Are you worried about making the right choice between in-house IT and a third-party provider? Do you want to know which one is better for organizations serving the public?
As a managed IT service provider (MSP), Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) has over 20 years of experience working with in-house IT and as an outsourced IT department. With this experience, we’ll answer the following questions:
- What are the pros and cons of in-house and outsourced IT?
- Is in-house IT or outsourced IT better for the public sector?
By the end of this article, you’ll know the benefits and drawbacks of in-house and outsourced IT, helping you to make an informed decision for your organization.
In-house IT: The Pros and Cons
Pros of In-house IT
If you commit to in-house IT, what’s in it for you?
1. Control and customization
The biggest benefit of in-house IT is the degree of control it provides. You can tailor your IT strategies and solutions to meet specific needs for maximum customizability and assurance that you cover your IT gaps.
In some cases, the government mandates that only US-based employees should have access to sensitive data. With in-house IT, you’ll be 100% sure of your compliance.
2. Immediate on-site availability
Next, having an in-house team means immediate on-site availability for troubleshooting and support during work hours. Public services often require minimal downtime and quick response times, and having someone on-site provides an extra safety net.
3. Deep understanding of the organization
Lastly, in-house IT professionals also have a better understanding of the organization's specific challenges and workflows. They know who to talk to, what to prioritize, and all the ins and outs that lead to a smoother workflow.
Cons of In-house IT
Unfortunately, there are unavoidable challenges with an in-house IT team.
1. High costs
First and foremost, having an in-house IT team is costly. Salaries, benefits, continuous training, and technological and infrastructure investments are all included in the costs. These costs represent a barrier to great IT for public-sector organizations with limited resources.
2. Resource limits
Aside from the higher price, in-house teams (particularly smaller teams) lack the depth of experience offered by an outsourced service. Specialized skills and experience are frequently necessary to manage complex IT environments, and hiring or training workers to cover all areas is difficult.
3. Scalability issues
Finally, expanding an in-house IT group to meet shifting expectations requires time and work. Hiring, promotions, and hardware acquisition are all additional measures to consider when expanding your in-house staff.
Outsourced IT: The Pros and Cons
Outsourced IT Pros
On the flip side, here are the benefits of outsourced IT – whether managed IT, co-managed IT, or break-fix IT.
1. Cost savings
Outsourcing IT is more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team. By partnering with an external provider, you avoid the overhead costs associated with salaries, benefits, and technology investments.
RELATED: How Much Does It Cost to Outsource IT?
2. Experts are available 24/7
Outsourced IT providers also have a broad range of expertise and experience, including specific skills that may not be available in-house. This is especially useful for managing complicated systems and introducing new technology. IT help is also available around the clock, every day of the year.
3. Scalability and flexibility
Outsourced IT services are also easily scalable to meet your demands. This flexibility allows organizations to respond to new requirements without making long-term people investments.
Outsourced IT Cons
1. Loss of control
Some organizations like the lighter load; some don’t. But one thing’s for sure: outsourcing IT means relinquishing control over IT operations. Choosing the wrong IT partner might be the start of a nightmare of data security concerns, compliance, and the alignment of IT services with organizational goals.
RELATED: 20 Questions to Ask When Choosing the Best Managed IT (MSP)
2. Communication challenges
Working with an external provider may sometimes result in communication barriers. Misunderstandings or delays in addressing issues can affect the efficiency and effectiveness of IT support.
3. Dependence on the provider
Relying on an external provider for critical IT services can be risky. If the provider experiences problems or goes out of business, your organization could face significant downtime.
Is In-house IT or Outsourced IT Better for the Public Sector?
Asking this question is like wondering if buying a ready-to-occupy house or building one from scratch is better. Instead of a straightforward answer, you’ll need to evaluate where you are as an organization regarding your IT.
Ask yourself:
- How much time are you willing to commit to your IT?
- What are your IT needs – both negotiable and non-negotiable?
- What are your long-term IT goals and your plan for getting there?
- Do you have enough resources to hire, train, and retain IT staff?
- How large is your budget, and what can you realistically expect to get?
These answers will guide you toward choosing between in-house or outsourced IT.
Ready to Get the Right IT Partnership for Your Organization?
Even with all this information, you still have a long way to go before committing to in-house or outsourced IT. To make the best decision, you’ll need to conduct a thorough assessment of your IT needs, budget, and long-term goals.
With extensive experience managing IT environments, ITS can provide valuable insights and guidance to help public sector organizations make the best decision.
If you’re ready to assess your IT needs, get your free network assessment today. But if you want more information about IT for the public sector, check out the following resources: