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Education

Why IT Leaders Should Focus On Desired Outcomes

IT companies and managed services providers are notorious for thrusting “their solutions” on to a client even in situations that might not be in the best interest of the client. Forcing a square peg into a round hole usually turns out bad for the company and the result is costly downtime, not to mention needing to eventually rip and replace the hardware and software that was ill-equipped to help the business grow.

The IT company of the future is one in which the IT company truly understands the needs of their clients and then designs a solution that is truly beneficial and scalable for the intended company.

If a company doesn’t need physical servers… then don’t give them physical servers. Just because you’re a Dell partner and you get a screaming deal on hardware that you can subsequently up-sell to the client, doesn’t mean you should actually implement those servers. A modern managed service provider will implement modern solutions in order to achieve a modern office. If they don’t… then run!

When talking to IT service providers, pay close attention to how they talk about their “solutions.” Pay attention to how well they listen and how earnestly they’re seeking to understand your unique situation. Try and determine whether they are a service provider who is focused on “desired outcomes” or whether they are just trying to add nodes to their NOC.

Many IT leaders simply gravitate towards the strategies that come easiest to them. They’re often more comfortable focusing on the technology they’re familiar with at the expense of long-term planning. They may overlook things such as personnel, processes and business cultures. All of it needs to be taken into consideration. You don’t want a technology provider. You want a business partner with an emphasis on technology solutions who doesn’t get hung up by their own ego. You want a provider that has big picture thinking with precise execution and who is committed to the desired outcome. 

IT companies of the past have sadly been about tools and band-aid like fixes to “get them by.” But we’ve set out to revolutionize the image of an IT provider. Tech innovations improperly implemented at the expense of the long-term desired outcome of the business can come at a horrific cost. We’ve seen it time and time again… 

Understanding the Capabilities and Limitations of Solutions

When selecting a solution for a specific challenge your clients’s business is facing, it’s important to consider its capabilities and its limitations. You’ll only get an idea of where a solution might take you and how close it’ll get you towards a desired outcome when you understand these things. Simply implementing a new type of technology and hoping it’s the silver bullet solution to your problems doesn’t tend to work out well for IT leaders.

Every solution you implement in your workplace has a range of capabilities. Take time to understand what the chosen piece of technology is capable of doing and how it will change the IT infrastructure in place. Doing so will give you a much better idea of what that technology will change and what it’s capable of helping you achieve. A little research and a lot of consideration will be needed in order for you to get this right.

Of course, the capabilities of the solution only make up one side of the coin. It’s just as important to take into account any limitations that are in place too. Every possible solution you can implement has a set of limitations because no solution is perfect and it’s rarely possible to find one that answers all of your problems and sets your business on exactly the right path. 

It always makes sense to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of any solution you choose to implement. Full awareness provides you with better insights and the ability to make the right decisions for your business. IT leaders will ultimately find that it makes reaching their desired outcomes much easier.

Understanding the Importance of People, Process and Culture

The people working for a business are just as important as the new technologies that are being implemented there. The technology should serve the people who work in the business. Working on motivating and developing the skills and capabilities of a team is vital work for all leaders in business and IT especially.

Processes that are reliable and consistent will lead to a more positive workplace in which people really feel like they can work well and productively. For employees, consistency and a common understanding of how things should be done within the IT structure is the key to productivity. 

The overall culture of the business or a particular department within the business can have a big impact on how work is completed. People routinely overlook the role that IT plays in the culture of any company. Frustrated, confused, and hindered employees cause more trouble for growing organizations than anything else. 

Why A Focus on Desired Outcomes Matters Most

But why should we focus so heavily on outcomes? If you can understand the business goals of your clients in conjunction with their current technological infrastructure, you’ll have much greater insight into how to help that business grow. And that’s usually the outcome we all desire. Growth. Scalable, manageable growth. 

So what if we as an industry geared the technological solutions we provide for a client around what they are trying to accomplish instead of what we are trying to accomplish.

Instead, IT leaders and managed service providers often choose what they think works best, even when they haven’t taken the time to understand their client’s desired outcome. They’ll do what’s easiest and what comes most naturally to them without thinking about the destination. It’s a classic tale of how so many companies get lost on the way to their destination. They didn’t have an IT guide to help take them safely there.
Education, Featured

15 Ways That Your Technology Can Give Your Company a Competitive Advantage

From smart spaces to big data in the cloud, technology has opened the world to businesses of all kinds. Whether your company relies on an established in-house IT staff or outsources data management to managed service providers, innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other kinds of technology can give your company the advantages it needs to succeed. Here are 15 ways today’s tech can help your business beat the competition.

1.Smart Spaces to Save Resources

The rise of “smart” technology – devices capable of communicating with each other as well as users – can improve not only a company’s workspaces, but also save money. Smart spaces allow users to control just about every aspect of the environment, such as turning lights and heat on and off.

2.Increased Accessibility on Every Level

Cloud computing and web-based services provide ways to stay accessible to customers, clients and peers at any time, anywhere. Cloud services offer secure data storage, round the clock IT support, and the tools to respond to issues, questions, and concerns whenever they arise from any device.

3.Constant Connectivity

Cloud services and the rise of smart mobile devices make it possible for a company to stay in touch with its customers, vendors, and others in the network at any time. Constant connectivity improves customer engagement and promotes collaboration.

4.Instant, Accurate Information

When company data and policies are accessible to anyone from a single centralized source, accuracy improves. The latest version of company documents can be instantly accessed at any time, which reduces ambiguity and enhances a company’s authority. For consumers, too, instant access to the latest company information can encourage connections and build a brand’s reputation for transparency and trust.

5.Collaboration for Better Productivity

Digital technology makes round the clock collaboration possible, which can boost productivity and build cohesiveness when members of a team are working remotely. When project materials are available from the cloud on any device, at any time, projects and products can be completed more quickly, which saves resources on multiple levels.

6.Access to a Global Workforce

Digital technology also enables companies to take advantage of the skills and expertise of a global workforce. With cloud-based data management that can be accessed from a variety of devices, your company can connect with contractors, consultants and experts from anywhere in the world to solve problems and create new products and services.

7.More Efficient Data Management

Cloud services and remote managed IT services allow companies to store more data, more securely, than ever before, and to access it whenever needed. These kinds of services allow users to access data immediately and share it as needed, without the need for on-site storage that consumes resources and requires onsite IT staff for managing the system.

8.Advanced Analytics for Better Performance

Digital technology also provides tools for advanced analytics, which provides sophisticated insights into a company’s performance according to a variety of metrics, and also reveals key information about competitors that can be useful in planning new products and strategies.

9.Improved Accuracy With Automation

Automation, driven by artificial intelligence that “learns” to adapt to changing information, can improve the accuracy of processes ranging from accounting to complex medical procedures. Without the variables of “human error,” many functions can be performed with greater efficiency and precision, freeing human resources for other uses.

10.Increased Worker Satisfaction and Support

A technologically advanced workspace increases worker satisfaction by providing user-friendly tools to make their jobs easier, and their work environment more comfortable. That can help companies to recruit quality employees and retain existing ones for a cohesive, skilled workforce that enhances the company brand.

11.Improved Experience for All Users

Technology improves user experiences of all kinds, making it easier for customers and clients to contact companies and stay engaged with brands they trust, and for others in the company network, such as vendors, contractors and colleagues, to conduct business smoothly and efficiently. With instant, round the clock connectivity, everyone involved can resolve issues and handle transactions quickly and efficiently.

12.Efficient Use of IT Resources and Staff

Digital technologies allow companies to use IT resources more efficiently. Outsourcing many basic IT functions to the cloud, or to a remote management team, reduces the need for a dedicated on-site IT team for maintaining and upgrading in house systems and allows existing IT staff to take on new roles and responsibilities.

13.Lower Costs for Computing and Data Management

Along with IT staff, in-house computing systems cost money in terms of buying and maintaining both hardware and locally installed software. But by exploiting the vast data storage and maintenance capabilities of the cloud, companies can save money on overall computing costs and also conserve energy.

14.Safeguards for Company and Customer Data

Keeping sensitive customer data safe is a key to doing business successfully in a digital world. Cloud-based storage and a growing list of cybersecurity resources allow companies to demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the sensitive personal and financial data customers provide – and that builds trust and enhances a brand’s reputation.

15.Immediate Access to Support Services

With cloud-based technology and responsive devices of all kinds, users can get immediate access to support services from remote service providers, hosting services and a long list of other resources immediately. That kind of quick resolution can help to keep services up and running without interruption, for a better user experience overall.

Innovations in technology have changed the way the world does business. And strategic use of a rapidly growing array of tech tools is making it possible for companies of all sizes to compete in a constantly connected, digitally driven global marketplace.
Featured

How Much Should You Be Spending on IT Support

When you’re running a small business in today’s digital world, you can’t leave out IT support. But IT support can quickly take up a small business company’s budget. According to research by IDC, small businesses spent $568 billion in 2017 on IT. Much of these costs can be attributed to labor. Thus, it’s vital for small businesses to be aware of the different costs associated with hiring the right team to take care of their IT-related issues. There are different rates that IT companies charge their clients, and much of it depends on who will be doing the work and what services they will be provided. Here is a guide you can use to help streamline the process of knowing what you should be spending on your IT support.

In-House IT Staff

It’s not uncommon for small business owners to hire an in-house team dedicated to handling IT-related issues. But this is also one of the quickest ways to add expenses to the business and consume your IT budget. You’ll need to fill roles that will be crucial to resolving both short- and long-term IT-related issues and goals, such as network administrators, software engineers, system managers, chief information officer (CIO), web developers and computer support technician. But these roles can each be very expensive. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, network administrators made an average annual salary of $81,000 per year in 2017 while computer and information system managers can cost $139,2220 on average. You also have to consider that to attract these in-demand workers that you will need to offer attractive benefits, too. In fact, benefits are responsible for a 50 percent increase in payroll expenses and cost as much an average of $11.31 per employee. Some of these benefits can include the cost of fully- or mostly-covered health insurance for the workers and their dependents, tuition reimbursement, life insurance and a generous vacation package. Some small firms and startups are even offering beyond these costs with options

Freelancers

One way to alleviate the high expenses of an in-house IT team is to get the help of an outsourced or contracted worker. Freelancers can prove to be resourceful in this case because they help small businesses save on costs for fringe benefits, such as healthcare, worker’s compensation or life insurance. However, freelancers can command the same rates as in-house staff or even more. Moreover, if you’re not careful and don’t find a way to vet the freelance worker, you can run into issues if they don’t really have the experience or level of expertise you were expecting. There is also no way to monitor what your freelancers are really doing. This is part of why 85 percent of the 2,200 companies surveyed in a 2017 Manta study did not have intentions to hire freelance workers.

MSPs

You can also consider the savings you can take advantage of by hiring a managed service provider or MSP. MSPs offer a great deal of savings for small businesses in need of IT support thanks to their ability to leverage the economies of scale. MSPs often have long and strong relationships with a variety of vendors that can help them provide critical IT support when their clients need them. For instance, MSPs offer a wide variety of services, including 24-hour support, virtual Chief Information Officers (vCIOs) and data backup using on-premise or off-premise cloud servers. MSPs also can provide these services at a discounted rate compared to an in-house team or even a freelancer. MSP costs can vary depending on the services needed but are not the same as funding a full-time employee each month, with rates averaging anywhere between hundreds to thousands per month per user ($200-$2000).

Proactive vs. Reactive

Another important factor that you should consider when choosing among IT support providers is the type of service they provide. MSPs can offer proactive managed services and reactive managed services. With proactive managed services, you can expect to take advantage of preventative measures that anticipate IT-related issues. That means you can expect your IT support team to have a mapped out plan to respond to and prevent disasters and disruptions, such as data loss due to a tropical storm or a data breach. On the other hand, reactive managed services are typical of IT support companies or personnel who act only when a problem arises. The problem with reactive managed services is that it does not take preventative measures that can save small businesses big money. Small businesses stand to save as much as hundreds of thousands of dollars when choosing proactive solutions over reactive managed services, considering that the average cost of damages to IT assets cost businesses $879,582 in 2016.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right IT team or stakeholders to help keep your company operational and efficient is crucial when you’re selecting IT support. Consider the costs associated with each type of provider but don’t forget about taking into account their capabilities. The IT support team that you choose should be able to handle your needs in the most efficient way.
Education

How to Choose a Legitimate Healthcare IT Support Provider

Proper IT management of healthcare information can be a matter of life and death. Most patient information is now kept on private servers or on secure cloud storage providers. While written records still exist, getting patients the treatment they need depends on fast access to accurate digital information. If your IT company isn’t knowledgeable about HIPAA, network security and disaster recovery, people won’t just lose money. Their health can be affected. Not all IT management companies can properly handle the healthcare industry, so do thorough research before you hire one.

HIPAA Adherence

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which was passed in 1996 to protect individual’s insurance and healthcare information as well as allow individuals to keep their coverage if they lost their job. Any company dealing in health information must follow government regulations to secure and protect the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI). This act pertains to all forms of information, including electronic data. Breaches in HIPAA can lead to fines and other legal action.

Your managed IT service needs to have experience in protecting this information, making certain that it cannot be misused in any way. Unless the firm knows HIPAA rules backward and forward, they are not the right company for you.

Network Security

You will need an IT service that provides flexible solutions for security. Of course, your information must be safeguarded from hacking by malicious third parties, so you need to choose a company that keeps up with the latest in security trends such as incorporating AI, protecting against ransomware, and dealing with the Internet of Things.

Your IT management company should provide the option of a Hybrid Cloud, a system that lets you keep some things in the cloud while maintaining other information, such as that protected by HIPAA, on site. Healthcare providers and insurance companies benefit most from the use of this hybrid system since it gives them the storage they need and protects patient privacy.

Disaster Recovery

When a disaster strikes, natural or otherwise, all types of businesses suffer, but none more than the healthcare industry and their patients/clients. During a hurricane, for instance, you deal with injured people who desperately need to reach their healthcare provider or get information from their insurance company. Any problems with data at that point can have serious consequences.

An excellent IT management company can offer you a HIPAA compliant backup and data recovery plan. Having backup is a different process than actual recovery. Backing up data simply means all data is copied and stored in another location from the original. Recovery means retrieving this backup information, even under the most difficult of circumstances.

Because healthcare data is so sensitive, your IT management firm will have to complete audits regularly to prove that they maintain HIPAA compliance, especially during and after a natural or man-made disaster.

Cloud-based recovery, as well as on-site recovery, is necessary to keep large healthcare facilities running after a ransomware attack, flood or power outage. To ensure that their system is adequate, your IT provider will need to conduct regular testing.

Storage Capability

Healthcare data is exploding, both due to patient records and increased use of digital tools. As a result, initial and backup data requires a huge storage capability. Before choosing an IT management company, make certain that they have this capability and the ability to expand as necessary. Also, find out how much such an expansion in data storage will cost your company. You will need more storage, so plan for this reality now.

Data Integrity

Data integrity simply means that your company’s information is kept safe and private from anyone who should not have access to it. Obviously, the more people who have access, the greater chance of a security or ethical breach. A recent Forbes article suggests that you ask the following questions of IT companies.

How do you keep proprietary and candidate data safe? Ask for specific examples.

If applicable, are you GDPR compliant? GDPR is the new European Union law that regulates data privacy and imposes severe fines for non-compliance.

What are your certifications that apply to data privacy? Have them show you proof of specialized training, awards, etc.
You should also add any questions you have that pertain to your particular business.

Healthcare-related businesses require more from an IT management company than businesses from other industries. The privacy issues involved are more sensitive and carefully legislated. Failure to maintain data privacy has severe consequences. The firm’s focus has to be on HIPAA compliance as well as data backup and emergency recovery. A business can lose millions of dollars from even a short period of computer/internet downtime. A healthcare facility or insurance company outage will harm the business financially, but, more importantly, may endanger patient health.

Carefully interview any managed service providers to make certain they can handle your security and storage needs before contracting with them. Inquire about their experience in this particular field and ask for customer testimonials. When it comes to healthcare, your IT management service cannot be less than perfect.
Education

10 Questions To Ask When Selecting A New IT Services Provider

Most small and mid-size companies need outside tech help in order to be successful. Maintaining your own full-service IT staff is expense and often not practical. Still, in today’s business world, no company can function without professional, cutting-edge IT services. That means you must find the right IT services provider to keep your company competitive. You need to be cautious and well-informed before you sign on with a new company. Before entering into a contract, ask their representative the following essential questions.

1. Can I visit your facility?

The answer to this question should be an enthusiastic “Yes!” A professional, up-to-date IT service provider will be happy to introduce you to their staff and show you their facilities. You should view the servers and other tech hardware for yourself. While you may not understand how everything works, you will be able to judge how well the facility is maintained and how helpful the employees and management are. You will also gain insight into their work culture. You’ll want to join forces with a happy workplace.

2. Do you work with any other companies in my vertical?

When you work in a vertical market like banking, insurance, or educational software, you need an IT services company that knows your business. An IT company with no experience in your industry will be less effective in recommending the right software and in helping you comply with federal and state regulations.

3. What is the first thing you’ll do after taking over our account?

An IT company shouldn’t offer solutions until they understand your company’s needs and problems. In fact, they should offer you a free assessment before you even sign up with their company so that they can present you with an informed strategy. Once your sign on, the staff should address whichever issues you both agree is the most pressing.

4. Do you have any examples of how you document a network?

While all IT service providers will provide network documentation, some do it better than others. You should ask to see how they map the network, keep records of past problems, and maintain software information, etc. Without proper documentation, your IT provider will stumble when trying to address any network issues.

5. Who will I work with if we sign up with you?

Although you should be happy with the entire IT services team, you will need a solid connection with a specific point person who makes your business a priority and who works well with your staff. Don’t sign the agreement until you know who your representative will be and you’ve had a chance to interview them.

6. How will you report to me on our account?

Your IT company should employ a variety of communication methods, including video calls, IMs, formal reports, and in-person meetings when necessary. The best companies will modify their methods to suit your needs. Tell them how you wish to receive information and see if they are willing to adapt.

7. What does your response time and service level agreement (SLA) look like?

You should ask to see an example of their SLA so you will know what level of service you can expect. A detailed SLA explains how service will be measured and how violations of the SLA will be addressed. If it doesn’t look good on paper, the actual service will be lacking.
The SLA will spell out response time, which should be measured in minutes. No business can afford to wait long for service. Even a short period of downtime can cost companies millions of dollars every year. If the IT company won’t provide reasonable guarantees, their response time may hurt your company.

8. How long have you been around?

Startup companies can be excellent service providers, but their record of success is inevitably short. A company with years of experience should have a proven and lengthy track record and clients willing to offer good reviews. Don’t bet your company’s success on a company with little experience.

9. What are your core values?

IT providers should have and demonstrate core values just as any other business should. They must be proactive and make the customer’s needs their own. If an IT services company can’t quickly articulate their core values, look elsewhere.

10. What do you understand about my business?

An IT company should specialize in research, so they should be able to expertly discuss both your industry and your specific business. Before you sign an agreement, the company should do an assessment of your needs and explain how they will address them. If the IT company does not demonstrate this knowledge, they are not the team for you.

Finding the right IT services provider takes a little time and digging. Don’t hesitate to sit down with their team and go over these ten questions and more if you need additional answers. You need to understand their strategy, their services, and their values before you enter into a contract. In business today, nothing is more important to your success than expert tech help, so give your search the time and attention that it needs.
Education, Featured

5 Things Your IT Company Should Be Doing for You … But Probably Isn’t

It’s not uncommon for small businesses to employ IT companies to manage their IT-related issues and functions to maintain operational efficiency. But not all IT companies are created alike. In fact, some may not even be doing what they are supposed to be doing to address the business’s needs. Here are five aspects small business owners should consider.

1. Providing Agile Customer Support

When problems arise, it’s vital for small businesses to have adequate support to resolve the issue as soon as possible. To do this, small businesses should have insanely fast customer support. Without adequate support, small businesses run the risk of significant downtime, which costs businesses $1.5 million each year.

Outages alone resulted in an annual loss of 545 work hours for businesses, and resolving these and other IT-related issues can take an average of 200 minutes per incident. Thus, it’s critical for small businesses to employ IT companies that can provide agile customer support.

This support can be provided by managed service providers or MSPs, thanks to their ability to leverage global resources and staff that work across different time zones to provide round-the-clock support on any day of the year. Small business owners should also consider MSPs that have clearly defined service-level agreements (SLAs) and responsiveness to requests. This helps clarify expectations when IT issues arise.

2. Providing a “Runbook”

If an IT company isn’t providing a “runbook,” it’s a red flag. This detailed documentation provides insight on the company’s entire network, and it’s crucial information for businesses that are considering hiring an IT company. A runbook should be part of the disaster recovery plan and should highlight critical servers, applications, networks and databases so that the business can know how to recreate its systems should a major disruption or disaster take place. Moreover, the runbook should be provided within a few months of taking over.

3. Collaborating

Studies show that collaboration is correlated to high performance within a work environment. But IT departments often don’t promote collaboration. A lack of collaborating with stakeholders can result in delays to resolving IT issues. Thus, it’s important for small businesses to take advantage of IT companies that collaborate and provide company goals. Additionally, they should establish budgets to drive resolution for IT issues.

4. Providing a vCIO

It’s vital to have a virtual chief information officer, or vCIO, who is dedicated to creating and executing the IT strategy. This person should not be the same person as the IT technician. That’s because this position provides high-level consulting. The vCIO will need to be able to direct a team that will be assigned to help the company grow. Small businesses can take advantage of vCIOs to proactively track, assess and maintain the IT security and health of the business when using a reputable MSP. VCIOs also provide specialized IT expertise that small businesses can leverage for establishing their short- and long-term IT goals and strategies.

5. Articulating the Disaster Recovery Plan

Putting off disaster recovery is a big risk thanks to data loss. Disasters give the opportunity for a significant amount of data to be lost — one of the primary reasons business failure happens within a year for 90 percent of small businesses that experience a huge data loss. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes, can interrupt service, damage critical infrastructure and even destroy on-premise servers. Without understanding clearly how things should be run in the event of a disaster, it is hard for a company to efficiently operate. That’s why it’s crucial for companies to employ IT companies that clearly articulate their disaster recovery plan.

Beyond natural disasters, small business owners should take into account major disruptions that threaten to completely halt their business operations. This is especially crucial given that cyberattacks and ransomware incidents are increasingly becoming a huge issue for small businesses. Ransomware costs don’t just stop at the ransom, which can typically cost small businesses between $500 and $2,000 per request. It extends to costs associated with lost production time, data loss and, ultimately, revenue loss.

This can cost small businesses as much as 15 percent of revenue, according to a 2017 Osterman Research report. The report also revealed that the average downtime-related expense was $100,000 for each ransomware incident a small company experienced. What’s even more alarming is that small and medium-sized businesses paid $301 million in 2016 to ransomware hackers alone just to decrypt important files, according to a 2017 Datto State of the Channel Ransomware report.

These types of incidents are part of what caused the immediate demise of 22 percent of organizations with less than 1,000 employees between June 2016 and June 2017. Yet, a 2016 State of Disaster recovery report revealed that only 60 percent of small businesses organizations surveyed actually had a disaster recovery plan, and of those businesses, 40 percent tested this plan every year. So, it’s not only important to have a plan, but it must be articulated and tested frequently as well.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right IT service provider requires considering important factors that can impact the operation and well-being of the company, such as the need to provide support to stakeholders quickly and being able to articulate the disaster recovery plan. But without assessing an IT company for these aspects, small businesses can easily fall short of getting the solid service they need to maintain operational efficiency. Many of these issues can be resolved with the help of a managed service provider or MSP.
Education, Featured

In-House vs. Outsourced IT: What Is Best for Your Business?

There are no “normal” information technology (IT) requirements for a company in today’s market. Some businesses require extensive information security and attention to compliance requirements. Another may be looking for public cloud solutions. Maybe your business needs all these tools and more, and you aren’t sure where to go with IT services. According to CIO Magazine, an average of 4 to 6 percent of revenue is spent on IT.

With a cost that adds up to this much revenue, having a competent and trustworthy IT team is essential. Once the need for IT specialists is apparent, the question is one of insourcing vs. outsourcing and whether to hire an in-house team or an outsourced team on an as-needed basis.

In-House IT

Pro: Trusted, Immediate Service

Having your own hired, in-house IT team could have huge advantages. Having vetted your employees personally, you know that you have hired trustworthy and hardworking individuals. There will be no question that they are up to the task at hand when you assign them to fix an issue or start a brand-new project. Continuity will be carried throughout the work they do, as they are familiar with your business and the inner workings of specific IT needs. There will also be little to no wait time for emergent issues, like website crashes or breeches.

Con: Competitive Salary Needs

While having a highly trained and capable team at your fingertips is an invaluable tool, it comes at a high financial cost. Retaining this type of employee will require that a competitive salary is maintained. They offer a highly sought-after service and may need to be convinced to stay with a competitive salary.

Outsourced IT

Pro: Hire as Needed

One of the biggest pros of outsourcing is the ability to hire someone for a specific issue or project on an as-needed basis. It could prove to be cost-effective to only pay someone for work that needs to be done rather than have them on staff at all times waiting for a project to arise.

Con: Freelance Is Rarely the Right Model

While hiring freelance could save you money if it is a rare occurrence, your organization may need to find the right managed services provider (MSP) to fit your needs. If you know that there will be quite a few projects and a steady amount of work, it may be smarter to fully outsource your IT department instead of purchasing services a la carte.

Takeaway

There is no right or wrong answer for everyone. Considering the needs of your business is your best bet to winning the war for tech talent and choosing between in house and outsourced IT services.

Sources:
http://searchcio.techtarget.com/magazineContent/How-Company-Size-Relates-to-IT-Spending