can implement comprehensive security protocols, including firewalls, antivirus software, and data encryption, to ensure that sensitive information is protected from cyber threats. Dedicated IT support will also be able to stay up to date with the latest security trends and technologies, as providers typically invest heavily in research and development to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Disaster recovery
Additional IT support can be a smart decision for businesses looking to enhance their disaster recovery capabilities. When disaster strikes, having experienced IT support staff who understand disaster recovery can be invaluable.
An IT support team can develop comprehensive disaster recovery plans, implement backup and recovery solutions, and perform regular testing to ensure the plan is effective. With outsourced IT support, businesses can benefit from the expertise of skilled professionals without the need to invest in hiring and training their own staff. Additionally, outsourcing IT support can provide businesses with access to the latest tools for disaster recovery improving their ability to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected events.
Overall, outsourcing IT support can be a smart way for businesses to stay competitive, enhance their disaster recovery capabilities, and achieve their business goals.
Scalability
Outsourcing IT support can improve scalability for businesses. As a company grows, its IT infrastructure and support needs also increase, and it can be challenging to manage these demands in-house, especially with a small team.
Outsourcing IT support allows businesses to tap into a pool of IT professionals who can provide the necessary support as the company grows. The flexibility of an IT support company allows businesses to easily adjust their support levels to match their changing needs, which is particularly important during times of rapid growth or downsizing.
By outsourcing IT support, businesses can also free up their own resources and focus on their core competencies, ultimately improving their overall efficiency and competitiveness.
Conclusion
Overall, outsourcing IT can provide businesses with a reliable and cost-effective way to strengthen their security posture and safeguard their operations. Outsourcing IT support can lead to improved focus, increased productivity, and greater innovation for businesses.
If you think your business could benefit from IT support, contact one of our experts to discuss the perfect package for you.
