You’ve got a lot to consider as a new startup business. You’ll want things to go as smoothly as possible, and may need expert help with several functions of your operation, but budget is bound to be a crucial factor in your decision. Here are some things to consider in your decision-making process about whether to outsource IT support.
Do you have any tech-savvy people in your team?
If you have a tech-expert in the house and your setup is small and non-specialist, technically, then you might get away without outsourced IT support. But keep in mind that technology changes all the time, particular hosted technology, and there are constantly new and better ways of working, collaborating and innovating business processes with applications that become available.
A good IT support provider keeps up to date with business technology developments and should be able to advise you on the best tech for your operation. They’ll also know how to stick to your budget and the best way to integrate new tech with your existing.
Specialist business tech areas
There are some aspects of IT that need an extra expert eye upon them. Licences for the software your team use can be a complex area, and there is money to be saved by getting licensing right and not paying for more than you need.
Compliance is also a big area for new startups. You may be anxious to make sure you get everything right from a compliance point of view. Data protection and GDPR are areas that you may be particularly concerned about getting right. How do you handle your clients’ data? Are you within the law? There are financial implications for not getting GDPR right.
Disasters happen
Without wanting to fill you with dread, disasters do happen. You will already know this of course, but you may think it won’t happen to you. However, ransomware and cybercrime are on the rise, with hackers working tirelessly to invent new ways of stealing your data and defrauding you of your hard-earned cash.
Do you have the latest antivirus software? Do you and your team know how to guard against a phishing attack? These are all aspects of business IT security that you could do with having an expert opinion on, and provider of, who can get you set up with the best security products to suit your setup.
If disaster does strike, do you know if, and how, you’ll be able to continue to operate? Business continuity planning is essential for every business, no matter what size and scale of operation. An IT provider will be able to put your business continuity and disaster recovery plan in place to best effect, so no matter what happens, you know your business will still function.
Budget
No doubt, budget is on your mind. Perhaps you are weighing up the cost of recruiting a tech expert to have inhouse, against outsourcing. Take into account training costs, and having the responsibility yourself for this member of staff’s ability and depth of knowledge. If you outsource IT support you are paying someone else to have this responsibility, which is one less thing for you to think about.
Tech firms supporting businesses have to stay ahead of the competition, which is why they train and develop staff. Do you really want to have to organise this yourself, on top of the recruitment drain on your time and resource?
A good IT provider will give you flexible options for IT support and work with your available budget. Look for pay-as-you-go options and beware of lengthy contracts that tie you in. Check the quality of the customer service by checking out reviews and their average ticket resolution time and feedback.
When all’s said and done, you have a lot to consider as a startup when it comes to deciding whether to outsource your IT support or not. Don’t forget that your headspace is important too; you need it to innovate, as well as for running your business day-to-day.
Sometimes outsourcing to a business IT support expert will just make everything a lot easier, just find one that appreciates your budget and will give you the complete worry-free service you need.
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