What does IT outsourcing really cover?

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Organizations are outsourcing more of their IT tasks than ever before. Recent research from Computer Economics reveals that outsourcing now makes up 11.9% of total IT budgets — up from 10.6% in 2017.

But why has it become so popular?

Basically, IT outsourcing lets your company select services from external providers in order to improve your IT-related processes. This way, you can focus on other areas of your business and let the professionals manage your networks and systems.

As brands look for new ways to save cash and improve productivity, expect more managers and executives to incorporate outsourcing into their business model in the next few years.

Here are just some of the different things that IT outsourcing covers.

1. Managed Services

Think of all those IT jobs that you don’t have the time to complete yourself. Now imagine if someone managed your computer networks and systems for you. This is where a good managed services provider (MSP) comes in. One of these professionals can manage your data in the cloud, install regular security updates on your systems and identify areas for business growth.

Managed services are just one component of IT outsourcing. This common practice lets business owners delegate IT-related tasks to an external provider instead of managing them in-house.

Related: The Top Causes of Data Loss

“There are many different types of managed IT service offerings, but the idea behind all of them is to transfer the burden of maintaining IT from the customer to a service provider,” says TechTarget. “In an effective managed services relationship, a customer benefits from predictable pricing and the ability to focus on core business concerns rather than IT management chores.”

2. Day-to-Day IT Support

Downtime can have a major impact on your business. Research shows that the average cost of IT downtime is $5,600 a minute — that’s a massive $336,000 an hour.

The high costs associated with downtime are just one of the reasons why more business owners are using outsourced services. External providers can offer day-to-day IT support and help you get back on track if your computer servers or systems malfunction.

Related: Cybersecurity: What to Know and Where to Start

A good external service provider can also help you plan for a disaster or emergency. In the event of a flood or hurricane, for example, you will still be able to access your data, even if your computer systems are unusable. Service providers can keep your data in the cloud, so you can access it on a device away from your office.

3. Software Maintenance

Software maintenance is the second-most outsourced IT function worldwide, according to research. (Application development is the first).

Why?

Most business owners just don’t have the time or resources to maintain their software programs themselves. Constant updates, virus protection, security patches — maintaining your software is a laborious process.

External service providers offer a solution. They manage your software applications and constantly update them for you, providing you with peace of mind. All of this happens off-premises, so it will have little impact on your day-to-day operations. Service providers can install the latest security updates, check your software for vulnerabilities and even recommend products and services that will save your company money.

Leave the IT Outsourcing to the Xperts

Business owners spend $288 billion on IT outsourcing worldwide, according to one study. Although a broad term, IT outsourcing provides your business with a whole heap of benefits, including managed services, day-to-day IT support and software maintenance.

Xpert Technologies is here to help you take on the business challenges of your organization with the power of technology. Interested in learning more about how our IT services can help you?

Reach out to us to learn more, or if you have any questions.