IT support is an integral component of any successful business that can be undertaken either in-house or outsourced to a third-party IT service provider. However, whether to use an in-house IT team or leverage outsourced service can be a difficult decision to make. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on your business needs.

To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore some of the notable advantages and disadvantages of each option.

In-house IT Support

There are several benefits to having an in-house IT support team. With the right set of skills and continued training, your team can develop a comprehensive and efficient IT system based on your business needs.

 


Moreover, an in-house support team ensures that problems can be solved more quickly and efficiently. However, establishing and managing in-house IT support can be costly. 

Pros of In-house IT Support

• Easy access: Whenever an issue arises, you can easily and conveniently access your IT staff and have the issue resolved in time.

• Cost management: The fact that your IT expert is on your payroll like any other employee ensures that your expense remains constant. You don’t have to worry about any unplanned IT expenses at the end of the month. 

• The in-house team understands your systems – The team only focuses on your systems, so they have all the functions at their fingertips.  
Cons of In-house IT Support
• Expensive:Keeping a full-time IT specialist is usually a costly affair, especially for small to medium businesses (SMBs). Larger companies may also find it difficult to sustain an experienced full-time IT professional. Ongoing training for IT staff can push the costs even higher. 

• Limited technological skills: It’s not always easy to find an IT professional with the skills and expertise to handle all your IT needs. You’ll normally be forced to employ several IT specialists with different skills to ensure all your needs are met. 

 


Outsourced IT Support 

Outsourced IT support is typically more cost-efficient compared to having an in-house team, and it gives you a wider range of expertise at less cost. If you select a good IT Support London Company, they’ll have personnel with expertise and experience in a wide range of areas. 

Pros of Outsourced IT Support

• Cost-efficiency: Outsourced IT service is normally available in different packages, usually payable on a monthly basis, so you can choose what suits your business needs.

• 24/7 Support: With outsourced support, you don’t have to worry about downtime at any time of the day, night, or week. Moreover, there's frequently a contact line for off-hour emergencies.  

• Variety of refined expertise: With IT support outsourcing, you generally have a whole range of high-level specialists at your disposal. Besides having qualified personnel in a complete range of areas, reputable IT Support companies have exposure to different businesses and hence boast real-world experience across industries. 
Cons of Outsourced IT Support
• Confidentiality and security: You’re putting one of the most sensitive components of your business in the hands of a third party. It's essential to carry out proper due diligence to ensure the security of your business information and customer data.

• Accessibility:Due to the fact that outsourced support representatives are not always on site, there could be delays in handling an emergency. 

In Conclusion

In many scenarios an outsourced IT support is a more viable option for both small and large businesses, butyou can also have the best of both worlds by investing in an outsourced service that feels in-house.