When it comes to IT management, camps are usually divided. You have those who absolutely refuse to work with a third party – for them, control is more important than everything, and they might be fearful that working with too many outside players could put them into jeopardy. You have others who either feel like their needs aren’t extensive enough, or they’re too extensive for them to deal with on their own. But both sides need to hear the argument for and against managed IT so they can see if it could be the right choice for them. So, which option is better for your organization?
When Managed IT Makes Sense
One of the benefits of working with an outsourced service is the amount of resources that they have on hand. Managed IT teams like HLB System Solutions will have people who will be able to bring in the exact type of expertise that you want. This will also allow you to offer more services and make sure that you can use the latest tools without compromising your company’s security.
Less Investment
Another great thing about outsourcing IT is that you won’t have to invest in as much equipment and software yourself. Since the company will use their own equipment, you won’t have to worry about things like licenses and updates. All of this will be taken care of by the team you’re working with and they will make sure that they stay on top of the most recent changes if they care about their reputation.
When In-House IT Makes Sense
Some companies are in that sweet spot when they only need periodic help from some expert. You might have a small network with a database that needs to be secured, for instance. You may not have too many moving parts or employees, and you’re not involved in remote work in any way. In that case, you could have someone in-house in charge of IT or do it yourself.
Another group that could manage IT themselves are small ecommerce businesses. While it’s nice to want to stay as secure as possible, you don’t necessarily have to work with an outsourced IT service at the beginning. You might be able to hire someone that will work on your basic maintenance, and hire a consultant to come in and fill in the gaps.
In-House Training
There’s also the possibility of training people in-house. This can be done yourself or through a third party. You could encourage some of the people you have currently in your team to specialize themselves and pay for the formation. If you’re ready for that kind of commitment, it could be a good investment in your team. However, there’s no guarantee that they’ll ever develop the competences needed. They might also leave, and you will still have needs that need to be met while they’re getting their formation.
As you can see, both sides have their benefits and disadvantages. It’s up to you to assess your needs and see which option would be the best fit for your operation.