92% of SMEs in the UK depend on technology for survival, making access to IT support business critical. Whilst you could hire an in-house tech team, outsourcing your IT offers a more flexible and affordable alternative. Our IT experts explore the benefits of IT outsourcing, how it can fuel business growth and keep your business running smoothly.
As more and more businesses turn to technology, digitalisation and automation to increase efficiency, the need for quick and reliable IT support to keep systems up and running has never been greater. Outsourcing your IT support provides you with easy access to tech experts but saves you the overhead costs that come with recruiting your own team.
In this article we take a look at:
- What IT outsourcing is and the services you can access
- The key benefits of outsourcing IT for your company
- What to look for in an IT support company (including 4 things every IT service provider should offer)
What is IT outsourcing?
IT outsourcing is the process of paying an external company or individual (known as a third-party service provider or managed service provider) to handle your IT infrastructure and any technological needs. You can choose to outsource parts of your firm’s IT operations to an external company, or let them manage your whole IT function.
A vast number of services and processes can be included in IT outsourcing, such as:
- IT helpdesk and technical support services – These services usually include phone and email access to IT specialists who can troubleshoot tech issues across your company, as well as round-the-clock monitoring of your systems.
- Cyber security – Cyber security services can cover data security, compliance checks, audits of your current IT infrastructure and advice on how to improve security and staff training on best practices.
- Cloud services – The cloud is an essential part of the new hybrid workforce, with invaluable features like remote access via hosted desktop and backup solutions.
- IT strategy – Strategic support on how to use your IT to further your business goals. This usually involves the creation of a long-term action plan that is aligned with your company objectives, which will be used to guide future IT decisions and investments.
- IT communications – IT can modernise and improve the reliability of your company comms through various methods, including internet leased lines, VOIP and business mobiles.
- Business continuity and recovery solutions – Prevention measures can significantly reduce your risk of data loss and system failure but it’s impossible to eliminate that risk entirely. That’s where business continuity and recovery services can help by making sure you are always prepared for the unexpected.
What are the benefits of outsourcing IT for your company?
Reduced costs
Outsourcing your IT means you don’t have to worry about hiring and training your own IT team. That’s less money spent on salaries, training and potentially office space. With outsourcing, you only pay for the services and support you need, making it a budget-friendly option for your business.
Many providers also offer a per user pricing model so the cost you pay remains affordable and scales with your business.
On-demand IT support
Imagine having an IT expert on speed dial, now imagine having a full team of IT experts on speed dial – that’s what outsourcing can give you. Whether you’re experiencing a major IT crisis or a small technical hiccup, outsourcing IT means quick access to specialist support and quick solutions to your issues.
Outsourcing IT also means you benefit from access to a larger skillset and wider expertise. With an in-house IT team, you are limited to the skills of the people you hire but a quality IT service provider will have a range of specialists available to consult.
Better protection for your business
A cyber-attack can have catastrophic consequences on your business, so protecting your company from virtual threats should always be a priority. An IT support provider will be able to implement advanced cyber-security solutions, including anti-virus protection and 24/7 server monitoring, to reduce the risk of security breaches and detect issues before they escalate.
As a business owner, there are several simple steps you can take today to improve your company’s IT security online. Read our 7 cyber-security tips for your start-up business for more information.
Advanced technologies and IT resources
Investing in new technology and resources has a variety of benefits for your business. It can expand your business capabilities, increase capacity within your team and give your company an all-important competitive advantage in your industry.
But when the rapidly expanding IT market is over-flowing with shiny new tech, how do you decide where to put your money? A managed IT service provider can work with you to understand your business objectives and use their expertise to identify the best value hardware and software for your needs.
What to look for in an IT support company
It’s crucial to make the right choice when deciding which company to trust with the responsibility of overseeing your IT systems. But what makes a ‘good’ IT support service provider?
Any quality IT service provider should offer these four things:
Expertise – Find a provider whose expertise and experience covers a broad scope of IT. Tech issues can be varied and unpredictable, so it is important to make sure your service provider is equipped to solve a variety of IT problems.
Availability – Time is critical to damage limitation when things go wrong. Make sure your IT service provider is easily contactable and can promise quick response times to your tech issues.
Flexibility – A good IT support provider will offer a range of services but equally understand that not every service is necessarily right for your needs. Look for a tailored service offering, where you can pick and choose the services that will most benefit you rather, rather rigid packages at set prices.
Scalability – As your business grows, so do your IT requirements. The right IT support provider will be able to accommodate your expansion and hopefully play a part in helping you expand further!
Outsource your IT with hassle-free solutions from Infuse
Expertise, availability, flexibility and scalability – we hate to brag but we’ve got the full package! As a managed IT support provider based in Derby, we help businesses in the Midlands and across the UK to grow and succeed through our comprehensive range of IT support services. Whatever your business needs, we are always just a call or click away. Contact our IT experts today to find out more!