Your ability to reliably support your IT infrastructure is as important as ever. Gone are the days of calling a relative to give you IT advice as you’re getting your business off the ground. That may have worked during the early phases, but for the health of your business, outsourcing IT support is a much better, long-term solution. A report from Blackbear found that 92 percent of G2000 companies have reported outsourcing their IT, making it the most popular business service outsourced. It’s particularly popular for small businesses to outsource their IT as it helps substantially reduce costs. Hiring an external service provider can enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes like help desk support and employee onboarding/offboarding, allowing organizations to focus on core activities.
What is Outsourced IT?
Outsourced IT is the practice of outsourcing some or all of your business technology needs to a third-party expert, commonly called a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Managed IT services offer significant advantages, such as cost savings and access to specialized expertise, making it easier for businesses to focus on their core activities. This can include services such as help desk support, IT strategy planning, network management, and more. An MSP will often offer more than outsourced IT services, which will encompass business communication, cybersecurity, internet services, and security or CCTV solutions. Outsourced IT support can help businesses save money, increase productivity, and improve efficiency.
Benefits of Managed IT Services
Cost Savings and Efficiency
Outsourcing IT support can help businesses reduce labor costs, boost business performance, and gain access to world-class expert staff. Outsourcing companies play a crucial role in providing cost-efficient solutions and access to top talent in the tech industry. According to Glassdoor data, the estimated median in-house IT professional salary in the United States is $93,587 with total compensation at $131,213. By outsourcing IT services, organizations can eliminate the costs of hiring in-house staff while providing the same or better benefits. This reduced overhead cost can be a huge benefit to small and medium-sized businesses where every cost-saving effort is crucial.
Increased Productivity and Flexibility
Outsourced IT services can provide businesses with the flexibility to focus on core business development and strategy. An outsourcing IT support team can improve efficiency by bringing specialized skills, allowing internal staff to concentrate on key tasks. Along with maintaining the hardware and software your business uses, your MSP can consult on future company goals and roadmap to align with the technology needed to achieve those goals.
With outsourced IT services, businesses can access specialized skills and technology without having to invest in it themselves. The MSP you choose can be a true partner in the business instead of a vendor. You can rely on their expertise to help determine the best recommendations that fit your business. According to a Research and Markets study, an MSP will help reduce IT costs by 25 to 45 percent compared to in-house costs. Outsourced IT services can also help businesses improve their ability to respond to changing market conditions and customer needs.
Types of IT Services that Can be Outsourced
IT Support Services
Outsourcing help desk IT support can reduce downtime due to an issue allowing for internal teams to focus on more strategic initiatives. A dedicated support team can leverage remote access technologies to resolve technical issues efficiently. Help desk services can include remote support, phone support, email support, and more. Outsourced help desk services provide businesses with 24/7 support and quick resolution of technical issues. Not every issue is the same, so having a knowledgeable team backing up your organization will save the trust you’ve built with your customers by quickly getting you back up and running.
IT Strategy Planning
Outsourced IT strategy planning can help businesses develop and implement effective IT strategies. Selecting the right IT outsourcing provider is crucial to meet business needs, enhance efficiency, and provide specialized expertise. One example of this would be getting ahead of old and failing equipment will allow for cheaper replacement costs because they were planned instead of needing to be updated during an emergency. This can also include services such as IT consulting, IT project management, and more. Outsourced IT strategy planning can help businesses align their IT strategy with their business strategy.
Network Management and Security Monitoring
Outsourced network management can help businesses maintain and optimize their network infrastructure. Continuous security monitoring is crucial in maintaining data security and supporting the overall IT infrastructure. A network architecture plan can solve optimization problems that have been hindering your business. This can include services such as network monitoring, network security, and more. Outsourced network management can help businesses improve their network and reduce downtime.
A modern business has moved beyond computers and phones dominating a network. It now includes security systems, printers, audio/visual equipment, smart locks, and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices vying for network usage.
Best Practices for Outsourcing IT Support
Effective Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration are critical to successful IT outsourcing. Dedicated technical support teams that offer customized, expert assistance tailored to specific business needs are essential. As with any aspect of business, clear and measurable objectives should be thoroughly discussed and agreed upon prior to signing a contract. This openness at the start will set the stage for how the relationship will function.
Businesses should ensure that they have clear communication channels with their outsourced IT service provider. Effective communication and collaboration can help businesses ensure that they are getting the right services for their needs.
The Benefits of Outsourced IT Will Provide Positive Improvements for Your Organization
The complicated technological world we live in shouldn’t be avoided but approached with the priority and purpose it deserves and not as an afterthought. Software development plays a crucial role in creating custom applications and improving business workflows. This is where outsourcing IT support can lift the burden from your shoulders and allow you to focus on growing your business.
At JCM Telecom, we put our customers first in everything we do. Our entire catalog of products and services are tailored to what you need, and we do this by working with you to understand how your business works. We strive to be the missing piece that helps to take your business to the next level. If you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area, contact us today to learn more.
