9 Benefits of IT Outsourcing

1. Lower Costs

The costs for renting managed IT services are usually much lower than those for employing internal experts for the management of the IT system. Most of the fixed costs (primarily initial capital investment in equipment, premises etc.) are replaced with variable costs by the company. Since the company pays for the IT as a service, the volume and type of needed services can be adjusted to the needs and assets of the company, while the company still uses advanced and premium service. Further, payment for services from an external provider results in lower taxes than paying a salary to internal employees.

Managed IT services of specialized providers are based on the economy of scale. Since the costs of investment in equipment, software, premises, technical training and analyses are distributed among several clients, the cost for an individual client is considerably lower.

2. Less Personnel

Employment costs for good IT experts can be huge. In the managed services approach, all recruitment, training and education costs of highly qualified IT personnel are covered by an external provider.

In addition, productivity of non-IT other employees of the company is increased, and they can focus entirely on the main business activity.

3. Technical Expertise

Internal IT personnel usually have less experience with unpredictable situations. Therefore, they are technically less qualified than external experts, who are specialized at ensuring trouble-free IT performance in multiple circumstances, for different clients.

A good external IT provider has an excellent knowledge of technology, is acquainted with current advances in the industry and proves the qualifications of personnel with certificates.

4. Facilities

External providers of managed services have access to professional equipment and premises that small and medium-sized enterprises cannot afford on their own. Hence, even the smallest enterprises with few assets can store their data and applications in safe data centers at different locations. Professional datacenters are closely guarded and managed by highly qualified personnel.

5. Protection

The specialized external provider is in constant contact with highly qualified international experts and organizations, giving the provider priority access to up-to-date information on potential vulnerabilities, efficient tools for preventing attacks, best practices for protection etc.

External IT experts can recognize potential hazards in advance and ensure optimal system protection.

6. Strategic Approach

Smaller enterprises often opt for ad hoc IT solutions with no holistic strategy, which can lead to incompatibility, equipment and costs.

Transferring responsibility for management of services to an external provider improves safety and facilitates trouble-free performance of the IT system, providing for an integral and comprehensive approach to IT.

7. Service Performance

Unlike internal IT supervisors, who supervise the system only during working hours, external providers ensure regular supervision of system performance (the client can even opt for 24/7 supervision). Moreover, the provider can solve potential problems centrally, guaranteeing high responsiveness in case of the need for onsite service intervention.

The provider is also responsible for automatic and regular maintenance, upgrades and updates of hardware and applications, minimizing the possibility of congestion and malfunctions.

8. Safety

The managed IT service package automatically includes premium solutions and technology for ensuring safety: firewalls, intrusion detection,  antivirus programs, virtual private networks, vulnerability assessment, backup tools etc. These tools are managed by qualified safety professionals, increasing their reliability.

Because the IT provider stores all data and applications in different, closely guarded locations, clients are guaranteed a disaster recovery plan.

9. All IT Under One Umbrella

Companies that use a managed services provider can save a lot of energy, time and money, as they do not have to communicate with different providers of individual IT system components (computer, telephone, Internet connection, safety, protection, printer etc.) and look for bargains.

Since one provider takes care of everything (virtual and physical IT), communication is facilitated and compatibility of equipment and programs is guaranteed. Customers can use information support to the fullest extent, with management and maintenance costs that are considerably lower.