A smoothly running IT infrastructure is crucial to maintaining productivity and security for modern businesses—but it can be expensive to do it alone. Did you know maintaining a single full-time IT manager in house can cost an average of $156K–$244K a year? One popular solution for many is outsourcing IT support.
This process involves hiring an external company to manage and maintain your organization’s IT systems. But what are the real costs involved, and do the benefits justify the investment? This blog post will answer your questions about outsourced IT support, helping you make an informed decision for your organization.
What Are the Costs Involved?
The cost of outsourced IT support can vary widely, as it’s a highly customizable service that can range from complete management of all IT functions, to basic help desk assistance, to specialized IT support provided on a case-by-case basis.
There are managed service providers (MSPs) of all shapes and sizes, whether you want co-managed IT support to work in partnership with an existing in-house IT department, or you want to eliminate in-house expenses all together in favor of entirely outsourced support. But here’s a general idea of what to expect:
Long-Term Costs
Most outsourced IT services charge a set monthly fee per user/per month, which will include everything you need for the services you want, ensuring you have a clear idea of your IT costs each month without worrying about extra charges. A good ballpark estimate for IT support costs is $80.00 to $150.00 per month per user.
Short-Term Costs
While some companies use other price models, such as hourly fee structures or a flat amount (which often comes with extra charges for things like on-site support, delivery fees, or other additional needs), these tend to result in more headaches and unexpected expenses, making the per-user model a reliable option.
Additionally, with many MSPs, the process may begin with an initial setup fee, which can vary depending on the complexity and size of your business.
What Are the Benefits?
Outsourced IT support offers numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. Here are some of the most significant advantages:
Expertise and Experience
One of the most significant advantages of outsourcing IT support is access to a team of experts with diverse skill sets. These professionals are usually well-versed in the latest technologies and industry best practices, ensuring your IT infrastructure is efficiently managed and secure—without the burden of training falling on you.
Cost Efficiency
Outsourcing can often be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT department. According to Deloitte, cost reduction is one of the primary reasons businesses outsource. This is because you eliminate the need for ongoing training, salaries, benefits, and other overhead costs associated with full-time employees.
Focus on Core Business Functions
Outsourcing IT support allows your internal teams to focus on core business activities rather than getting bogged down with IT issues. This can lead to improved productivity and innovation within your organization.
24/7 Support
Many outsourced IT providers offer round-the-clock support, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly, regardless of the time of day. This level of support can be challenging to achieve with an in-house team, especially for smaller companies.
Do the Benefits Outweigh the Cost?
While the initial costs of outsourcing IT support might seem high, the long-term benefits justify the investment. The expertise, cost efficiency, and 24/7 support provided by outsourced IT services can lead to significant savings and improved business performance over time.
Additionally, outsourced IT can be particularly beneficial for small businesses that can’t afford the expense of maintaining an in-house IT department. It is also helpful for growing companies whose employees are struggling with a heavy workload and need some support or specialized expertise.
What Can You Outsource?
Practically any IT function can be outsourced, including but not limited to:
- Help Desk Support: Handling user queries, troubleshooting, and technical assistance.
- Network Management: Monitoring and managing network performance and security.
- Data Backup and Recovery: Ensuring data is regularly backed up and can be recovered in case of a failure.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting your IT infrastructure from cyber threats through continuous monitoring and threat mitigation.
What If You Only Want to Outsource Some Things?
Outsourcing doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Many providers offer customizable packages, allowing you to outsource specific functions while keeping others in-house. For instance, you might choose to outsource cybersecurity while maintaining an in-house help desk.
This hybrid approach, known as co-managed IT support, can offer the best of both worlds, giving you flexibility and control over your IT operations. Enjoy the specialized industry knowledge of experts while also keeping some technicians on hand who know your business inside and out.
Take the Next Step With US Resources
Partnering with a reliable IT provider can be a game-changer for your business. At US Resources, we offer tailored IT support solutions designed to meet your unique needs.
Whether you’re looking to fully outsource your IT operations or require support for specific functions, we have the expertise and experience to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our outsourced IT support services and how we can help your technology capabilities thrive.
