The assistance of an IT support team is essential for almost all business types. It is the IT department that will keep your website online, ensure that all IT systems are operating properly to keep the business running, and regularly update the software and hardware for your PCs, laptops, and other devices that you utilise for your business. It would be very difficult to run a successful business without some form of IT support: But should you opt for in-house or outsourced IT support? Here is a simple comparison between the two approaches:
The Benefits of In-House IT Support
The most obvious benefit of opting for an in-house IT support system is that because your team is in-house, they are always available when you need a fast tech solution (although for many businesses, this is restricted to the confines of a 9-5 working day). Your in-house team will have a hands-on role in choosing your systems and solutions, meaning that they will be familiar with the equipment, and how to operate and maintain it. They will also provide a physical IT presence within your workplace. Finally, when you are hiring an in-house IT team or professional, you can choose an individual who will fit into your existing company culture: something that is particularly important to businesses that have a unique culture or business model that sits outside of the mainstream.
The Benefits of Outsourced IT Support
The most obvious benefit of opting for an outsourced IT solution is cost-based: Outsourcing your IT is much more affordable, as when you have an in-house team you will be solely responsible for their salary and benefits packages. You will also avoid the pressure and stress of having to hire and retain new members of staff. But this isn’t the only benefit of outsourcing your IT. Many people assume that outsourced IT support is a solely hands-off process, however, many outsourced IT services work on both an in-house and remote basis, meaning that you would have access to the best of both worlds. This can suit the changeable needs of small and medium businesses. What’s more, if you only have the budget to hire one in-house IT professional, you may find that an IT support company often has access to more staff and vastly more resources, giving you access to a larger pool of experts and expertise. Finally, outsourced IT support services tend to work on a proactive basis, looking for potential issues before they arise and resolving them before you even realise they are problems. The result is that your system is much less likely to experience any downtime that would negatively impact your business.
Conclusion
Choosing between in-house IT support and outsourced IT support will depend on the unique needs of your company. For large businesses, the convenience of having an in-house IT support team is a considerable benefit, whilst for small and medium-sized businesses, the flexibility and affordability of an outsourced IT support team makes it a much better option. What is clear is that all businesses should have access to some kind of IT support and that you should take the time to decide and establish the model that is right for your business.