Running a business in 2021 looks far different than running a business a generation ago. Business owners and operators not only hold the responsibility of managing the day-to-day operations and core business mission, but today’s businesses don’t run at all without information technology operations.
Advances in technology offer more opportunities for productivity and efficiency than we can count but having to manage and oversee those day-to-day IT tasks can be distracting and overwhelming. From managing servers and desktops to providing helpdesk support to implementing ransomware protection and ensuring best business continuity practices, some businesses choose to have a more simplified path to peace of mind by outsourcing their IT operations. This allows business operators to focus on their core business, and the Managed IT services provider can focus on ensuring the computers, networks, servers, and systems are continuously running at peak performance.
For some, this seems like a no brainer. The obvious benefits outweigh the misconceptions. For others, there is still some hesitation, but debunking some of the IT myths that surround outsourcing IT operations can help shed light on why this is the right decision for most small-medium sized businesses (SMB).
Myth #1: Managed IT is Just for Big Businesses
This might be the biggest misconception with Managed Service Providers (MSP). Many small businesses don’t have the budget to house a full time IT Department of even a single IT tech. For these companies, outsourcing IT operations is the most affordable and efficient way to ensure their IT tasks are handled correctly and securely.
A common situation that occurs is a small business taking their IT operations into their own hands without the proper personnel or tools which can be catastrophic or counterproductive at the very least.
Most MSPs are built to service SMBs just for this, helping keep small businesses up and running and putting out those day-to-day fires without overloading the business leaders with the responsibility. Let go of reigns, and let an MSP carry the IT load.
Myth #2: Outsourcing Your IT Means Losing Control of Your IT
An MSP is there to help you feel comfortable, secure, and most productive. If you don’t feel like this with your MSP then you likely haven’t found the right fit.
You have the freedom the choose what type of arrangement you prefer with your MSP. Often times they take over tasks such as: equipment purchases and installations, virus removal and PC replacements leaving control of larger objective in the hands of the business. As a company, you can decide with your MSP what will most help you and keep your business most productive.
Myth #3: Proactive Services are a Gimmick
This is simply false. The best defense is a good offense, and MSPs built their entire service around with this in mind. Taking a proactive approach to your IT operations and overall network security is of utmost importance.
Many businesses are running on a reactive instead of proactive approach. When you take this route, you end up spending more money to fix IT problems then when you are being proactive. The perception might seem that you are investing ahead of time by being proactive and might make you think you’re investing money where you shouldn’t, but being proactive allows you to save far more money in the long run.
Being reactive without the proper protocol and systems in place ahead of time can be catastrophic for a business. MSPs are here to protect your business and ensure the highest level of productivity.
Myth #4: Managed IT is Expensive
An effective outsourced MSP can save a company money by preventing or quickly fixing system failures that would cause otherwise cause costly downtime.
Time is money for any business. Networks that are properly supported and monitored eliminate downtime for the client, saving them money in the long run.
Money is also money for any business. When you outsource IT you actually save a lot of money. The average mid-level IT Engineer makes around $75k annually. That doesn’t even include HR expenses, payroll taxes, additional payroll expenses, equipment and miscellaneous expenses. All costs combined could put you out upwards of $100k per year for and IT Engineer to oversee and manage your network.
In comparison, outsourcing IT for a company with about 40 employees averages around $48,000 annually ($4k per month). That’s less than half the cost of hiring internal IT support. Plus, you get a full support team without the headaches, management and oversight needed to employ a full time IT Engineer.
Setting aside a budget for IT can be more important than setting aside budgets for anything else in the business, like marketing and purchasing. It’s a necessity within any business, and at the end of the day, could save the business.
Brea Networks provides the best-in-class service and highly professional personnel with the best tools in the industry to support our customers’ needs. With preemptive maintenance, desktop and infrastructure support, cybersecurity, and optimized business continuity, Brea Networks has your back.
Contact us today to ensure your business stays secure and productive at affordable prices and the highest level of quality and efficiency.
