Managed IT Or In-House IT? How to Make the Best Choice for Your Business
IT services are key to support your business’ everyday operations, increasing efficiency and productivity, strengthening cyber resilience, and driving digital transformation. When you’re looking to secure reliable services, there’s two options: working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or establishing an in-house IT team. Today, we’re weighing up the difference so you can identify the best choice to support business success now and into the future.
What is an MSP?
While in-house IT services may seem self-explanatory, not everyone may know what an MSP is. When you work with an MSP, you’re outsourcing your IT needs to a team of experts who can provide a wide range of essential services and often improve operational efficiency. These may include managed services, cyber security, cloud services, and voice and Internet solutions. You can learn more about MSPs in our blog here.
Now, let’s look at the benefits of each option.
Benefits of working with an MSP
Cost efficiency: MSPs often leverage partnerships or use buying power to unlock savings which benefit their clients. Alongside this, they bundle their services and charge a fixed fee, so you’re less likely to experience additional costs and can ensure accurate budgeting.
Cutting edge tools: Good MSPs offer industry leading software and tools that might not fit into your budget otherwise, which is significant when it comes to building your cyber resilience.
A wide range of expertise: MSPs bring together skilled professionals with diverse expertise, so you can access support for a range of challenges including procurement and technology transformation.
Up to date knowledge: MSPs are dedicated to upskilling their teams with training, qualifications, and certifications. This ensures that they’re always building their expertise, which your business can benefit from without additional spending.
Responsive support: With a dedicated support helpdesk, MSPs have the capacity to help you quickly overcome roadblocks and limit downtime.
Scalable services: MSP services can be scaled to suit your business’ evolving needs so you can promote higher productivity, even during periods of change.
Increased focus: When your team isn’t responsible for IT infrastructure or management, they get the chance to focus solely on your business, promoting growth rather than using time to maintain technology based processes and deal with challenges.
Cyber security: Hackers continue to target SMBs due to lower defences, and implementing strong cyber security should be a priority for your business. MSP teams harness specialised knowledge, experience, and tools to protect your business against attacks including data breaches, phishing, and ransomware.
Benefits of working with in-house IT
Ease of support and collaboration: When your IT team is working in the office, they’re readily available for support requests and collaboration. However, it’s important to note that their location doesn’t always guarantee immediate help if they’re prioritising other tasks.
Insider knowledge: People consistently working within your business may have a better understanding of your team’s daily processes and requirements. They can draw on this to build strategies and inform digital transformation.
Tailored skills: When you have in-house IT, you have the power to shape your team to meet your business’ requirements. This might include seeking out specific skill sets during the hiring stage, or providing specific training for existing staff.
Factors to consider
Choosing between an MSP and in-house IT services will be largely governed by your budget, your business’ requirements, and long terms goals including growth.
In-house IT teams can have significant setup and ongoing costs, from the hiring process through to salaries, benefits, hardware and software setup and maintenance, ongoing training, and more. These costs often make MSPs a more attractive option for SMBs who don’t require the support of an in-house IT team.
MSP’s can also be a better option when you’re looking to grow your business in future, with services that can effortlessly adapt to suit your staff numbers and reduce downtime.
How Ridgetech can help
Ready to get started? We’re an MSP based in North West Tasmania committed to providing high-quality services so you can be confident in your IT. We offer value packed bundles, delivering innovative and reliable solutions that improve efficiency and productivity, and build your business’ cyber defences. If you’re interested in working with a team committed to exceptional customer service, get in touch today here to learn how we can support you.
