Switching to an outsourced IT model
As organizations grow more dependent on digital resources, the demand for managed IT services soars across all commercial industries. The global managed services market is expected to hit $350 billion by 2026, a 10 percent CAGR between 2020 and 2026. These figures point to a growing trend in need for IT outsourcing. The big question is whether outsourced IT is really worth it. Let’s look at what working with a managed partner entails and why you should consider making the switch.
What is managed IT?
Managed IT means outsourcing IT-related services such as IT support, systems maintenance, digital security, and business solutions development to a third-party contractor. A managed services provider (MSP) offers the tools and workforce needed to oversee your IT infrastructure in exchange for a small monthly fee. Some MSPs can manage your entire digital estate, while others only focus on specific assets or processes, such as cybersecurity, cloud management, or networking.
Hiring an MSP is similar to hiring any contractor. You’ll first agree on the terms of service and sign a service level agreement (SLA). This outlines each party’s responsibilities, the scope of service, details of service delivery, payments, and conditions for contract termination. You can hire the MSP to assist you in managing long-term or short-term projects. Have them support your entire IT infrastructure through a fully-managed partnership or work hand-in-hand with the in-house IT team in a co-managed arrangement.
Why do you need managed IT?
If you’re struggling to find enough reasons to partner with an MSP, here are the top four benefits of outsourced IT that should convince you to do so:
Cut IT costs
An MSP is much cheaper than an in-house IT department. IT contractors don’t require any onboarding or training, and you don’t have to worry about employees’ benefits, welfare, or salaries. Working with an MSP helps reduce redundancies in your HR and cuts the labor requirements for running the organization’s IT systems.
Access expert-level skills
According to the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report, the widening skill gap in the IT sector is mounting concerns among employers worldwide. At the current pace, technology is advancing so fast that training institutions can barely keep up with the labor market demands. Delegating your IT labor requirements to an MSP is an excellent way around this skill shortage.
Relieve overburdened employees
If your IT Team is consistently underperforming, maybe it’s time you hired some extra hands to help out. Get an MSP to share the workload with your employees to avoid backlogs, errors, and the risk of a high turnover rate. Without having to deal with routine or mundane IT tasks, your employees can concentrate on high-value activities better suited to their skills and positions in the company.
Minimize risks
Outsourced IT replaces the traditional break-fix IT support model with a more proactive solution. Given how valuable business data systems have become, entrepreneurs can’t afford the risk of unexpected downtime or IT outages. An MSP will monitor your IT infrastructure around the clock, carefully fine-tuning the system and resolving minor issues before they escalate into devastating problems. An MSP will also improve your cybersecurity posture through managed security and ensuring compliance.
Choosing a managed IT service provider
All MSPs are not the same. You have to choose a service provider that suits your business model and its IT requirements. Make sure you understand and accept the value that an MSP partnership brings to your business. Here are some key qualities to consider when vetting a potential outsourced IT partner:
- Availability (on-site and off-site)
- Services and solutions rendered
- Costs and billing structure
- Value-added services
- Reputation and experience
- Qualifications, certifications, and assurances
- Agreeable contract terms
- Response time
Look no further than GB Tech for a managed IT partner to grow your IT footprint and digital productivity. Our dedicated team of experts will assist you in developing, deploying, and running the best IT solutions for your business. Talk to us today and tap into our 30+ years of experience and honed expertise in the tech world.
