IT Outsourcing vs Managed Services (A Truthful Comparison)

When it comes to IT solutions, manufacturing companies often consider two main options: IT outsourcing vs managed services. While both solutions involve hiring a third-party provider to handle IT functions, there are significant differences between the two.

Managed services can be a great option for small and mid-sized businesses, as they provide a wide range of IT solutions at a fixed cost, enabling these businesses to manage their IT budgets more effectively. On the other hand, larger businesses with more complex IT needs may find outsourcing specific IT functions to be a better fit, as it provides access to specialized expertise while giving them greater control and flexibility to customize their IT solutions.

In this article, we will focus on the key differences between IT outsourcing vs managed services, the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, and provide guidance on which solution is best suited for your business needs.

IT Outsourcing

IT outsourcing refers to the practice of engaging a third-party provider to perform certain IT functions or manage an organization’s entire IT operations. These IT functions may include software development, network management, infrastructure maintenance, and other related tasks. The third-party provider is responsible for delivering the services as agreed upon in a service-level agreement (SLA), which outlines the expected service levels and standards.

Find out the steps you can take to successfully outsource your IT operations.

Advantages of Outsourcing IT:

• Access to specialized expertise: When you outsource IT, you can tap into a pool of specialized IT professionals with years of experience in various domains. These experts bring with them deep knowledge of the latest technologies and best practices, which can help you stay ahead of the competition.
• Cost savings through efficient resource allocation: Outsourcing IT can help you save money by reducing the need to hire and train an in-house IT team. Additionally, outsourcing providers can leverage economies of scale to provide services at a lower cost than what you would pay for an in-house team.
• Greater flexibility to scale IT services up or down as needed: Outsourcing IT enables you to quickly and easily scale your IT services up or down depending on your business needs.

Disadvantages of Outsourcing IT:

• Potential loss of control over IT operations: Outsourcing IT can mean losing some of the control over your IT operations. Inadvertently, this may lead to communication gaps and lack of transparency, which can sometimes make your IT needs more difficult to monitor and manage.
• Potential for communication and collaboration challenges with the third-party provider: Communication and collaboration can be challenging when working with an outsourced IT provider which can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and quality issues.
• Security risks associated with sharing sensitive data and information with a third-party provider: Outsourcing IT requires sharing sensitive data and information with the provider, which can potentially expose your business to security risks. It’s essential to have proper security measures in place and ensure that the provider adheres to the highest security standards.
• Possibility of additional costs, such as management fees and contract negotiations: Outsourcing IT comes with some additional costs beyond the regular service fees, such as management fees and contract negotiation costs. It’s essential to factor in these costs when evaluating the overall cost-benefit of outsourcing your IT needs.

Managed Services

Managed services involve ongoing management and maintenance of your businesses IT infrastructure, systems, and applications by a third-party provider known as a managed service provider or MSP. This approach allows you to outsource your IT operations and focus on the core business functions, while the MSP takes care of your businesses IT needs.

The MSP works with you to help define and deliver a set of services that meet your specific needs. Typically, each MSP offers a range of services, such as network monitoring, help desk support, data backup and recovery, and security management. These services are then delivered on a subscription basis, with the MSP assuming responsibility for ensuring that the IT systems and infrastructure are operating effectively and efficiently.

Advantages of Managed Services:

• Predictable IT costs for budget planning: Managed services are typically offered at a fixed monthly fee, making it easier for organizations to budget and plan their IT expenses. This predictable cost structure also helps reduce the risk of unexpected IT expenses.
• Access to a wide range of IT solutions and services: Managed service providers offer a broad range of IT services and solutions, including network monitoring, help desk support, data backup and recovery, and security management. This allows organizations to leverage the expertise and resources of the provider to improve their IT operations and enhance their overall business performance.
• Improved IT performance and reliability through proactive monitoring and maintenance: Managed service providers monitor IT systems and infrastructure proactively, identifying and addressing issues before they become major problems. This helps improve IT performance and reliability, minimizing downtime and ensuring that critical business functions are not interrupted.
• Scalability to meet changing business needs: Managed services can be scaled up or down as business needs change, providing organizations with the flexibility to adapt their IT services to meet their evolving requirements.

Disadvantages of Managed Services:

• Limited control over IT operations and decision-making: By purchasing Managed Services, you allow the MSP to take control of your IT operations and decision-making. The disadvantage in this is that you lose ownership of the role and worry.
• Dependence on the MSP for IT management and maintenance: Manufacturing businesses that rely on managed services may become dependent on their MSP for their IT management and maintenance needs. This can sometimes be a concern for organizations that prefer to have more control over their IT operations.
• Potential for communication and collaboration challenges with the MSP: Communication and collaboration with a third-party provider can sometimes be challenging, especially if there are language barriers or time zone differences.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between IT Outsourcing vs Managed Services

When deciding between IT outsourcing vs managed services, there are several factors that organizations should consider. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:

1. Business Needs and Goals: The first step in determining whether IT outsourcing or managed services is the right fit is to assess your business needs and goals. Consider your organization’s size, industry, and specific IT requirements. Determine whether your organization needs ongoing IT support, or if you require a one-time project or specialized IT expertise.
2. Cost: Another factor to consider is cost. IT outsourcing can be more expensive than managed services, as it typically involves a higher level of customization and more specialized expertise. Managed services, on the other hand, are often offered on a subscription basis, making it easier to budget for IT services.
3. Control: When outsourcing IT, you may relinquish some control over your IT operations. Managed services, on the other hand, offer more control as the MSP works closely with your organization to define and deliver a set of IT services that meet your specific needs.
4. Expertise: If your organization requires specialized IT expertise, outsourcing may be the best option. However, if your organization requires ongoing IT support, managed services may be the better choice. Managed service providers offer a team of experienced IT professionals who can provide ongoing support and expertise.
5. Security: Data security is a critical factor to consider when choosing between IT outsourcing vs managed services. When outsourcing IT, you may be sharing sensitive data with a third-party provider, which can increase the risk of data breaches. Managed service providers, on the other hand, typically have strong security protocols and measures in place to protect your data.
6. Scalability: If your organization requires the flexibility to scale up or down your IT services as needed, managed services may be the better choice. Managed service providers offer flexible pricing and services that can be tailored to meet your organization’s evolving needs.

Ultimately, the decision between IT outsourcing vs managed services will depend on your organization’s specific needs, budget, and goals. It’s important to carefully consider these factors and work with a reputable IT provider to determine the best option for your organization.

Conclusion

Choosing between IT outsourcing vs managed services can be a difficult decision for any manufacturing company. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals.

If you require specialized IT expertise for a one-time project or a specific function, IT outsourcing might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you need ongoing IT support, managed services will be a better fit for your business. Managed services can offer a more comprehensive solution for your organization’s IT needs, providing ongoing maintenance and support for your IT infrastructure, systems, and applications.

Whichever option you choose, it’s crucial to keep control, cost, security, scalability, and the type of IT support you require in mind. By carefully considering these factors and working closely with your chosen provider, you can ensure that your organization receives the best possible IT services to support your business’s success.

Give us a call at 226-336-6259 or contact us at itsales@sabrelimited.com today to discuss your needs.