Fully Managed IT vs. In-House IT

Fully Managed IT vs. In-House IT

• When it comes to Fully Managed IT vs. In-House IT, both options are great.
• The “better” of the two options, is the option that fits your company best.

Decisions Decisions… Fully Managed or In-House IT

The world of information technology (IT), can quickly become a confusing, overwhelming, stress-inducing place for many. While this may hold, it is equally as true that most companies in the United States, and a fair majority throughout the world, rely heavily on some sort of IT infrastructure as a means of keeping their business up to speed with the world around them. Many companies will opt to outsource their IT which will then lead them to make a decision of Fully Managed IT or In-House IT.

This choice shapes not only their technological infrastructure but also impacts their operational efficiency, cost management, and strategic growth. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the nuances of both options, analyzing their strengths and challenges to aid businesses in making an informed decision.

Fully Managed IT Services

Fully Managed IT refers to the outsourcing of IT to external IT support, such as a managed service provider (MSP) like Proper Sky. These services include a broad spectrum of IT solutions, including network management, IT infrastructure, and data protection. Companies opting for outsourced IT services benefit from the expertise of third-party IT management, leveraging their technical proficiency and advanced resources.

The Pros of Fully Managed-IT

1. Expertise and Advanced Resources: Third-party IT management companies bring specialized knowledge and access to cutting-edge IT technologies. This expertise is crucial in navigating the complexities of modern IT infrastructure and staying abreast of the latest IT trends.
2. Cost-Effective Solutions: Outsourcing IT can be more budget-friendly compared to maintaining an in-house team. This cost efficiency is due to shared resources and economies of scale offered by external IT support providers.
3. Enhanced Security and Compliance: With the growing threats in cyberspace, IT security has become paramount. Managed IT services ensure robust data protection and compliance with the latest security protocols.

The Perks of In-House IT

Another viable option for many companies is hiring in-house IT support. There are a variety of perks found alongside hiring a full time IT team or even a single IT employee, though there are also a number of downsides.

Looking at some of the perks of in-house IT, you will find:

1. Control and Customization: Generally leads to a higher level of control over IT operations and the ability to tailor solutions to your business and its needs.
2. Immediate Access and Response: An on-site presence means that there is little-to-no turnaround time between when you ask a question and receive an answer (or submit a ticket and receive a solution, etc.). While this does depend on the size of your company it, in theory, should offer faster support turnaround.
3. In-Depth Understanding of the Business: No-one knows your company better than… well, your company. Having a team of individuals (or an individual) dedicate their time solely to the IT needs of our company can be a tremendous leg-up to reducing downtime and the risk of cyber attacks. Further, your team will have a higher understanding of certain unique aspects of your company and what may be industry-standards.
4. Data Control: Keeping your data in-house can lower the risk of certain security and privacy concerns. If everything is kept within the company, the risk of data being stolen falls solely on the risk of if your company is attacked – not involving the risk inherited by trusting a third party.

Considerations:

1. Higher Costs: There are a lot of costs to take on when you bring in a dedicated IT person or team. The first would be the obvious – salary. Depending on the company, the salary of a dedicated IT team could have a starting cost of $90k and up. This isn’t a definite salary figure, but it’s not uncommon and for many it is considered low. The next cost would be the cost of training. You found a good IT person but do they know your industry? Are they certified in all of the necessary industry requirements? Another cost to consider is the cost of good IT infrastructure. This can become rather taxing – costing an individual both time and money. Revamping the IT of a company is not cheap and depending on who it is, it could result in a long period of downtime.
2. Resource Intensive: Requires significant resources for recruitment, training, and retention of skilled IT staff. Hiring costs time and money; it also requires offering individuals the tools they need to be successful in their jobs.
3. Limited Expertise: Smaller in-house teams may lack the broad expertise that a managed service provider offers. This facet of hiring an in-house team is often looked past. MSPs typically have teams with diverse skill sets and expertise in various IT areas. This means they can handle a wide range of IT issues, from basic support to specialized tasks like cybersecurity, cloud services, or network management. An in-house IT employee might be limited to their specific knowledge and experience.
4. Continuous Training and Up-to-date Knowledge: MSPs usually invest in ongoing training and certifications for their staff. This ensures they stay current with the latest technologies and best practices. An individual in-house IT employee might not have the same access to continuous professional development.
5. Experience with Multiple Clients and Environments: MSPs work with various clients across different industries, exposing them to a wide array of IT environments and challenges. This broad exposure can translate into a deeper and more versatile understanding of IT issues and solutions, compared to an in-house IT employee who may only be familiar with one organizational environment.
6. Availability and Scalability: MSPs can provide round-the-clock support and can quickly scale up resources if needed. This is often difficult for a single in-house IT employee or a small team to match, especially outside regular working hours.
7. Access to Advanced Tools and Technologies: MSPs generally have access to state-of-the-art tools and technologies for monitoring, managing, and securing IT infrastructures. These tools can be costly for a single organization to procure and maintain.
8. Strategic IT Planning: MSPs can contribute to strategic planning by providing insights into emerging technologies and industry trends, helping businesses stay competitive and plan for future IT needs.

Fully Managed IT In-House IT: Closing Thoughts

Undoubtedly, there is an option for everyone. The debate of fully managed IT vs. in-house IT is all relativev with no definitive answer. For the right company, an in-house IT support member is more than enough. For some, even a part time staff member is more than enough. Others may immediately realize that they are in need of much more than they once thought and are better off hiring an MSP or out-sourced solution because they simply do not have the time, energy, or money to put into creating an entirely new section of their company.

There is no inherent “good or bad” when it comes to IT support. Truthfully, what determines what is “good” and what is “bad” is whether or not it works for you and your company. As they say… “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.  Sure, some debate exists about fully managed IT versus in-house IT, but at the end of the day, you should find what works for you. Find what works for your company. That is right answer.

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