The IT Dilemma: Outsource or build an internal team?
For many small service-based businesses, managing IT can be one of their biggest headaches as they begin to grow. From an endless list of ‘must have tools’, to cybersecurity, and supporting remote working, IT can quickly pull the focus of key stakeholders away from core business priorities.
In this situation, small businesses are faced with two decisions: hire an internal IT person or outsource their IT to a managed IT service provider.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of outsourcing IT, the potential risks of keeping IT in-house, and why partnering with a Managed IT Service Provider can be a game-changer for long-term success.
The Risks of Keeping IT In-House
Relying on an in-house IT team may seem like a way to maintain control and have better access to support, but it often comes with challenges that can slow down growth and reduce operational efficiency:
High Costs – Hiring and retaining an in-house IT team requires significant investment in salaries, benefits, training, and general management. For small businesses, these expenses can quickly add up, straining budgets that could be better allocated elsewhere.
Increased Downtime Risks – A smaller IT team may struggle to resolve technical issues quickly, leading to extended downtime. Without proactive monitoring and rapid response capabilities, even minor problems can escalate into costly disruptions.
Turnover Challenges – Losing a key IT staff member not only requires time and resources for recruitment but also results in the loss of valuable subject matter expertise they’ve built over the years, leaving gaps in knowledge and disrupting operations.
The Advantages of Outsourcing Your IT
Rather than dealing with the challenges of recruiting, training, and managing a small in-house IT team, many service-based businesses choose to outsource their IT. This approach is gaining popularity not just because it removes IT management from a growing business’s to-do list, but because it offers significant benefits, including:
Access to Expertise – An outsourced IT provider brings a team of skilled professionals with diverse experience, ensuring your business benefits from the latest technology solutions and best practices.
Depth & Breadth of Knowledge – An MSP offers a wide range of specialized skills, from cybersecurity to cloud computing, giving you access to experts in multiple IT disciplines without having to hire for each role individually.
Cost-Effectiveness – Avoid the high costs of recruiting, training, and maintaining an in-house team. With outsourcing, you only pay for the services you need, making it a more budget-friendly solution.
Focus on Core Business – Free up internal resources by offloading IT management to experts, allowing your team to concentrate on growing the business rather than troubleshooting tech issues.
Scalability – As your business expands, your IT needs will evolve. Outsourcing provides the flexibility to scale IT support up or down without the hassle of hiring or restructuring teams.
24/7 Support– Many MSPs offer around-the-clock monitoring and support, ensuring your business and systems are always running smoothly.
Reduced Downtime – Outsourced IT providers proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact your business operations.
Enhanced Security– Security is an ever-evolving challenge that requires specialized expertise, advanced tools, and continuous monitoring. MSPs bridge this gap, providing enterprise-level security at a fraction of the cost
Final Thoughts: Making the Right IT Decision for Your Business
As a Managed IT Service Provider in Toronto, we’ll admit—there’s certainly some bias in our perspective. However, our experience working with small service-based businesses has shown us time and again that outsourcing IT isn’t just a cost-saving measure; it’s a strategic decision that fuels long-term growth and stability.
If you take away nothing else, take away this:
Choosing to keep IT in-house may seem like a way to maintain control, but the reality is that it often leads to higher costs, greater risk, and operational inefficiencies. On the other hand, outsourcing IT provides access to specialized expertise, proactive security, and scalable support, all without the burden of managing an internal team.
If you are ready to take the next step, or just have a few questions, contact us via our website here or email us at info@plexussolutions.ca to kick start the conversation.
