IT Insight: Outsourcing – the right way to save
Business sector IT outsourcing is accelerating at an amazing rate. Since the pandemic, companies are better integrating IT in their operational needs, investing in software-driven operations, outsourced IT and the services provided to implement and manage it. According to Forbes, outsourced IT spending is expected to reach $519 billion in 2023.
Outsourcing IT is one of the greatest means to maintain cost savings in an uncertain time. As we have moved to remote and hybrid workplaces, remote IT and automation has grown.
What does outsourced IT offer your business?
Outsourced positions, especially within an IT budget, allow your business to tap into expertise offered by providers that are familiar with your business sector, both immediate IT needs and future growth within your industry. It may help you reduce the number of in-house positions and hiring for those salaried positions with benefits. What is most relevant is that you partner with a managed service provider that offers you continuity in your communications with emphasis on security, especially with your remote workforce. How do you begin to evaluate what to outsource? What are the business functions that truly slow down business and utilize a great amount of time, namely “downtime?” Will hiring an outsource IT provider and their expert help reduce the number of help-desk requests? Will outsourcing some of your needs free up your internal IT manager, support your IT team and lend more to their availability on more important issues?
Understand the immediate and long-term goals of your business, such as productivity, security, savings and set goals that are measurable to understand how outsourcing will impact your bottom line. Choose an IT provider that has a long track record of business dealings and great recommendations from others within your business sector. Look for certifications, experience and credentials that lead to success.
Questions to ask
The relationship between you and your IT provider is key.
- What is their own company culture?
- It is important to have a firm understanding of what the responsibilities are for a successful relationship.
- Will you have a dedicated network engineer?
- Who is your vCIO in the net administration process, the liaison between your leadership and key management?
- Is there a support team in place?
- What are you contracting for regarding availability: weekly, monthly, quarterly?
- How are you charged?
- Are there travel or other fees?
- What training will be provided?
- How accurate is their quoting process?
It is important to understand your role and how the system works and to have open communication so that your outsourcing is successful.
You will need to guide and manage your employees through this transition and offer training as you progress through this change for minimal disruptions. Determine what part of your business could greatly improve with outsourced IT and increase your productivity and profit today.
JoAnn Hodgdon is Vice President and co-founder of Portsmouth Computer Group (PCGiT) with her husband, David.
PCG provides comprehensive managed IT services, business continuity, security, cloud computing and virtual CIO services to clients.
You can reach her at joann@pcgit.com.