Benefits of Outsourcing IT Support Services

IT support

Today, where technology is the heartbeat of every business, ensuring the security and compliance of your IT infrastructure is paramount. As organizations navigate the complex terrain of cybersecurity threats and ever-evolving regulations, the decision to outsource IT support becomes a strategic move toward fortifying the foundations of operational resilience.

However, this is one area that is often overlooked, whether from lack of resources or low priority. While having an in-house IT department might seem ideal, it is not always the most efficient or cost-effective solution. A growing number of companies are discovering the significant advantages of IT managed services. But how do you know if outsourcing is right for you? 

In this blog, let’s explore the benefits of outsourcing IT support that go beyond security and compliance.

What is IT Support?

Given the rapid advancement of technology, IT support has evolved far beyond basic troubleshooting and help desk solutions. In the context of enterprise-level operations, IT support is integral to maintaining seamless business continuity and operational efficiency. The main goal is to ensure that all aspects of critical IT infrastructure are fully functional and secure. These can include but are not limited to:

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Network
  • Data Centers and Facilities
  • Cloud Services

IT support covers a variety of functions that keep your entire IT ecosystem in optimal condition. These include the following:

  • User Support
  • Desktop and Device Management
  • Network Management and Security
  • Data Backup and Recovery
  • Systems Administration
  • Cloud Services Management
  • Software and Hardware Support
  • Security Awareness
  • Vendor Management

IT managed services

Advantages of IT Managed Services

IT or tech support can be kept in-house or outsourced to a third-party provider. Understanding what IT support services are and their advantages are crucial to determining whether you can maintain an entire IT department or tap external expertise.

Here are the compelling benefits of IT managed services:

Leveraging expertise and experience

MSPs have specialized knowledge and follow industry best practices. Their teams are composed of highly skilled professionals who are constantly updated with the latest IT managed services trends. With their expertise, you can stay ahead of the competition and drive innovation while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Reducing risk

MSPs implement rigorous security protocols and compliance measures to mitigate any risks. By proactively identifying and preparing for potential vulnerabilities, IT managed services reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks and other IT-related issues. This safeguards your organization from legal and financial repercussions.

Scaling up or down

Scalability is a major benefit of outsourcing IT support. Business needs and customer preferences are constantly evolving; scalability allows businesses to adapt to these changes—whether it’s scaling up during peak times or scaling down during slow periods. MSPs offer the flexibility to adjust IT infrastructure accordingly so that businesses remain agile.

fixing issues

Fixing issues promptly

Downtime caused by technical difficulties is detrimental to businesses. Having 24/7 support is essential to ensure that your organization can respond to queries despite the disruption. Additionally, MSPs can detect anomalies and resolve them before they escalate and cause significant damage to your IT infrastructure, operations, and reputation.

Shielding against cybersecurity threats

  • Outsourcing IT support to seasoned professionals means entrusting your digital fortress to experts well-versed in the latest cybersecurity protocols.  
  • With a dedicated team actively monitoring and responding to potential threats, businesses can proactively shield themselves against the rising tide of cyberattacks.  
  • Whether it’s defending against malware, phishing attempts, or other malicious activities, outsourcing provides a robust defense mechanism that goes beyond the capabilities of an in-house team.  
  • Furthermore, outsourcing providers extend access to enterprise-level security solutions and can implement proactive monitoring systems that identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.  
  • They can also scale depending on support volume requirements and provide round-the-clock monitoring to ensure a rapid response mechanism is in place to address any incidents, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.

Staying compliant

  • Navigating the labyrinth of regulatory compliance can be a daunting task for any business.  
  • Outsourcing IT support brings the advantage of tapping into a pool of experts who are well-versed in the intricate details of industry-specific compliance standards.  
  • From GDPR to ISO27001, outsourcing partners ensure that your IT operations align seamlessly with the latest regulatory requirements, mitigating the risks of non-compliance and potential legal ramifications.

The enhanced security and compliance benefits of outsourcing IT support go beyond the surface-level advantages. They empower organizations to handle the intricacies of the digital landscape with confidence, knowing that their IT infrastructure is in the hands of experts committed to safeguarding against threats and ensuring regulatory compliance. 

Questions to Ask Before Outsourcing IT Support

While the benefits of IT support services from a third party sound promising, there are questions you must ask first to ensure that outsourcing is the right fit for your organization. You will invest time, money, and effort, so it’s only natural that you cover all bases before you commit.

Here are some questions to help you decide if the best move is to outsource IT support services:

IT support

1. How can outsourcing help my company grow?

What does growth mean to your business? Do you want to attract new clients while retaining existing ones? Do you want to boost your sales? Your business goals will have specific IT requirements, so you need to be intentional with your outsourcing.

2. Why do I need to outsource?

Identify the areas in which you will need additional IT support. Do you want to improve your workflows while reducing operational costs? Does your in-house team lack expertise? Organizations that do not have the technological resources to support their goals will have to outsource them to a provider.

3. Which IT support functions should I hand over to an MSP?

You can outsource nearly every IT support function. However, it does not mean you should hand over all tasks to a third party. What is included in managed IT services will also depend on the provider. Ideally, you should prioritize outsourcing non-core functions. But if you are looking for a more long-term arrangement, MSPs can provide proactive monitoring, maintenance, support, and strategy.

4. How much control do I have if I outsource?

Organizations retain significant control over their IT ecosystem. The MSP provides guidance and hands-on management as needed, and they often perform under a clear set of standards and responsibilities under contract.

5. How can I integrate existing IT processes with new ones?

Remember that open communication is the key to a smooth transition. Meet with your internal IT team and the MSP to discuss expectations, roles, and timelines. Both teams should be on the same page from planning to implementation and monitoring. You can also conduct a rollout in phases to minimize disruption and slowly ease team members into the new processes.

The Most In-Demand Outsourced IT Services

Now that you have a clear understanding of your IT needs and the right questions to ask when outsourcing, you’re well on your way to finding a trusted MSP. But before that, let’s explore the most in-demand IT services your business can invest in:

Mobile App Development

Outsourced developers create user-friendly apps to engage customers and boost sales—all without the need for an in-house team.

ecommerce website

E-Commerce

Set up an online store with the help of experts. Outsourced e-commerce allows businesses to focus on the marketing and sales side instead of creation and maintenance.

Cloud Management

Spare yourself the hassle of the cloud, from storage to disaster recovery. Cloud specialists ensure your data and applications run smoothly to support day-to-day operations.

Data Analysis

Outsourced data analysts turn raw data into actionable insights so businesses can make data-driven decisions to optimize their strategies.

artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

AI tools like chatbots or predictive analytics automate tasks and personalize experiences. Since AI is relatively new, outsourcing this service to experts ensures you stay ahead of the curve.

Full-Service IT Support for Your Business

As businesses continue to evolve in an era of digital transformation, outsourcing IT support emerges not just as a strategic choice but as an indispensable ally in the journey toward a secure and compliant future.

Ready to unlock the benefits of outsourcing IT support? Look no further than Eastvantage. As a leading Managed Service Provider in the Philippines, we offer a suite of IT solutions designed to meet the unique needs of your business. Choose us as your partner in everything IT. Contact us today!