Assuming you’ve gotten this far leveraging only the expertise of one or a few internal IT professionals, the question must be coming up: when, if ever, is it time to move toward an outsourced IT provider?
There is a misconception that internal IT and outsourced providers, like a managed service provider (MSP) are mutually exclusive. However, that isn’t the case. A hybrid IT support solution allows you to leverage the knowledge of your internal team you know and love while harnessing the expertise of outside professionals.
What are the advantages, and how does such a system work?
Diffusion of Responsibility
Generally, a partnership with an MSP that maintains some or all of an internal IT staff functions best when specific functions and responsibilities are offloaded onto one or the other team. For instance, an MSP can take over day-to-day functions like helpdesk support, break-fix, and ongoing monitoring for cyber threats while the internal team who knows your systems and processes best can handle special projects. Or, of course, these functions could be flipped.
In either case, experts can be focused on what they do best, avoid distractions with other tasks, and limit the overallocation of resources that can lead to burnout or a general loss of productivity.
Keep Costs in Check
At first glance, it may seem obvious that hiring on additional support is a surefire way to raise costs. In fact, the opposite is true.
Labor Costs
Hiring staff that could focus on the cybersecurity of your organization, support active users—including both employees and customers—and implement new technologies, would cost several times what an MSP like Liss Technologies would charge. Segmenting off certain services will limit expenses, including salary, benefits, payroll taxes, and more.
Predictability
An MSP typically provides services for a flat fee, particularly when providing ongoing support services. When forming a long-term budget, this means that IT expenses become more predictable and sustainable.
Cybersecurity Expertise
Outside firms often have the advantage of hiring specialized cybersecurity experts that can be leveraged for a flat fee as part of an overall support package. In other words, the time and resources spent on recruiting and maintaining an internal cybersecurity staff are outweighed by the savings offered by outsourced providers.
Beyond the direct cost itself, true cybersecurity expertise keeps your organization protected against ongoing cyber threats. Though it is not impossible to hire internal cybersecurity experts, this is often reserved for enterprise-level organizations. MSPs are generally the best way for SMBs to stay protected.
Specialized Services
From cloud solutions to business continuity and disaster recovery, an outsourced provider like Liss Technologies is a surefire way to cut long-term costs, boost productivity and efficiency, and generally put your organization on a sustainable growth path.
Connect with us today to start a discussion about how our services could integrate with your current IT support.
