Choosing the right IT…
In today’s ever-changing landscape, businesses are more reliant than ever on modern work technology to grow, increase productivity, and enhance collaboration. But this increased reliance on technology leaves companies facing a dilemma of whether they should utilize an internal IT department or partner with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to optimize their technology.
Both options have their benefits, but as business leader, it’s important to understand which is best for your organization. Choosing between the two options is about knowing what best aligns with your business goals and understanding the unique needs of your organization. Traditionally, larger companies utilize in-house IT more than smaller companies, but according to CompTIA, 50% of companies who engaged an MSP saved 1-24% in annual IT costs, 33% saved 25-49%, while 13% reported savings of more than 50%. The option you choose impacts more than just your technology infrastructure; it affects your entire operation.
Most business leaders would agree that the primary benefit of an internal IT department is the ability to have immediate on-site support. When a technical issue arises, your IT department is there to resolve the problem, but in the quickly evolving environment of modern work, proximity isn’t an issue anymore. MSPs have the bandwidth, expertise, and experience to remotely address problems just as fast—or even faster—than an internal IT department. An MSP with a qualified Service Desk that offers 24/7 support is a great way to ensure your organization and your employees are never without the help it needs.
Another benefit of an internal IT department is that staff have in-depth knowledge of the business and its operations. An internal department is part of your organization, and it knows your unique processes and challenges, allowing it to provide tailored solutions that fit your needs. However, when you partner with an MSP you gain the benefit of an outside perspective, a new outlook on your processes. They might be able to provide valuable insights into how your processes can be improved.
With an internal IT department, you have the ability to control and customize your team and technology infrastructure, and you have full ownership over your IT assets. This means you can create infrastructure that fits your organization’s needs, but in turn, you miss out on the diverse experience and expertise that an MSP can offer. MSPs employ diverse teams with far-reaching skills that can help you elevate your infrastructure to keep up with trends as they develop.
While an MSP can offer more extensive, far-reaching, and in-depth services than an internal IT department, it’s important to make sure the MSP you choose is a strategic partner for your organization. Their services should extend beyond a service desk; they should be able to provide you with a plan that strategically aligns your technology with your business goals. Knowing what to look for in an MSP is an important part of every organization’s journey.
As the modern work landscape continues to evolve and change, many organizations are adopting a joint approach by hiring IT specialists who work directly with their MSP to ensure that their business goals and technology are aligned.
Partnering with an MSP paves the way for scalability and growth. While an internal IT department allows you to have more control and direction of your IT, an MSP provides wider reaching capabilities that your organization needs to succeed and grow in the modern world.
At FSi our Total Care Managed Services are designed to help your organization engage employees, protect your data, identities, and users, and accelerate productivity and collaboration. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner with designations for Modern Work and Security, our team knows how to help you strategically leverage Microsoft’s technology to do more. Download our eBook, Choosing the right MSP for your Modern Workplace, or contact us today to learn more about how a managed service provider can help elevate your IT beyond.