Are you looking into Managed IT but want to see the downsides of this service before finalizing your partnership?
Then you’ve made a smart decision.
As a Managed IT Provider, we know we don’t offer a perfect service. There are disadvantages we’re not afraid to admit here at Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS).
With over 20 years of experience in the field, we’ve decided to write a frank article explaining – in detail – the problems you may encounter with Managed IT if you’re a biotech company. These are:
1. Dependence on a Third-Party Provider
2. Lack of Control over IT Strategy
3. Limited Customization
4. Communication Challenges
5. Potential Security Risks
6. Lack of Industry-Specific Knowledge
7. Cost
And by the end of this article, you’ll be able to decide if these disadvantages are still worth the benefits you’ll get with third-party IT management.
1. Dependence on a Third-Party Provider
By outsourcing IT to an MSP (managed IT service provider), biotech companies become dependent on the provider's services and expertise. This can lead to regret down the line, especially if the IT provider doesn’t have the capacity to handle your growth.
Initially, your arrangement will probably be efficient and effective. However, becoming complacent with your IT and not taking the time to understand your IT needs can leave you vulnerable to your provider's limitations, as well as their pricing and service models and the risk of them going out of business. 
2. Lack of Control Over IT Strategy
Biotech companies may not have full control over their IT strategy when working with a managed IT provider.
If you’re unlucky and choose a provider who doesn’t have your best interest at heart, they may abuse your trust and suggest services you may not need or upgrades that don’t fit your IT goals.
Ensure you retain complete control of your IT roadmap by:
- Establishing clear communication and expectations
- Defining your company's IT goals and objectives
- Agreeing on a clear service level agreement (SLA)
- Reviewing and monitoring your provider's performance and its alignment with your goals
3. Limited Customization
Managed IT services may not offer the same level of customization as an in-house IT team. MSPs often offer tiered pricing with set services, and it's common for businesses to either overpay for services or miss features they need.
To avoid this, you’ll need to go over your IT needs and the offered plans with a fine-toothed comb. Research is key in finding an MSP that hits everything you need in an IT service.
4. Communication Challenges
Communication between you and your IT provider may sometimes be challenging, leading to problem-resolution and decision-making delays.
These challenges often stem from a lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities, or differences in communication styles or language barriers.
To overcome these challenges, both parties must establish clear communication channels, define expectations, and ensure that you are on the same page regarding IT goals and objectives.
5. Potential Security Risks
Outsourcing IT services to a third-party provider can increase the risk of data breaches or other security issues if the provider is not properly vetted or if their security protocols are not up to par.
Hackers consistently target MSPs since they’re an untapped goldmine of data and company access.
It is important to note that no company is completely immune to security breaches, but it is crucial for managed IT companies to take proactive measures to secure their systems and data, and promptly respond to any security incidents that may occur.
As the decision-maker of your biotech company, you can also work with third-party auditors to ensure that their security practices are up to par and that any vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
6. Lack of Industry-Specific Knowledge
Managed IT providers may not have the same level of industry-specific knowledge as an in-house IT team, which can limit their ability to understand and address the company's specific technology needs.
You can sidestep this by choosing IT providers who’ve already partnered with other biotech companies and know the unique challenges you face in your industry.
7. Cost
Managed IT services can be expensive. This is especially true for biotech companies, as they typically have complex IT requirements, including the need for specialized software, data security, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
All of these factors can significantly drive up the cost of managed IT services. This can strain the company's budget and limit investment in other business areas.
Biotech companies also often have limited resources, making it difficult to justify the expense of high-quality IT support.
As a result, many biotech companies struggle to balance the need for effective IT support with the cost of these services. You’ll need to plan your budget and get estimates for the price before diving into Managed IT.
Need More Information About Managed IT for Your Biotechnology Company?
In conclusion, while managed IT services can provide numerous benefits for businesses, biotech companies face unique challenges that require you to evaluate your need for managed IT thoroughly.
The high cost of specialized software, data security, and regulatory compliance can significantly drive up the cost of Managed IT services, which can be particularly challenging for smaller or early-stage biotech companies with limited resources.
Furthermore, outsourcing IT services can also result in a loss of control over critical business functions and decision-making processes, which can be particularly risky in a highly regulated industry like biotech.
Ultimately, while Managed IT services can offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency and overall value, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to outsource your IT needs.
Here are more resources you can use when deciding whether or not to get managed IT:
- Everything You Need to Know about Managed IT
- How Much Does Managed IT Cost? (5 Price Factors)
- 20 Signs That Your Business is Ready for Managed Services [eBook]