What is Outsourced IT Support & What Are The Benefits & Costs?

So, you’re considering outsourcing your IT support, but before you dive in, let’s explore what it entails and why it might be the right move for your business. This article will walk you through what IT support outsourcing is, why companies choose it, its benefits, how it stacks up cost-wise against full-time employment and why even giants like British Airways and Microsoft opt for it.

What is IT Support Outsourcing?

IT support outsourcing is when a business hires an external provider to manage its IT needs rather than relying on an in-house team. This can cover a wide range of services, from everyday help desk support to more specialised tasks like IT project management, cybersecurity and cloud services. The beauty of outsourcing is its flexibility: you can tailor the service to fit your business, whether you’re a small startup in Lincoln or a sprawling enterprise in London.

Why Outsource IT Support?

Companies across the UK outsource IT support for a variety of reasons, all boiling down to efficiency and strategy. Here’s why:

Cost Efficiency: Setting up an in-house IT team involves hefty costs from salaries, training, equipment and more. Outsourcing lets you sidestep these expenses, paying only for what you need.

Access to Expertise: External IT providers bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Their teams are packed with specialists who’ve seen it all and have skillsets and expertise that’s hard to match internally without breaking the bank.

Focus on What Matters: By handing IT support to a digital transformation consultant, your internal team can zero in on your core business goals without getting tangled up in tech troubles.

Scalability: Business needs fluctuate. Outsourcing gives you the agility to ramp up support during busy periods or scale back when things quiet down, all without the hassle of hiring or letting staff go.

The Benefits of Outsourcing IT Support

Outsourcing IT support doesn’t just solve problems, it brings real advantages that can give your business an edge:

Cost Savings: Beyond avoiding full-time salaries and training costs, outsourcing can cut downtime with proactive maintenance and quick fixes, keeping your operations running smoothly.

Round-the-Clock Support: Many providers offer 24/7 service, a godsend for businesses with late-night shifts or customers across time zones. No more waiting until Monday morning for a fix.

Cutting-Edge Tech: Outsourcing firms stay on top of the latest tools and trends, giving you access to the latest IT solutions without constant investment into new methodologies and hardware.

Better Security: With cyberattacks becoming more common, outsourcing providers bring cyber security officers with specialised know-how to keep your data and systems locked tight.

How Much Does It Cost to Outsource IT Support?

You’re probably wondering about the cost. While exact figures depend on your business size, needs and the services you choose, the real question is how outsourcing compares to hiring full-time IT staff. Here’s the breakdown:

Hiring in-house means great expense on for salaries, pensions, health benefits and ongoing training, not to mention the cost of providing a workspace with the right tech. Then there’s staff turnover. Losing a senior IT professional can mean recruitment headaches and more expense. Outsourcing flips this on its head. You get a specific and measurable cost (often a monthly fee or pay-as-you-go setup) without any nasty surprises through hidden extras. Remember, the provider handles the tech and tools, so you’re not footing the bill for upgrades or repairs.

For a true picture of what outsourcing could save you, get in touch so we can organise a personalised quotation tailored to your exact and specific needs.

Why Do Global Companies Like British Airways and Microsoft Outsource IT Support?

You’d think giants like British Airways and Microsoft with their deep pockets would keep IT support in-house. Yet, they often turn to outsourcing, as it’s not just about money.

Core Focus: These companies thrive on what they do best: running their companies. Outsourcing IT support lets them sharpen that focus while IT experts handle the tech side.

Global Talent: Outsourcing taps into a worldwide pool of IT pros, bringing niche skills that even a big in-house team might lack.

Scalability: With operations spanning continents, these firms need IT support that can flex with demand. Outsourcing delivers that without the logistical nightmare of managing teams across borders.

Smart Spending: Even for big players, outsourcing can trim costs on non-core functions, freeing up cash for innovation and growth.

Adapting To Your Needs

Outsourcing IT support isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a solution that adapts to your needs and a commercially smart move that can streamline your operations, cut costs and connect you with top-tier IT expertise.

Ready to see how it could work for you? Let us take the IT reins and save you the internal distractions and growing expenses surrounding an internal team. Get in touch with our award-winning team to receive a personalised consultation and quotation that could transform your business' efficiency and bottom line, so let’s talk.