IT services are among the most important that a business requires in today’s connected, always-on, digital world. With so many businesses moving to some type of a work-from-home model, IT services become even more crucial. Millions of malware and ransomware threats are released every year and the time required to manage, update, and patch all devices used within the business, and those used by employees working from home, is far greater than a few years ago. For many, having in-house IT services makes sense. There is always someone in the building that can assist with any issues that may arise. So, if this solution is the right one, why are so many small businesses opting for managed IT services?
What are the differences between these approaches? Which one makes sense for businesses that need quality IT services that meet their needs and budget? Let’s take a look at managed IT services and compare them with in-house technicians to help your business choose the right service provider.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services may be a new concept to some businesses that have always had dedicated, in-house IT services. With communication technology making major leaps forward, many businesses have discovered that quality service does not necessarily mean the IT technician has to work in the same building.
With managed IT services, a dedicated provider delivers service, support, and advice to a number of companies. If the cost of IT services is spread out among a number of businesses, then a larger team with better services can be provided at a lower cost to individual businesses. For small and medium-sized businesses that may be running on razor-thin budgets, this price makes managed IT services very attractive.
Is There a Cost Benefit?
When any business is deciding between managed IT or an in-house technician, there are several factors that may weigh into the final decision, but the main contributor is often cost. IT services are important for all businesses and people who offer those services are in high demand. In fact, the salary of a management-level IT professional can easily exceed $150,000 per year, plus benefits.
Managed IT services for small businesses are usually less costly than hiring in-house IT services. In addition, the cost of managed IT services typically includes services that even the best in-house technicians cannot offer -- services like after-hours support, network monitoring, malware and ransomware protection, and more are all offered by managed IT services. Not to mention, with managed IT services, your business can count on support every single day. A single in-house technician has to sleep, go on lunch breaks, and take a vacation. During those times, they may be unavailable, and, therefore, cannot always be relied upon.
Keep Up With Changing Technology
Having managed IT services helps ensure your business is ready for changing trends.
You have likely heard the phrase, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” No phrase is a better description of in-house IT technicians. Most are very skilled at what they do, but it is nearly impossible to provide adequate IT services without several people collaborating. Remember, IT services encompass network security, device deployment, software updates, issue resolution, employee support, malware protection, and more.
With managed IT services, you get an entire team of people working to help you. No single person is expected to be a master of all areas of IT services. When you have managed services for your business, you can count on getting responsive support from knowledgeable staff, no matter what the concern may be.
What Other Options Do Businesses Choose for IT Services?
Small and mid-sized businesses often have a friend, family member, or a ‘guy they know’ handle their technical support. When it comes to cost and scheduling, consultants are often the worst possible option for a growing business. Consultants will charge for everything they can, and friends and relatives aren’t always the best option when it comes to managing your business. Bringing a friend or relative into the workplace can cause issues internally. Friend and relative relationships aren’t always conducive to a company’s work environment. Choosing a managed IT partner limits the cost of support and implementation, and eliminates a lot of the issues that hiring a friend or a family member brings into an office setting.
Which IT Solution is Best for my Business?: The Verdict
Having an in-house technician dedicated to your business and only your business may seem appealing at first. However, when comparing in-house services with managed IT services, there is a clear winner. Managed IT service providers offer better support, and greater expertise, all at a lower cost to businesses than alternative options.
Small and medium-sized businesses have little room for spending in excess. Choosing managed IT services over an in-house technician can have a dramatic influence on your business's bottom line. That additional money can be reinvested in other areas of the business. This ensures that you can make all areas of your business stronger. At RJ Young, we have over 25 years of experience providing exceptional IT services to businesses of all sizes.
Still unsure if managed IT services are the right move for your business? Learn more about the benefits of choosing managed IT services and consult with us about your unique needs.
