The role Information Technology plays in an organization has changed dramatically over the past decade. Now that almost all businesses are automated, computers offer no direct competitive advantage. However, technology facilitates business operations, and must be done well. Simply put, the new goal for IT management is cost-effective reliability.
Knowledge & Experience
Learning new technology takes a considerable amount of time, time internal staff often does not have. On the job training is a poor substitute for adequate preparation and experience. A new server operating system, installed by a technician using equipment or software for the first time, is not as stable as the same system installed by an industry certified and trained technician performing the installation for the twentieth time.
Improved Reliability
A network is a collection of devices configured to work together. A problem with one device cascades through the network, causing various symptoms. Adequate network reliability is achieved by correctly configuring each piece of equipment or software. The network is not a fixed environment, however, as new equipment, software, and other devices are routinely added or removed.
Managing this fluid environment requires constant attention to basic network design, expertise with current hardware and software, and thorough documentation. Each time something changes on the network, whether it is a new software package or a new server, the technician must consider what impact the change will have on the network as a whole. Failure to do so negatively impacts both performance and reliability.
Outsourcing allows for a team support approach to network planning, maintenance and upgrades with all the sufficient resources to implement and maintain networks in a proactive yet sensible manner.
Cost Savings
Outsourcing technology management saves time. A business can acquire IT skills and experience without developing these skills internally. Outsourcing eliminates over-staffing. While it is not possible to hire half a person, or to find one individual who knows everything, outsourcing allows companies to acquire necessary the knowledge when needed, in just the right amount.
Outsourcing is typically less expensive than hiring internal people, saving office space, training and other overhead expenses.
Contact TriQuest today to calculate your cost of managing IT internally and determine if outsourced IT is the right option for your business.