Almost every business in the modern world relies on IT at some level to run multiple operations. Communications, project planning and management, customer relations, manufacturing and finance are all powered by IT systems. Therefore, businesses can only be as good as their IT systems.
Aside from underpinning how your business operates, IT systems need to be maintained and updated in the same way that physical machines would. You need to ensure you’re using the latest functionality and techniques, that your methods comply with industry standard and regulations, and not least, that your systems are secure, efficient and robust to avoid breakdowns that could impact business continuity and reputation.
Top-notch IT systems require full-time management in today’s digital lead business place. However, many businesses, even those that operate in the ‘tech’ sector, still view IT management as a back office “support” function, rather than an integral component of business strategy.
In many small to medium businesses, this means IT can fall by the wayside. Software products may become obsolete or go unused because they are not fit for purpose; security threats are ignored or overlooked until there is a major problem, and staff, in the IT department or elsewhere, are not adequately trained to manage threats or use IT product effectively.
Quite often, this comes down to cost, and when businesses are stretched, funding to upgrade IT functions is not prioritised. But what is the alternative? The cost of poorly maintained IT systems can be detrimental, from simply hindering growth to a major security breach.
On the other hand, businesses also need to focus on what they do best, the business of generating revenue. Your top business priority will always be to become the world leader in your field – however, it is crucial to realise that good IT will help you achieve your business goals.
According to Deloitte, 69% of companies that currently outsource their IT see it as a means to reduce costs, but 64% also see it as a strategy to transform and grow their business.
For many businesses, the primary driver for choosing to outsource will, of course, be cost efficiency, and this does have a significant impact. By outsourcing your IT management, you reduce the costs of maintaining infrastructure and training people to implement new systems, mitigate security risks or fix problems.
You minimise the risk of investment while gaining greater flexibility and agility: your IT support provider should be able to recommend products and systems that support your business strategy and scale as your requirements grow.
With a managed IT support service, you employ experts in the field who can guide you through the rapidly changing world of IT infrastructure and security, helping you to stay competitive, and freeing up internal resources that can be allocated to growing your business instead.
The power of this last benefit should not be underestimated. While your business focuses on growth and being the best in your field, your outsourced IT Support team ensures that you have the systems in place to achieve it.