In House vs Outsourcing IT Support: Which Is Better?

The pivotal role of technology in businesses causes IT needs to grow. We need more secure networks, continuously updated software, and backed-up data
A man holding a tablet with floating logos related to IT support

The pivotal role of technology in businesses causes IT needs to grow. We need more secure networks, continuously updated software, and backed-up data to continue smooth operations. Some say an in house IT staff is sufficient to complete these tasks, but some prefer outsourced IT support services

Deciding between in house vs outsourcing IT support solely depends on your budget, needs, and business size. Both approaches offer pros and cons, and judging them objectively will help you find a solution that best fits your organization. 

What Is In House IT Support?

Two IT technicians analyzing a network problem in the server room

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In house IT support is the traditional and centralized option where businesses hire a technician or build a team to work directly on-site. On-site support provides break-fix solutions for sudden issues. 

Your IT staff can quickly address outages and hardware problems, ensuring an uninterrupted workflow. In-house IT strengthens company data security since they respond to cyberattacks quickly. 

Pros and Cons of In House IT Support

Having an in house IT department comes with benefits and drawbacks. Consider these before building your own to see if it aligns with your company: 

Pros Cons
Available Support: IT technicians work on-site and can easily solve IT issues, perform disaster recovery, and troubleshoot office devices. High Costs: Building an IT department involves high costs due to hiring, training, and maintaining employees. You also have to include their salaries and other employee benefits.
Well-Rounded Knowledge: An in-house IT team has in-depth knowledge of your systems and equipment, enabling them to easily spot infrastructure issues and continuously develop solutions to make it more robust. Replacement Issues: When an IT technician leaves the company, finding a replacement may take a long time. This leaves your IT infrastructure vulnerable to attacks and system failures.
Customization: IT technicians can create solutions tailored to the organization’s needs. Lack of Expertise: When complex issues arise, your IT staff may not have the right experience to handle them correctly.
Limited Resources: Relying on in-house IT support can be limiting since you don’t have access to the latest technology that can help your business grow.

What Is Outsourced IT Support?

A remote IT tech support guiding his client on call

Image Source: Canva

With outsourced IT support services, businesses delegate IT operations to a managed service provider. This third-party team manages your IT infrastructure, maintains network security, and performs other tasks remotely or on-site if needed. 

An outsourced IT department consists of experts experienced in handling complicated issues to prevent system failures. This group also gives clients access to the latest tech, apps, and software perfect for streamlining work. 

Pros and Cons of Outsourced IT Support Services

See the table for the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing technical support:

Pros Cons
Cost Savings: Outsourced IT support services come in various packages in varying prices. Depending on needs, businesses can pay for hourly ad-hoc services or a monthly partnership, which is more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT team. Mainly Remote: IT engineers can solve system issues remotely, but won’t be present when a breakdown occurs in the office.
Expert Pools: Managed service providers have pools of IT specialists who can handle simple IT tasks and solve unique issues. Trust Issues: Management difficulties can strain client-vendor relationships and cause difficulties at work.
Access to Latest Technology: Working with an outsourced IT service provider gives you access to updated tech for optimizing operations. Less Control: An outsourced IT department handles all things IT-related, which could lessen control over your networks. However, you still have the final say.
Focus on Business: Leaving the IT job to your external support team allows you to focus on your core business.

Outsourced IT Support vs In House: How to Choose

When choosing IT support, consider the business size, budget, and IT needs first. These factors will level the field and help you choose which solution best suits your company.

Small Businesses

Small businesses have limited funds and can’t afford to sustain an in house IT staff due to high costs. They’d benefit more from having outsourced IT support services. Managed IT providers can recommend a contract plan that fits their budget. It can be a one-time monthly fee agreement or a project-based commitment.

These contracts include 24/7 desk services, server management, cybersecurity, and other features. Business owners can customize these services according to their needs, lowering their total IT costs. 

Medium to Large Businesses

While medium to large businesses can afford an in house IT department, they’ll benefit financially from outsourced services instead. An outsourced IT department saves you the stress of hiring, training, and managing IT employees. A remote team full of experts can handle all tasks and let you focus on what matters most—achieving business goals and meeting fiscal targets.

An IT technician troubleshooting office equipment

Image Source: Canva

Hybrid Setup

Business leaders have the option to have an in house IT department and an outsourced staff. This balanced approach allows full control over internal resources while leveraging all the benefits of outsourced IT services. Not only will you have well-optimized IT systems but also improve business operations with updated tech. 

Outsourced IT Support Services for Businesses of All Sizes

Between in house vs outsourcing IT support, the latter offers flexibility and scalability to companies looking for cost-effective solutions. Business owners can choose this option for the short- and long-term, giving them enough time to decide if it’s time for in house tech support or to rely on outsourced services for good. 

For reliable managed IT services, choose Canada’s trusted provider—Integr8. We can help you unlock your company’s potential with our hands-on support and state-of-the-art technology. All your IT needs will be covered with our customer-tailored plans. 

Get a personalized IT package today! Contact us to learn more.