Sometimes outsourcing feels like one of those dating apps. Swipe left to avoid, swipe right to go on an awkward date – GASP!
And we get it. There are a lot of preconceived notions about IT outsourcing – some fact and some fiction. Being in the IT outsourcing business for the last 30 years, we’ve heard them all.
Accent Computer Solutions, Inc., has been involved in all kinds of outsourced scenarios. In fact, we were ranked in the Top 20 Managed Service Provider in California by MSPMentor, a global leader in managed services provider rankings – there is a good chance there isn’t anything you could throw at us we can’t handle.
Let us help you clear up some of these misconceptions.
1. Outsourcing IT Will Have a Culture or Language Barrier
While outsourcing to a different country is an option, you can actually outsource to your neighbor. As a growing industry, outsourcing onshore (meaning, outsourcing work to a company in your country) has become a very trusted market. Long gone are the days that outsourcing means calling at 3 am to be able to speak to a representative. I’m willing to bet that there are at least five managed service providers in your area.
If you’re looking for an IT provider in California, 47 of the Top 501 Managed IT Services Providers worldwide are located in your state.
2. In-house Staff Costs Less than Outsourced IT Staff
This as a blanketed statement is simply wrong. There are costs associated with both in-house and outsourced IT personnel. The total cost of hiring, training, and paying full-time staff, including their benefits, almost always costs more than working with an outsourced solution for small and medium-sized businesses. But on the other hand, after working with an outsource IT service and realizing the kind of structure your company might need may cost a little more as well. Heck, you might even break even. Bottom-line is, costs are relative to need.
3. I'll Lose Control of My Network If Outsourced IT Takes Over
This is a HUGE fear. Losing control of your system would be life hindering, but the truth is, you’re still the boss. You have the same amount of say and control as you would with an in-house team. Keep in communication with your IT service provide them feedback, timelines, and talk in-depth about expectations. With checkpoints for progress, your work will be done well and with total supervision.
4. Support Quality Is Lower When You Outsource IT
There’s this rumor that if you aren’t on the team, you don’t care about the team. But to the MILLIONS of unathletic sports fans out there, they are just as much a part of the team as the star. The point is that your IT service provider is your number one fan. Their only job is to make sure that you have the support and coverage that you need. And while they may not be a face you see every day, like the millions of fans Michael Jordan doesn’t know by name, it doesn’t mean they aren’t giving him their loyalty.
Think about it like this, the service you hired is specialized in everything your company needs and their one job is to help you.
5. Response Time for IT Support Is a LOT Slower
Slow response time is always a misconception when it comes to outsourcing IT. This misconception occurs because your IT is based outside of your office. In reality, when you outsource IT, you have more IT engineers available to your company at one time than if you had one or couple IT staff working in your building. This ensures that all IT issues can be dealt with quickly and correctly.
6. Outsourcing Is for Big Companies ONLY
One of the best things about outsourcing is scalability. Large businesses can benefit from outsourcing as can smaller companies. The reason for outsourcing rarely has anything to do with company size and more to do with company need. Outsourcing gives your company the ability to customize packages to your particularly need. During years of growth, your outsourced package can easily grow with yours. During leaner years, your outsourced IT services can scale back – and you don’t have to fire anyone.
7. Internal IT Is Safer Than Outsourced
There are those that think it’s less risky when internal personnel control their network. But that’s not always true. Having a third party actually eliminates a lot of internal risk. When you outsource, it may seem like more people have access to your network. However, they have no context for the information they’re looking at – meaning, it’s just systems and data
At the end of the day, what’s best for your business is the right answer, but don’t let these misconceptions sway you away from considering outsourced IT options. It is essential when selecting your IT services, whether they're in-house or outsourced, that both parties should be in agreement. Take your time, do your research, and make sure that you’re communicating your needs. Don’t be scared to ask for exactly what you are looking for.
Related: Outsourced IT Support: A Small Business’s Guide to IT Solutions
