How Does Outsourcing Fit My IT Management?

In 2022, almost every business that is currently operating is using some form of Information Technology (IT) in order to manage and stay in business. With so many different IT systems being used, it’s impossible for one person to understand each and every aspect. We used to rely on that one “IT guy” to know how to fix and repair every system in the office, but that is no longer a solution that modern businesses can rely on. There’s no reason to think that this will ever change since the world of technology has, and will continue, to evolve and change every day. 

Even if you have an IT person or team, outsourcing for specific expertise or IT Management may be necessary. CPT of South Florida helps break down the idea of IT outsourcing and management. 

What Does Outsourcing IT Management Mean?

Every employee and vendor that you use is essentially a link in a chain that is necessary to reach the goals of your business. They operate independently completing their tasks, but they rely on each other in order to function with a purpose. 

When you outsource IT, consider each task your organization needs to complete. These tasks require different on-staff expertise or a third party such as a Managed Service Provider (MSP). For most organizations, these tasks and responsibilities include:

• General IT Help
• Backup Management
• Anti-Virus Management
• Network Management
• Phone System Management
• Web Hosting
• Hardware/Software Installation and Management
• Risk Management
• Data Center Management
• Cybersecurity 

This is not a complete list, but each of these subjects has a significant depth that requires years of experience to fully understand. You can see why small and medium-sized organizations could need outside assistance to accomplish each of these tasks successfully. That is where outsourcing comes in. 

How Much Should I Outsource?

The list above can make it seem like there is a lot to handle, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive solution. 

Keep Sensitive Tasks In-House

The general rule of outsourcing is if the task is information-sensitive or specialized to your business, it’s better to have an in-house expert handle it. 

For example, if your business is primarily an e-commerce business that uses a website to conduct transactions, it’s smart to have a web development expert on staff to handle any issues.

Outsource Your General IT Needs

IT services that are more focused on business efficiency and economics of scale make the most sense to outsource since no valuable information can be stolen and there will be no downtime for your employees or customers. 

Most small and medium-sized businesses will rely on outsourcing to meet their various IT needs. Hiring multiple people to handle these needs can be a waste of resources.

Do I Need an Internal IT Team?

This usually depends on the size and nature of your business, but for the most part, businesses that have only a handful of employees don’t need to have an IT department at all. The same can be said for companies that don’t rely heavily on technology to operate. The answer to this question becomes more complicated as the size and footprint of your company grow. 

Whether you have an in-house IT team or not, the employees and management team in your business still play an important role in your technology. Technology is only as useful as your company makes it. Each piece of technology, hardware, and software should increase the core business functions that your organization relies on. 

The team that you have should give helpful feedback to see if the current systems and people in place are covering the needs of the business. 

How Does an Internal IT Team Work With Outsourced Providers?

This is a tough question as the presence of an outsourced IT provider can be intimidating for a few obvious reasons. However, there is no reason why an internal IT team and an outsourced IT partner can work in unison. 

Benefits of Your In-House Staff Vs. An Outsourced IT Provider

There are a few points to remember in order to establish trust and success between your in-house IT department and an outsourced IT provider:

• Outsourced providers will generally be focused on the specific task they have been brought in for and have no interest in the work that the internal IT department does. 
• The in-house department will provide more specific solutions to the business that can’t be replicated by an outside source who doesn’t work at the business 40 hours a week. 
• The success of one party is dependent on the other party.

Set Roles, Responsibilities, and Communication Standards

When bringing on a new MSP or outsourced IT expert, it’s a good idea to establish the following:

• Roles
• Communication standards
• Reporting
• General Check-ins
• General Expectations from each party.

Following these general guidelines is a good way to ensure each team is organized and understands their tasks. It will also help generate a relationship where each side can understand their strengths and weaknesses. 

When it comes to outsourcing and general IT needs, there is no one-size fits all approach. Each business will have it’s own IT wants and needs and the personnel to make it happen. 

Get The Best IT Outsourcing in South Florida

Outsourcing is something that every business will need to determine if it’s something they need. The reality is that technology is complex and changing and chances are you won’t have someone who has the answer to each question. CPT of South Florida can provide your business with Managed IT that gives you the best performance and efficiency out of your technology. Visit our contact page if you have any questions about managed IT services or if your business needs help with its various IT systems.