Each company has its own IT (information technology) needs, and those are aligned by what your business does, the equipment used and the size of your company. Should you hire a permanent IT Officer? Would it be better to lease an IT services from a MSP (Managed Service Provider)? Before you decide to pay an employee or a company, you should first determine if you need full-time IT support.
Many small firms don’t have full-time IT support. Those responsibilities are given to the person who is not afraid of computers, networks, servers, systems or software. Possibly this person enjoys the challenges of computers or is a hobbyist.
Here are some considerations that you might have in order to hire a full-time IT employee or consultant.
- The person who handles your technology needs has little to no billable time.
- Your Business is unable to get work done efficiently because of your technology needs.
- Your equipment is aging.
- You have increasing and consistent software issues.
- Clients suffer because of your technology needs and issues.
- Your technology is becoming less and less cost effective.
There are two very practical solutions to dealing with your company’s technology needs. One is to pay an IT professional and expert in-house. Another option is to pay an IT consulting company to do the necessary work. This option is often referred to as “Managed Services.” Both solutions have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.
In House Employee. Employing a person within your organization provides some benefits, versus outsourcing your IT needs. A direct hire is usually immediately available during business hours. This person can also fix simple issues, such as printer paper jams, a faulty keyboard, or a flickering monitor due to a corrosive plug. Because you have a dedicated IT person, they are aware of your needs. You are their only client. They work on a daily schedule with your employees and work closely with your various departments. New technology will always cost you money. But a good IT strategy and budget will help eradicate many surprise costs.
Outsourcing a Consultant. There are some very compelling reasons why you might want to outsource your IT needs to a MSP (Managed Service Provider). These providers have a much larger pool of assets than that of an individual IT direct hire. They have multiple IT experts that can assist you during any time of need. In the event that your IT officer is sick or on holiday, your business can continue to operate when your equipment malfunctions, twenty four hours a day, three hundred sixty five days a year. There are no additional training expenditures, payroll benefits or expenses. Your outsourced consultant will keep up with the continuous changes of technology through their own education and certifications.
Either of these IT solutions has advantages over the other. Both can effectively fill your IT requirements. An employee is more knowledgeable abou
t your daily needs. A consultant has more resources. Consultants don’t have the costs that come with an employee (ex; vacations, health benefits, sick leave). Consultants are likely to charge a lesser amount for their services, and an employee has bigger potential to better know your day to day routines.
Does your small business employ an in-house IT Technical Support, or subscribe to an outsourced MSP? Please share some thoughts in the comments section below.
