Why Outsourcing IT Is a Smart Business Decision for SMBs
When you first think of outsourcing IT, dropping cables, installing servers and network monitoring might come to mind. However, technology is penetrating the workplace at an increasing rate. Budgets across every industry are changing to accommodate more infrastructure investments.
To help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) remain competitive and profitable, the outsourced IT field is also having to change its model. Managed services providers (MSPs) are going above and beyond traditional IT work. They are beginning to aid companies as strategic business partners, helping them make smart decisions regarding technology purchases. Here’s how:
Mitigating Risks as Your Consultant
The IT marketplace is incredibly vast. The number of services and solutions that seemingly fit your business needs are most likely overwhelming – unless your industry is highly niche. While any successful company must take risks, mitigating as many as possible must also be a part of your strategy.
You should rarely – if ever – take risks with your network investments. The stakes are much higher than just throwing away money. Your technology directly impacts the products and services you provide.
Hiring an outsourced IT firm as a consultant will ensure your technology investments are profitable and fit your needs now and in the future.
Some of the core aspects of IT consulting involve:
- Creating a strategic IT plan that is scalable
- Providing proactive recommendations
- Eliminating existing IT inefficiencies
Giving You Direction as Your CIO
Acquiring a consultant is perfect for ensuring all your technology investments are strategic. An MSP can also partner alongside your business as a Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Having access as an SMB to a CIO has many benefits. Although not every MSP treats this function the same, some of the core functions of a CIO can include:
- Fiscal budgeting with periodic reviews
- Technology vendor management
- Continual refinement of strategies
Ultimately, the goal of an outsourced CIO is the same as someone you would hire internally: to give direction regarding your technology investment so that you continue to grow.
A Leader in Outsourcing IT
As an experienced and business-savvy MSP, IT Direct’s goal is to remain on the leading edge of the outsourced IT field. As a result, we don’t view consulting and CIO services as quick add-ons to what we provide for SMBs; they are central to everything we do because strategic planning is paramount to your success.
Give us a call when you’re ready to partner with a technology firm that understands the business side of things as well.
