Businesses that rely on technology need professionals who can manage their IT infrastructure and ensure it runs smoothly. Oftentimes, the first thing that comes to mind is to build an in-house IT department to handle all the technical aspects of the business. In most cases, a 50- or 100-person operation can justify having an in-house team of IT specialists to handle their needs.
However, for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), hiring and maintaining an in-house IT department may not be the wisest use of their resources. In fact, there are several reasons why a full-scale internal IT department may not be necessary for your SMB.
They don’t always save costs
While having an in-house IT department may seem convenient, they often come with a hefty price tag. The average base salary of an IT technician in Atlanta is over $87,000, not including the costs associated with benefits, training, and additional overheads such as equipment and office space. If you plan to hire more than one IT specialist, those costs can add up quickly and strain your budget.
In contrast, outsourcing certain IT functions to specialized managed IT services providers (MSPs) can provide the same level of expertise at a fraction of the cost. Most MSPs charge a flat monthly rate based on the number of users, devices, or services utilized, making it easier for SMBs to budget and avoid any surprise expenses.
Their IT knowledge may be limited
Technology is multifaceted, and not one technician can be an expert in every aspect of it. Some may be proficient in dealing with cybersecurity risks, while others are well versed in network management and cloud migration. If you want all this expertise under one roof, you may need to hire several IT specialists, which can be even more expensive than a standard IT support technician.
The other in-house solution to the technology skills gap is to train existing employees. However, you’ll have to spend a lot of time and money just to get your internal IT department up to speed on increasingly complicated concepts.
Outsourcing IT functions to an MSP allows you to harness a diverse pool of talent and expertise precisely when you need it. Whether it’s cybersecurity, cloud computing, or data analytics, you can access the right skills and knowledge for specific projects without the overhead of maintaining a large in-house team with limited capabilities.
They can’t always provide round-the-clock support
Many businesses now operate outside of traditional office hours, and technology never sleeps. If a critical IT issue arises in the middle of the night or on weekends, you’ll need qualified staff on hand to address it immediately.
An internal IT department may not always be available outside of regular business hours, and hiring additional staff or requiring existing employees to work odd shifts can be expensive and put a strain on work-life balance.
On the other hand, most MSPs offer 24/7 support as part of their service package at no additional cost to your business. This means that your business can rest easy, knowing that there will always be a team of experts available to address issues promptly and ensure that your operations run smoothly, even in the middle of the night.
They may resist change
In-house IT departments, like any other part of an organization, can be resistant to change. This resistance may stem from concerns about job security, reluctance to abandon established systems, or simply a preference for the status quo.
Fortunately, MSPs are often more adaptable. They are motivated by the pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness rather than internal politics. As a result, they are more willing to recommend and implement new technologies and processes that can improve your business performance.
They lack the perspective to make objective assessments
Even though internal IT departments are intimately familiar with the company’s culture and dynamics, their close association can sometimes cloud their judgment and objectivity. This can lead to IT departments overlooking bottlenecks or issues that an outsider could easily identify. As a result, your technology strategy may not reflect current best practices, and your business could fall behind its competitors.
Hiring an MSP enables you to bring a fresh and unbiased perspective to your IT infrastructure. Their outside perspective allows them to identify pain points and provide objective insights into how to improve your current systems.Ultimately, SMBs don’t necessarily require a full-scale internal IT, but they simply need access to reliable, knowledgeable, and cost-effective IT services. In-Touch Computer Services offers premium IT expertise and solutions to businesses without breaking the bank. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can replace the need for a massive IT department.