As a managed service provider (MSP), it’s only natural that we would be a bit biased when comparing the pros and cons of an in-house IT team versus an outsourced IT provider. However, each has its benefits given the right situations, and each can have its downsides. Let’s discuss each option to establish the better choice for your business: in-house or managed IT.
The In-House Team IT Team
The Pros: Keeping Responsibility Internal
One of the greatest benefits of relying on an in-house team to manage your technology is that you can hand-pick your team members. Ultimately, you have a higher level of control over which aspects of your IT you want to prioritize for the benefit of your company. Having an in-house team also means you have staff right at your fingertips that you can direct at any time. Additionally, they have a deeper understanding of the company because they’re actually working within it. When you go with an in-house IT team, you can train them to understand the depths of your company and IT goals, which will benefit how they work together.
The Cons: Recruitment and Cost
Managing an in-house IT team isn’t always a practical option, especially for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). These organizations often face significant challenges, starting with the onboarding and training of new IT staff. Without an existing, experienced IT professional on the team to guide the process, it becomes difficult to establish clear expectations, workflows, and best practices for managing IT infrastructure. Additionally, the cost of building and maintaining an internal team can be substantial. Recruiting skilled technicians with the expertise to address today’s complex technology demands often requires a higher financial investment—something many SMBs may find difficult to justify or sustain.
The Managed Service Provider’s Team
Pro: Gain Predictability, Consistency, and Cost Effectiveness
One of the most significant advantages an MSP can provide to a business is predictability and consistency. When a business subscribes to an MSP’s services, it will have its technology maintained and monitored for issues, all for a budgeted, fixed monthly fee. By partnering with an MSP, companies save a lump sum of money compared to the upfront costs associated with hiring, onboarding, and training a new employee, let alone an entire new department.
Pro: Access to the Latest Technologies and Scalable Solutions
MSPs are deeply immersed in the technology landscape, making them well-positioned to stay current with emerging tools, trends, and best practices. This ongoing expertise directly benefits your business, as MSPs bring valuable insights and recommendations to keep your IT environment modern and competitive.
Partnering with an MSP also supports long-term growth. Instead of needing to hire additional in-house staff as your business expands, your MSP can scale with you, offering the flexibility to efficiently handle increased workloads or evolving infrastructure needs.
While some business owners may worry that outsourcing IT means losing control, a reputable MSP understands that your systems and data are your assets. Their role is to serve as a strategic advisor and support partner, not to override your decisions. To that end, selecting the right MSP is crucial. Look for one that aligns with your values, communicates transparently, and prioritizes your business objectives.
Con: Not On-Site, But Still Within Reach
One potential drawback of working with an MSP is that they’re not physically located within your organization. However, this doesn’t mean you sacrifice control or flexibility. Many businesses successfully partner with MSPs that offer hybrid support models, including the option to have a dedicated technician on-site when needed.
At Exact IT, we recognize that IT issues can arise at any time. We provide 24/7 IT support to our clients, ensuring that your operations never come to a halt due to technical difficulties. Our helpdesk as a service is staffed with knowledgeable professionals ready to assist you whenever needed.
We prioritize not just resolving issues but also anticipating potential challenges. Our proactive maintenance ensures your IT infrastructure is always optimized for peak performance, minimizing downtime and increasing productivity.
Ultimately, it comes down to evaluating your specific needs and weighing the cost-benefit. You may find it valuable to maintain a small internal IT presence for strategic initiatives, while outsourcing routine maintenance, help desk support, or specialized projects to an MSP. This kind of blended approach can maximize efficiency, free up internal resources, and ensure your IT strategy supports your larger business goals.
If you’re unsure which model is right for you, we’re always here to discuss it with you and help you find the best fit.
Why We Want to Support Your Business
Our mission is to be your trusted partner, helping you make strategic, long-term IT decisions that align technology with business objectives while also enhancing operational efficiency. We achieve this by providing a comprehensive suite of proactive and innovative technology solutions, superior customer support, and exceptional technical consulting services. Don’t believe us? Let our 100+ 5-star Google reviews speak for us.
If you are looking for a reliable service that can help you upgrade your IT services, look no further than Exact IT Consulting. We are proud to be one of the most reliable IT companies in the industry, and we can help you with all of your data backup and cybersecurity needs. We can even assist you in procuring new hardware and software when needed. If you are looking for a team of IT professionals who can help you improve your IT capabilities, contact us today to speak to a member of our team.
You can also check out our free guide, Selecting the Right MSP for Your Business, or take a look at our Cost Calculator.
