The pros and cons of internal vs outsourced managed IT services

Most modern businesses in the UK require dependable IT support to succeed.

Two popular options include hiring an internal IT team or a managed service provider, but it’s also possible to combine both facilities.

Business owners may ask the question:

What is the difference between internal IT and managed services providers?

In simple terms, internal IT refers to an in-house team of qualified professionals who handle daily maintenance and support, while a managed service provider sees this role outsourced to a specialist company with dedicated IT engineers.

However, even when some firms have an internal IT department, they can rely on a managed service provider for additional support when required.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of in-house IT versus outsourcing. Read on to assess which solution is best for your business.

Advantages of internal IT support

Having an in-house IT department can offer companies some useful benefits.

As employees, they possess knowledge of the unique needs of your company and how your IT infrastructure must work to suit the way you operate.

As they’re working with your technology every day and have a complete understanding of the IT resources at your disposal, dedicated staff can resolve issues quickly. They might also be familiar with any contractual requirements or industry-specific regulations your firm must adhere to.

Firms that operate in heavily regulated sectors like healthcare and finance might feel comfortable with the level of data control an in-house team can supply. However, there can be no guarantee that an internal team member won’t unintentionally or intentionally put data at risk.

Always physically present, internal staff are always on-hand to deal with technical issues when they occur, so firms don’t have to research and select experts for a resolution.

Disadvantages of internal IT support

Having full-time employees comes with costs.

Monthly salaries and tax must be accounted for, but also hidden costs like the hiring process, onboarding and training periods, and benefits like sickness and holiday pay. Employee costs increase annually, and are classed as fixed costs that won’t alter in line with changes to finances or demand.

Every company’s IT network requires professional care, regardless of the size of the business, but it isn’t always possible for a small to medium sized enterprise (SME) to support a full staff of IT engineers.

For instance, while cybersecurity is vital for every firm, there might not be enough work or resources for an SME to justify maintaining a cybersecurity professional as a full-time member of staff.

Another downside of having an internal IT team is that they may have a limited skillset. The smaller your staff, the more restricted their knowledge and skills are likely to be, making additional support a potential requirement.

Advantages of an outsourced managed IT support

With managed IT support, companies pay a fixed monthly fee that typically encompasses ongoing maintenance, service and monitoring. External IT support provides firms with a way to get the expert help they require without incurring the commitment, hassle or expense of employing full-time staff.

Managed IT support is easily scalable. Companies can scale down or scale up the level of support they require in line with their changing needs. They can also access a much wider talent pool.

When firms outsource their IT support to an expert provider, they are granted full access to specialists in many different technology areas, instead of having to rely on the knowledge of a smaller team of internal employees.

Managed service IT support engineers are often more informed on new technology and industry trends than their in-house counterparts, who may have a narrower focus. Some companies with a small internal team often use a managed service as additional support to access extra skills and knowledge.

Typically, outsourcing is a far less expensive option for firms compared to hiring an in-house team. Services are paid at a fixed monthly rate, and companies don’t have to pay for tax benefits and the cost of hiring and onboarding.

Disadvantages of outsourcing IT support

When companies don’t partner with a managed IT support service, they can incur expensive call out fees when an issue arises. However, a manged service will offer packages that include on-site visits.

When IT systems are not managed properly and systems stop working, it can be costly for companies to fix. Fortunately, with a managed IT support, firms will benefit from technical engineers proactively monitoring their networks and devices, and ensuring that issues are resolved before they become expensive problems to remediate.

To find the level of managed IT support you require, reach out to us today at 127 Solutions.