IT Outsourcing
In this era of Digitalization and Digital transformation, companies are shifting to automation, leveraging technology in every aspect of the work protocol. The use of high -end technology and cybernation are the norm. It makes sense for larger organizations who depend on technology and systems to have an in- house IT Support team. But many of the businesses now resort to IT Outsourcing considering the benefits of outsourcing IT support.
What is IT Outsourcing?
IT support teams in certain businesses play the role of ‘Fire-Fighters’. They are not engaged round the clock, but they are vital when the need arises. These kinds of scenarios pave way to IT Outsourcing.
IT Outsourcing is engaging/sub-contracting a third-party or external service provider to deliver some of the IT support, or all the IT functions required by a business. Many a times, it may not be useful to engage a full-time in-house IT support team, since the nature of the business may not necessitate the same.
What functions of IT are outsourced?
Below are some of the functions that are generally outsourced:
- Software Development
- Infrastructure- hardware, software, network & support.
- Data Centre
- Application development & Support.
- Testing services
- Security and threat protection.
For whom is it beneficial and why?
It is vital for larger Organizations to have an inbuilt IT team installed to cater to large volume IT demands on a day to day basis. In fact, Outsourced IT support proves to be a costly game plan for them. Then who are its beneficiaries?
For a small business IT outsourcing can be a best and handy option. It is not necessary for them to spend their time and money on installing an in-house IT team. They can simply opt for IT outsourcing services.
The businesses that fall under the tag of ‘small businesses’ are those businesses which have lesser geographical spread, lesser volume of business, low budgets, comparatively lesser resources depending on technology etc. They frequently face the heat of tough competition to be on the top and keep going. They do not have the luxury of time and money to burn their resources solving IT issues. IT outsourcing services offer an array of benefits for them, that justifies the decision to choose it. For any small business IT outsourcing is a best landscape to operate and benefit.
What are the types of IT Outsourcing set-ups available for them?
A business can choose what kind of IT Outsource set up it wants to have, keeping in mind a lot of parameters including labour cost, expertise, budget, downtime etc
- Onshore IT Outsourcing : Engaging third party IT support from the residing or the same country where the business operates.
- Offshore IT Outsourcing : Getting the work completed in a different country constitutes Offshore IT outsourcing.
- Nearshoring : Some also consider, getting the required IT support from a nearby or neighbouring country.
Benefits of outsourcing IT Support
There are a lot of advantages that comes handy with IT Outsourcing:
Reduced Labour cost
Employing and training an in-house IT team is a costly affair and adds to
the fixed cost of the company. The best alternative would be, to leverage the benefits of outsourcing IT support. In outsourcing, businesses pay for only what they use and not for what they have.
Saves Time
Outsourcing IT support saves lot of time for businesses. It could be the time
involved in training and developing an in-house team or reducing detrimental downtime. The outsourced IT teams can trouble shoot any issues in no matter of time.
Expertise
Outsourcing can introduce businesses to expert services, which are niche in nature, twinned with quality and experience. For instance, the outsourced IT team could be CCDE certified, AIS certified to handle IT Infrastructure. Many a times, it is difficult to source and
install such expert teams in house.
Quick Implementation
Hiring a technically skilled IT resource is costly as well as time-
consuming. The benefits of outsourcing IT support are that it comes with a ‘Plug-and-play’
feature, it aids quick implementation as soon as the specification is clearly laid down.
Focus on business goals
Since the IT needs are taken care of by the outsourced teams,
businesses can stay focussed on their goals and not get distracted by complex IT decisions and
trivial day to day IT needs. They can invest their time and money on their key areas rather than
getting absorbed and obsessed with IT related woes.
Scalability
The world is now seen as Global villages. Such is the impact of globalization. With
businesses expanding both on shore and offshore, the technological dependence on IT expertise is very substantial. Along with the growing IT requirements also grow IT problems. IT outsourcing services proves to be a good option when scalability is a metric for the business.
Better security & mitigation of risks
The in-house IT teams who are hired are bound to make
mistakes during the initial stages of set up which could lead to data theft, cybercrimes, risk of fraud etc, which could leave the system vulnerable anytime. Whereas dedicated outsourced IT support teams are constantly monitoring the trends and are always in the lookout, to avoid any
mis happenings in the system. They are well equipped with skills and tools to avoid any such crisis.
Recovery and storage of data
The world is uncertain. Disasters like earthquake, fire, flood can strike at any time. Rebuilding the lost IT data to get back on the track could be the most tiresome task. It is where Outsourced IT support teams can play a crucial role. They have defined protocols for data recovery and back up. Getting back to shape has never been so easy for businesses.
Thus, the advantages for choosing IT outsourcing by a business are several. For a small business IT
Outsourcing can be their core competency which makes them stand apart from the competition, giving them a strategic advantage over others.
Planning to leverage IT for your business? Get in touch with KMTEQ to get IT consultation for your business.