One of the most debated points among business owners is whether having in-house IT support is a better solution than outsourcing. There is no across-the-board right answer, as each solution comes with its own strengths and weaknesses.
As a managed service provider (MSP), MyITpros strives to educate business owners on which IT solutions are best for them. If you’re debating taking your IT in-house, make sure you consider all the pros and cons before you make the leap!
The pros
- Having a member of staff dedicated to IT gives the business control over things like response time, quality of work and activity. Technical solutions can (potentially) be solved faster, using the process the business prefers.
- In-house IT support can immediately respond to technological issues that arise. Having a “pull-by-the-shirt” IT person better satisfies finicky people with little patience, and also gives a business full control over task prioritization.
- While MSPs bill according to a set monthly subscription, outside projects that may not be included in your flat monthly fee can result in additional costs. Conversely, a salaried IT professional can work on whatever new project crops up without affecting the monthly budget
The cons
- When you have one or two IT support staff members, you are limited to the scope of skills they possess. The world of IT is broad and complex, and these individuals may not have a number of important qualifications, especially if they are entry-level. At MyITpros, each client has a support team composed of four to five people with varying skills sets and expertise, with the goal of being able to handle almost any type of issue.
- In-house IT support staff typically only work during business hours, although you may be able to work out a different schedule with them. In contrast, MSPs provide round-the-clock support past business hours, on weekends and on holidays.
- The cost of having an experienced IT professional on staff is almost always higher than hiring an MSP. In fact, bringing someone with extensive skills on board and ponying up the operating costs of adding to your staff count can sometimes be almost double the cost of an outsourced provider. We break down the costs of in-house IT versus managed services here.
Choosing how you want to handle your IT is crucial from a technical, strategic and financial viewpoint. Don’t make that decision based on assumptions! Rather, do the research and make sure you are well informed and ready to choose the solution best for you. If you aren’t sure where to start, feel free to contact us to discuss your IT needs.
