It’s a question that every department in every company must face at one point or another: should we hire and retain full-time staff, or should we source our needs to outside vendors? One of the most common areas of business in which this question seems to emerge is within organizations’ IT departments. Each and every business has unique and specific information technology needs with which they may or may not require specialized assistance; and whether it’s an organization with networked servers across the globe or a mid-sized company that just needs a little help with some new supply-chain software, it’s only after a thorough evaluation of their needs, budget and long-term objectives that any company can make a determination to outsource IT services or go with in-house staff. There are, however, some macro issues to consider when making your decision.
The Way of the Future
Outsourcing at large has become practically routine business practice across the globe. Data from Deloitte’s 2016 Global Outsourcing Survey reveals that 78 percent of companies all over the world outsource one or more business operations, including 57 percent of companies in the United States. In 2015, the global market size of outsourced services was close to $90 billion; and this figure has only gone up. The IT sector has been at the center of this outsourcing explosion. Data from Computer Economics’ IT Outsourcing Statistics 2017/2018 reveals that IT outsourcing is at its highest rate since the 2008 recession. In 2017, the total global budget for IT outsourcing was 11.9 percent, representing a significant increase over 2016’s 10.6 percent figure.
Advantages to IT Outsourcing
Where does one begin? Suffice it to say there’s a reason why IT outsourcing has become so common in the global marketplace, some of the most immediate of which include cost, time, expertise and productivity (arguably the primary elements of organizational success).
- Cost – The cost-saving benefits of IT outsourcing can scarcely be understated. Not only does your organization save money on employment-related issues like salary, ongoing training, healthcare and more; it also insulates itself from turnover, recruitment-related hassles and continuing education regarding the latest developments and trends in the business IT landscape. This is an industry that is rapidly changing from one minute to the next; and you want to ensure that you’re aligning yourself with an IT professional that has already made the investment in their ongoing training and education at no cost to you.
- Time – How many businesses are founded with the goal of maintaining the most streamlined, modern and efficient IT operations? The point is your personnel should be free to focus on your organization’s core objectives, whether it’s product development, customer service, organization expansion or making new inroads into emerging markets. The last thing you want to do is leverage your manpower toward making sure your servers are doing what they’re supposed to or that the timeclock is operating normally. These little, everyday IT functions can very quickly consume time that you simply can’t afford to waste when you’re running a company.
- Expertise and Specialization – Even if you have an internal IT department, they may not be able to do everything; nor should they be expected to. There are several key operational areas of information technology, including but not limited to application development, application maintenance, data center operations, database administration, desktop support, disaster recovery services, help desk services, IT security, network operations, and web operations. Few companies have the personnel resources to satisfy all of these needs in-house. Outsourcing one or more of your IT needs ensures you’re getting help from a professional who operates exclusively within the area of specialization in which your company needs assistance.
- Productivity – Without the right IT ally in your corner, the seemingly most mundane and inconsequential areas of operation can stall productivity and eat into your organization’s bottom line. Whether you’re researching cures for infectious diseases, designing next season’s must-have shoes, trying to coordinate a schedule for your restaurant’s enormous kitchen staff or anything else, the smallest IT hiccup can cause multiple wasted hours. Outsourcing your IT services means you not only get guidance regarding the latest hardware and software products; but also, full-service set-up, integration and monitoring to ensure that every aspect of your IT is running smoothly without you having to think about it.
Choosing the Right Vendor for your IT Outsourcing Needs
Like any other area of business operations, you want to make sure that you’re aligning yourself with the right vendor when it comes time to outsource one or more of your IT services. The organization you choose should offer a comprehensive array of services and customized packages to fit your company’s needs and budget. Outsourcing can ensure you’re getting exactly what you need, and nothing you don’t, at a price you or your company could afford; but it really does matter what company you choose.
MAP Technology Solutions offers a full range of IT services for organizations in all industries and of all sizes. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you.