When your desktop monitor won’t turn on or when you suspect that a virus is wreaking havoc on your PC, who do you call? IT support is crucial to any business. And they’re not just there to make sure your computer works well. They also make sure that your sensitive files are safe and that hackers won’t be able to steal millions of customer data from you.
Because of the increasing cost of operating a business, hiring an in-house IT support is often a hard decision to do. After all, the average salary of a full-time in-house IT support falls in the range of $35K to $75K a year.
If you’re wondering if you should hire an in-house IT support or outsource it, these are some considerations that can affect your decision:
In-house IT gives you more control and easier access
The number one benefit of hiring an in-house IT is that you’ll have more control over the protocols and security measures being implemented by the team. You get to command or train your IT team on how to maintain the security and performance of your computers and databases.
It’s also easier to access your IT team since you’re literally under one roof. This is crucial for emergencies and to maintain the efficiency of work processes.
If ease of access and more control aren’t issues for you, outsourcing your IT can work for you. The best IT agencies have live customer support services so you can get help whenever you need it.
You have to train your IT guy
A big drawback with hiring an IT is that you have to spend money and time training your IT guy. Even if your hire is experienced in this field, you’d still have to give them enough time to get acquainted with your technical setup, your team, and your company culture.
On the other hand, if you outsource your IT, you’d spend less time training because the degree of involvement they have within your company is also limited. You’ll also be assured that you’re working with veterans who know all the basics and can boast of technological expertise.
Sometimes you won’t have any IT-related tasks
Another thing to consider is that you’d still be paying for hours or days when your IT support isn’t doing anything. Nothing’s wrong with the computers, everything’s safe and sound with the databases, and everything’s all fine and dandy.
Because they’re full-time employees, you still have to pay them at times like this. A workaround here is to spend this time in training them for new skills or industry knowledge.
In contrast, if you get virtual IT support for your business, you’d just be paying for the pre-agreed services that they will give you. This way, you’ll know that every penny is spent well.
Now that you know the benefits and disadvantages of hiring an in-house IT support and outsourcing, think carefully about your priorities and what areas you can compromise on. Carefully assess the better option for your business in terms of cost, ease of access, and other factors.