Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to managed IT support to optimize their daily operations. But should you join them? Or is it better to hire your own IT staff? There are some key areas to consider when making this decision.
Efficiency
One of the largest benefits of managed service providers (MSPs) is an improvement in operational efficiency. By outsourcing IT management to specialists, businesses can focus on their core functions without the distraction of constant IT issues.
The downside of this is less direct control. While you will certainly have ultimate decision-making capabilities, there may be more time spent in meetings with the MSP, finding a solution that meets your needs. Working with an MSP is a partnership, and this requires strong communication.
Hiring an in-house IT team provides greater control, and may be more suitable if your IT needs are specific or complex – but it can be difficult, and the training process can take time. Staff will also require some degree of oversight at all times as they perform in their roles. These factors can be mitigated to some degree, though, by choosing staff who are already experienced in their roles and will thus need less supervision.
Scalability
MSPs can scale services to match the growth of the business, providing more resources as needed. This is considered by many to be an attractive feature, when compared to the alternative.
Without an MSP, you may need to hire additional staff yourself as your business’ IT needs grow. This is a stress factor that many could do without. The process of finding the right staff member is time-consuming, and hiring new people costs money.
Cost
Managed IT is often seen as more expensive, but this may not be true when all factors are taken into account. Typically, these services are offered under a fixed monthly fee, which makes IT costs predictable and easier to budget. MSPs also leverage economy of scale by serving many clients at once, which allows them to offer their services at a lower price.
This is in stark contrast to the variable and often high costs associated with managing IT in-house. Salaries, benefits, taxes, Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), and the hiring process itself all contribute to the costs associated with in-house IT support. You may also need to outfit additional offices and provide software, depending on the number of staff required. These costs often continue to grow as the business does, which can become a significant drain on your company’s finances.
For these reasons, the use of managed IT services can lead to significant cost savings when compared to an in-house IT department.
Expertise
Another benefit of MSPs is the knowledge they provide. A hired IT staff member may be an expert in only one or two areas of IT support. This can be useful if your business has limited IT needs, but once it starts to grow you will likely need more.
This is where an MSP can be especially valuable. Since they are companies in their own right, they often have a large pool of workers, who are each proficient in separate areas of IT. Their large teams also often allow for 24/7 contact. This level of support in an in-house team is usually prohibitively expensive for SMBs.
MSPs are also able to assist SMBs in issues of regulatory compliance and cybersecurity. With the ever-increasing threat of cyber-attacks, immediate access to cybersecurity experts is a crucial advantage for any SMB.
Long-term Partnerships and Customization
A key aspect of MSPs is the partnership that evolves between the client and the IT provider. MSPs work closely with your business to understand your unique needs and challenges, ensuring that the support they provide is tailored to your specific requirements. Finding the right fit can be difficult, but is worth the effort to ensure that your IT infrastructure grows in alignment with your company’s strategic goals.
Weighing Your Options
But what does all of that mean for you? The option you choose will depend on your business’ specific needs.
Partnering with an MSP may be the right choice if you want:
- A cost-effective, predictable billing structure
- An efficient, hands-off approach to IT
- 24/7 support
On the other hand, it may be more effective to hire an in-house team if you want:
- More direct control
- A more specialized support tailored to a very specific set of concerns
- Less time spent in external communications
Elevate Your Business with Managed IT
For SMBs and SMEs, the cost of implementing and managing technology can be prohibitively high when approached in-house. MSPs offer a viable alternative that can bring advanced technological capabilities within reach. The benefits are significant, making it a strategic choice for businesses looking to streamline operations.
Com Pro specializes in managed IT solutions designed to take your business to the next level. We also take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, preventing cybercriminals from being able to access your data. If you’re considering whether managed IT is right for you, take a look at the services we can provide.