Managed IT services vs. in-house IT: Deciding the best option for your business
IT’S NO SURPRISE that IT services are needed for businesses today, but once a business owner does decide to invest in IT services, they will need to determine if managed IT services are better or in-house services. So, which one is better? There are pros and cons to each, so it’s a good idea to compare them carefully before making a decision.
Managed IT Services
Managed IT services like those over at Charlotte IT Solutions have a number of pros to consider.
- Less Expensive Option – Managed IT services are often more affordable, making them perfect for small businesses. It’s not necessary to worry about the cost of hiring one or more full-time employees.
- Easy to Scale With Business – Most providers offer excellent scalability, so the business can get more help as it grows. This ensures there is always the right help available.
- 24/7 Support Available – Since there is a team working to provide IT support, it is available all of the time. No matter when there’s a question or concern, help is possible.
It’s also important to understand the cons of managed IT services.
- Dependant on 3rd Party Provider – The managed IT team may not work locally and isn’t as involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. This may mean slower assistance in some cases.
- Limited Control – There is limited control over the infrastructure when using managed IT services, as they will have programs, software, and more they prefer to use.
- Potential Issues with Communication – It can be more challenging to communicate with the team since they don’t work in the office and may not be local to the area.
In-House IT Services
Many businesses opt for in-house IT services because they can offer many benefits.
- More Control – In-house services allow for more control over the infrastructure, including what software or hardware is used by the business. This can allow for more expertise working with the infrastructure unique to the business.
- Familiarity With Business – An in-house team works in the office, so they will be more familiar with the business and how it runs. This can be crucial in some situations.
- Easy to Integrate – It’s easy to integrate the in-house team with the rest of the workers, so they can all work together to keep everything up and running. This can help to prevent potential issues in the future.
Don’t forget to consider the cons of in-house services.
- Can be More Expensive – In-house IT services involve hiring full-time employees, so it can be more expensive compared to managed IT services. This is often one of the biggest cons for small businesses.
- May Have Limited Expertise – Depending on the background of those who are hired, they may have limited expertise in certain areas. This can be minimized with the right hiring practices or added training for new employees.
- Potential Staff Shortages – It is possible to experience staff shortages if someone calls out sick or ends up quitting their job. The shortages can last until new staff are hired, which can be expensive.
If you’re interested in getting professional help for any IT needs your business has, it’s important to decide if you’d prefer an in-house team or managed IT services. Compare them carefully to determine which one is the right choice for your business.