The “information revolution” has been one of the greatest advancements of the late 20th and early 21st century. Beginning with the rise of desktop computers in the 1980s, the ever-increasing availability and sophistication of information technology has led to enormous gains in worker productivity. Today, almost any business is strongly reliant on computer networks and systems.
With the rise of computing came the need for professional IT support. Some larger companies maintain their own IT staff, but for midsize businesses, this may not be a viable option. Computers may be indispensable, but when something goes wrong, it can be a major headache. IT support isn’t optional, but for small to medium sized businesses, the budget for IT staff simply isn’t there.
For many medium sized businesses, outsourcing IT support is the most sensible, convenient, and cost-effective option. Here are some of the reasons why IT outsourcing makes sense for midsize companies.
1) IT staff isn’t cheap.
IT support requires trained professionals with certifications and, in many cases, university educations. It’s not a minimum wage job, and employing someone to handle your IT support needs can often cost more than a typical midsize business can handle. In the United States, an IT manager generally makes over $100,000 a year, and even junior-level IT staff are substantially above minimum wage. Skilled IT professionals command a solid salary, and you may not have the resources to hire someone.
Outsourcing IT is considerably less expensive than hiring your own staff. A flat rate IT support service from a third-party consultancy can cover your needs just fine, without the overhead associated with an employee.
2) A lack of IT support can detract from your staff’s productivity.
Without solid IT support, various issues with your computer systems can easily prevent people from working, distract staff that would be better off doing their actual jobs, and otherwise interfere with your bottom line. When you outsource IT support, you can feel confident that problems will be taken care of quickly by trained professionals, leaving you and your staff to focus on your core business.
3) Get advice from the experts.
Technology moves fast, and can be overwhelming to non-specialists. When you outsource your IT support, you’ll have access to advice and consulting from lifelong experts. You can get recommendations for the best software programs, operating system upgrades, and products that can help streamline your business and increase productivity.
4) Access data management expertise.
Big data is a rapidly growing field of information technology, and it’s easy for midsize companies to get left behind. Outsourcing your IT support gives you access to expert professionals who can help your company access the right technology and resources to stay competitive in your industry.
5) It’s one less thing to worry about.
When you run a medium sized business, you have a lot on your plate. The last thing you want to have to deal with is a catastrophic IT failure. Outsourcing your IT support can give you some peace of mind. You’ll know that if anything goes wrong, you have access to the people who can fix it.
Outsource IT Support, and Focus On Your Business
If you’re a midsize business, outsourcing your IT support makes sense from a cost perspective and from a convenience perspective. If you’re interested in finding out more about your options for IT support and consultancy, reach out to us any time.