Do you need help & advice with IT Management?
Many businesses, especially those with 50 to 500 employees, face a common dilemma: should they build their own internal IT team or hand over their IT needs to a managed service provider? It’s a big decision that can impact how smoothly your operations run.
Key Takeaways
- A co-managed IT approach often strikes the best balance for businesses with 50-500 staff.
- Keep someone in-house for day-to-day IT tasks.
- Outsource strategy, security, and scalability to a managed service provider.
- For businesses with fewer than 50 staff, full outsourcing is usually the better option.
The Co-Managed Approach Explained
For companies in that sweet spot of 50 to 500 employees, a co-managed IT setup is frequently recommended. The idea here is pretty straightforward: you keep someone on your team to handle the day-to-day IT basics. Think of them as your go-to person for immediate issues and routine tasks that pop up in the office.
Then, the rest of your IT needs are handed over to a managed service provider. This isn’t just about fixing things when they break; it’s about getting expert help with the bigger picture. Depending on the provider, they can offer strategic advice. This is where things like planning your IT strategy, beefing up your cyber security, and making sure you’re using technology in the most effective way come into play.
When Full Outsourcing Makes Sense
Now, if your company is on the smaller side, with under 50 staff, the recommendation shifts. In this scenario, it usually makes more sense to fully outsource your IT to a managed service provider. Trying to build a comprehensive internal IT department with a small team can be costly and might not give you the breadth of expertise you need. A good managed service provider can cover all your bases, from daily support to long-term planning, without you having to manage a dedicated IT department yourself.
The Hybrid Advantage
Ultimately, the goal is to find a setup that gives you control, access to expert knowledge, and peace of mind, all without putting too much strain on your existing team. This hybrid approach, where you have internal support for immediate needs and external expertise for strategy and security, can be a really effective way to manage your IT infrastructure as your business grows.
