As an internet and managed service provider in Connecticut, customers often ask about internal vs. outsourced IT services, and which is the better option. The truth of the matter is there are pros and cons to both, and the “better option” really depends on the specific needs of the individual organization. With this in mind, let’s go over some of the benefits of internal and outsourced IT, and what you should consider before choosing an option for your organization.
Benefits of Internal IT Services
With Internal IT services, your IT staff will have an inside understanding of your organization’s needs. Having a team that better understands your IT resources, the environment, and the industry you’re in can make workflow more efficient and productive. Your in-house IT team will also be there day in and day out, so you don’t have to worry about getting IT personnel on the phone or to come down and fix any issues.
Benefits of Outsourcing IT Services
While cost is a major consideration for both internal and outsourced IT services, a managed service provider is generally a more cost-effective option, as you won’t be paying to employ a full-time team, rather just for the resources you require. Another benefit of outsourcing is that you’ll have access to experts in the IT industry. While it’s possible you could find and employ a team of experts, it’s not as easy a task.
Working with a managed service provider also gives you the ability to scale your organization. With an internal IT team, there’s less exposure to industry knowledge and trends, but outsourcing provides you with an experienced team that has likely worked with many clients in your industry, therefore are more familiar with broader industry practices and trends.
Things to Consider Before Choosing
As we mentioned earlier, your organization’s individual needs are important when considering which option is right for you. Here are a few things to consider along the way:
- What are your IT needs? Do you require a full IT services implementation, or are you just looking for a simple hardware maintenance?
- How much IT assistance do you need? Do you need IT support 24/7, or just during business hours?
- Do you want in-person assistance?
Final Thoughts
Companies with an existing tech-savvy workforce may not need as much assistance as larger companies with less technical experience. With that said, it’s a good idea to weigh out the pros and cons for both internal and outsourced IT, as well as what’s more cost-efficient for your organization.
Managed IT Services at Cloudsmart
Cloudsmart’s managed IT services provides your business the flexibility to not only support your existing IT infrastructure, but enable its growth and development. As a managed service provider, we are committed to using industry best practices to secure and maintain your hosted or physical IT infrastructure, and our emergency support is available 24/7.
