by The Computing Australia Group | Should you outsource your IT functions? Or maybe just a part of the IT functions can be outsourced? But then is a in-house team a better option? Every IT service provider will have you believe that outsourcing is the only way. But there is no one solution fits all answer. Whether you should outsource your IT, or do a partial IT outsourcing, or not at all depends on multiple factors – your business needs, existing IT team and infrastructure, what functions you want to outsource, organisational goals and your budget. While the decision to outsource will depend on factors exclusive to your organisation, here are some general pros and cons of IT outsourcing that can help you get started on the process. But before that, let us see some of the most common IT services that are outsourced.
IT services that are typically outsourced
Based on the expertise and productivity of your in-house team, your budget, workflow, and need to focus on core functions, you may outsource IT services such as:
While some companies prefer to outsource their IT services to a single firm, others outsource selected projects to different service providers. While both methods have their own pros and cons, we recommend using the services of a single Managed IT Service Provider for Perth businesses. This has two main advantages – one, you need to onboard only once, and two, the service across different IT functions will be seamless since it is managed all in one place. This brings us to the next point.
Advantages of outsourcing IT services
Most businesses that outsource their IT services experience a surge in productivity and effectiveness combined with a more streamlined workflow. Here is a look into the numerous ways in which IT outsourcing can enhance overall business functions.
- Focus on what is important
- Access to experts with the desired skillset
Although your team members may be highly qualified and skilled, it will be difficult for them to be experts in multiple domains and new technologies. This is a common issue that we see with many clients. The in-house IT team is at the top of their skills when hired. Once they become a part of the company, they attune their skills to the existing processes. Once it becomes a routine, it is quite difficult for them to think out of the box or to apply newer technologies to their work.
When a new project demands expertise in emerging technologies, outsourcing opens up ways to hire individuals with expertise and experience. Managed IT service providers will have multiple clients from different industries, which ensures that they are always up to date on the latest technologies.
- Cut down operational expenses
- Bring down organisational complexity
IT outsourcing offers you opportunities to disband departments and maintain just the ones required to maintain core functions. You may integrate your remote team with your existing in-house team or appoint your project manager to manage the remote team. With outsourcing, workplace hierarchy becomes more flexible and fluid.
- Free access to advanced technologies
Disadvantages of IT outsourcing
- Security issues
- Not meeting quality expectations
- Unexpected costs
- Adverse effect on company culture
Sometimes, outsourcing tasks to an external provider can make your in-house team members insecure about their job, leading to reduced motivation and productivity. In case the outsourced team gets paid more than your permanent employees, it can create discontent within the company. It is necessary to address such issues sensitively and take your in-house employees into confidence and assure them
of their job-safety.
These are some of the most common pros and cons of IT sourcing. Though this is a general guideline, these points can help you consider your options with more caution. With the right planning, background research and carefully prepared contracts, you can actually maximise your efficiency and eliminate risk factors with IT sourcing.
- Bring down organisational complexity
IT outsourcing offers you opportunities to disband departments and maintain just the ones required to maintain core functions. You may integrate your remote team with your existing in-house team or appoint your project manager to manage the remote team. With outsourcing, workplace hierarchy becomes more flexible and fluid.
What can the Computing Australia Group do for you?
With over two decades of providing IT managed services to Western Australia businesses, CAG has worked with clients across industries and sectors. Check out our Services and Sectors to see our range of expertise. Here’s what we bring to the table –
- Strong emphasis on prevention and permanent solutions to problems
- Intelligent CloudSuite software to monitor your systems around the clock
- Investment in client documentation
- Ongoing commitment to staff training and mentorship
- Continuous patching to keep your systems up to date
- Quality control systems
- Dedicated escalation teams that extend the help desk experience
- Vendor relationships to manage third-party applications
- Dedicated account managers
Computing Australia can help your business flourish and reach maximum potential. Contact us or email us at sales@computingaustralia.group to schedule a no-obligation chat with a consultant.
Jargon Buster
DCloudsuite software – Is a proprietary Computing Australia solution that provides round the clock monitoring of critical infrastructure and systems.
Network Operation Centre – NOC is a centralised location or team that monitors the client’s IT systems and infrastructure round the clock.
