Outsourced IT Support: Your Small Business Guide

Technology is a necessary component of any business, and keeping your organization up-to-date with all the new tools is the work of your internal IT team or outsourced partner. But since most businesses have several other aspects of the company to manage it's difficult to focus on IT. Sometimes small and mid-sized businesses that have an in-house IT team that outsources specific IT functions to a third party so that they can focus on driving success in other areas. Here is a guide to help you consider the benefits of outsourced IT services.

What is Outsourced IT Support?

Outsourced IT, often referred to as managed IT refers to a third-party that will work as your IT department, or work with your internal team. One common way a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can supplement an internal department is by providing up-to-date IT management tools. This will help the business get problems resolved quickly and bring to light larger issues that require further diagnosis and potential investment.

What IT Services Can You Outsource?

Most aspects of your small business IT can be outsourced - it really depends on your businesses' needs and budget. Your IT partner will work with you to create a customized solution. Here are some common IT services organizations outsource:

#1- Cybersecurity solutions: With the ongoing advancement of technology, cybercrime continues to increase and become more sophisticated. You need to maintain your security as a business, to protect your data and your clients. IT security services like antivirus protection, cloud gateway security, monitoring solutions and managed detection and response will help your business stay secure.

#2- Managed backup: It is also crucial for businesses to keep their data safe and secure. You may lose your data due to multiple reasons, like a server crash or a cyber attack. An MSP will provide you with a modern managed backup solution so your data will be secure with verified recovery.

#3- Cloud solutions: Integrating your business with cloud applications provides cost savings and greater remote collaboration and productivity.

#4- IT consulting: IT service companies will provide your business with consulting services to help you map out your IT roadmap and navigate increasingly complex regulatory frameworks.

#5- IT Help Desk: Outsourced IT services provider have sophisticated IT support departments with access to advanced tools and employees with various areas of expertise. A MSP will also assist you with workstation and other hardware procurement.

Benefits of Outsourcing

• More time for you to focus on your business
• Professional expertise
• Solve IT issues more quickly
• Reduced security risks
• Improved employee productivity
• Access to the latest technology
• Cost-effective
• Competitive edge in your industry

Through a series of discovery meetings, you will develop an IT solution with your MSP. Your IT Services Agreement is the contract that details the services, responsibilities, availability, best practice standards, operations and systems requirements, and maps out the onboarding process. Initial projects and corresponding quotes may be included in the agreement as well.

Are you a business leader looking for IT support? Digital Sky Solutions has been serving the British Columbia area since 2006, providing IT services such as technical help desk support, cybersecurity, and consulting to both small and medium-sized businesses. Reach out to us for to schedule a meeting.