July 19, 2023
Paris Evangelou

5 Reasons Your Business Needs Outsourced IT Services

IT team at work
Tech Made Simple: Secure IT Solutions for Business with a Personal Touch — from Syslogic’s Chief Problem Solver
Paris Evangelou

Can Small Businesses Keep Up With Technology?

In an era characterized by unprecedented technological growth and digital transformation, businesses are faced with the ever-growing challenge of staying competitive. With this rapid evolution, many organizations find it increasingly difficult to keep up. Changes in technologies like AI are only serving to expand the gap between companies that have assistance. This is especially true when it comes to small and medium sized businesses where the business owner or stakeholder is often the one dealing with Windows updates, and user accounts. Faced with a choice like this companies fall behind technologically rather than loose productivity. It just may be that your business can't afford to ignore outsourced IT services. This is where managed service providers (MSPs) come into play. The truth is that outsourced IT services help small business keep up. Most companies would prefer to outsource services like network administration and support to MSPs rather than having to hire employees with that knowledge.

The Need for Specialized IT Expertise

Navigating the complex landscape of IT can be a herculean task for businesses. With an array of technologies, from cloud computing to AI and machine learning, it's difficult to stay current. Imagine a small eCommerce business struggling to manage its IT infrastructure. They frequently carry out repetitive tasks by hand, and their digital marketing efforts consist of a few random email marketing campaigns. They want to have a competitive advantage but the person tasked with IT for its' infrastructure also does help desk for office users.

By outsourcing or partnering with an MSP, they gain access to a team of specialists who optimize their online platform, improve customer experience, and ultimately boost sales.

network engineers diagnosing

Cost-Efficiency of Outsourced IT

Operating an in-house IT department can be a significant expense. It's not just about the salaries; there are also costs associated with training, software, hardware, and infrastructure maintenance. Suppose a medium-sized manufacturing company decides to outsource their IT. The MSP provides scalable services, enabling the business to pay for what they use, significantly reducing costs. More funds can now be redirected towards their core manufacturing process. Small business also need to stay up to date with tools that are essential for their industry. Because MSPs often serve numerous small businesses they are aware of tools and technology best suited for specific verticals.

The Cost of Amateur IT Management

There's an often overlooked, yet crucial aspect of IT management that businesses should consider - the cost of errors when non-specialized employees take on IT tasks. Imagine a scenario where a small law firm asks its administrative staff to manage IT issues along with their day-to-day responsibilities with clients. The staff, without proper IT training, makes mistakes - critical updates are missed, backups are not regularly made, and improper cybersecurity protocols are followed. One day, the company's network suffers a massive failure due to these oversights, leading to significant downtime. The data recovery process is complex, costly, and time-consuming. Additionally, the disruption impacts client trust and the firm's reputation. This situation could have been avoided entirely with an MSP. By leaving IT management to the experts, businesses not only reduce the risk of costly errors but also allow their employees to focus on their actual roles, enhancing productivity and overall performance.

Your Business Can't Afford to Ignore Outsourced IT Services

The cost of recovery from an outage, or an infiltration is part of the bottom line. Companies need to ask themselves how much risk they are willing to accept. When we think about the four quadrants of knowledge it is frequently the things that don't know or unknown that can affect us the most deeply. The true cost of a data breach is frequently in the millions of dollars and can bring about the end of business.

Why Businesses Resist Outsourced IT Solutions

Many business owners and stakeholders who are aware of the IT services needs of their organization still resist outsourcing their IT. The reason why is a complicated mix of psychological and practical considerations. Fear of the unknown can prevent many business from taking that vital step and transitioning into outsourced IT services. This article dispels some of the myths that prevents businesses from choosing outsourced IT.

firewall log analysis

Improved Security and Compliance

In the digital age, IT security and regulatory compliance have never been more critical. Cyber threats are continually evolving, and businesses need to stay a step ahead. Consider a healthcare provider storing sensitive patient data. Without adequate cybersecurity measures, they suffer a data breach, leading to substantial financial and reputational loss. In this article on an Idaho hospital hit with with ransomware it was noted that in the first five months "15 healthcare systems operating 29 hospitals that have been hit with ransomware incidents so far in 2023. Data was stolen from 12 of the 15 healthcare organizations affected." Most of these problems occur when in house staff is not able to give IT task top priority. An MSP, with its cybersecurity team, could have helped prevent this disaster, ensuring robust security measures and regulatory compliance.

Fostering Business Innovation and Growth

Outsourcing IT allows businesses to focus on what they do best. Let's take the case of a local retailer wanting to expand their operations online. However, their limited understanding of digital technologies impedes their progress. An MSP steps in, revamps their digital strategy, implements an efficient e-commerce system, and propels the retailer into a new era of online sales growth. Marketing efforts measured in both time and money can be wasted if the practices employees are outdated and no longer have a real impact.

Access to the Latest Technologies

Today, in the world's fast-paced digital landscape, the ability to adapt and adopt the newest technologies is crucial for survival, and even more so for growth. This is especially true for small businesses, which stand to gain significant advantages from advancements in IT. Consider, for instance, a small local logistics company that's still operating with outdated software. Manual processes are still being used for numerous operations. By partnering with an MSP, they gain access to the latest technological tools and applications tailored to their specific needs.

These improvements can revolutionize multiple areas of their business. For instance, integrating advanced tracking systems can enhance their supply chain visibility, while AI-driven analytics can offer valuable insights to drive strategic decisions. Microsoft's Dynamics platform is steadily moving towards employing AI tools in it's products. Small businesses that leverage these technologies can see significant cost savings. Implementing cloud-based services can also foster remote collaboration and ensure business continuity, essential in today's increasingly remote work culture. Meanwhile, robust cybersecurity measures can protect their business from ever-evolving threats. Companies like Cloudflare offer services that are robust and secure, but if there is no one on the team available to explore them and their overhead costs to other services they remain forever out of reach. The benefits extend to their customers as well - better efficiency often leads to improved services and customer satisfaction metrics. Thus, by leveraging the power of modern IT solutions through an MSP, small businesses can streamline operations, optimize costs, and elevate their customer experience, setting themselves up for success in the digital era.

Choosing the Right Outsourced IT Provider

Selecting the right outsourced IT provider is a strategic decision that requires thorough research and careful consideration. By following these steps, you can establish a fruitful partnership with an IT service provider that not only meets your current needs but also supports your future growth ambitions. Remember, the goal is to find a partner that acts as an extension of your team, bringing expertise, innovation, and value to your business operations.

Identify Your IT Needs and Objectives:

Before embarking on the search, it's critical to have a clear understanding of your specific IT requirements. Are you looking for comprehensive managed services, cybersecurity enhancements, cloud solutions, or support for digital transformation initiatives? Defining your objectives upfront will help you find a provider that aligns with your goals.

Research and Shortlist Potential Providers:

With your goals in hand, start researching potential IT service providers. Look for companies with a proven track record in your industry, robust security protocols, and a wide array of services that match your business needs. Shortlist providers that stand out in terms of reputation, expertise, and service offerings.

Evaluate Technical Expertise and Experience:

The depth of technical expertise and industry experience a provider brings to the table is paramount. Review case studies, testimonials, and any available references to gauge their success in handling IT environments similar to yours. It's also beneficial to assess their certifications and partnerships with leading technology vendors.

Summary

In summary, managed service providers offer specialized IT expertise, cost-efficient solutions, enhanced security, assistance in fostering innovation, and access to the latest technologies. In today's competitive landscape, businesses can't afford to ignore the immense value that outsourced IT services bring to the table. Consider partnering with an MSP like, Syslogic. - it might be the key to unlocking your business's full potential. The next step is to choose an MSP that can help. This article on choosing the best IT support company for your business can help.

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