Deciding whether to outsource your company's IT and cybersecurity needs is a significant decision. It's a choice that comes down to a few key factors, and Bob Kehr from Kehr Technologies offers some insights to help businesses navigate this process.
The Foundation: Internal Capacity
Before anything else, you should assess your company's internal capabilities. Do you have the necessary expertise and capacity to handle all your IT needs in-house? If you find yourself coming up short in either area, it's a good time to consider other options. While hiring internally might seem like a solution, it isn't always the most cost-effective path. Instead, outsourcing could be the answer.
Beyond Cost: The Benefits of Outsourcing
Outsourcing offers more than just cost savings. It can also help you:
- Meet Compliance Requirements: Outsourcing can bring in the necessary expertise to handle complex compliance issues, saving you from having to worry about them yourself.
- Ensure 24/7 Monitoring: If you don't have the internal resources to monitor your systems around the clock, an external provider can fill that gap.
- Access Specialized Skills: Outsourcing gives you access to a broader range of skills, particularly in specialized areas like cybersecurity.
- Handle One-Time Projects: For a one-off project that doesn't justify hiring a full-time employee, outsourcing is an excellent solution.
- Increase Flexibility and Scalability: As your business grows, an outsourced partner can scale with you, allowing you to focus your internal resources on your core business.
- Maintain Technological Agility: The tech landscape changes quickly. An external provider stays on top of new developments, helping you integrate new technologies, like AI, into your business.
Addressing Common Concerns
Handing over your IT to a third party can feel risky. Here are some common concerns and how a trusted partner can address them:
- Loss of Control: While you are "handing over the keys," outsourcing can be a great way to free up your plate so you can focus on your core business.
- Data Security: Your data is a huge priority. It's crucial to trust your provider and ensure they have robust security measures in place to protect your customer information.
- Service Reliability: It can be scary to take the risk on a new company. A good provider will work to build that trust and demonstrate their reliability over time.
- Cultural Fit: A positive working relationship is essential. Make sure the outsourcing partner's culture and values align with your own. Don't hesitate to talk to the company owner and the people you'll be working with to ensure it's the right fit.
Kehr Technologies addresses these concerns by being transparent and building a strong relationship with clients. They regularly meet with customers and are open about their pricing, data protection practices, and disaster recovery plans.
A Hybrid Approach
For many companies, the decision isn't a simple choice between in-house or outsourced IT. A hybrid model, where some functions are handled internally and others are outsourced, can be a great strategy. This allows you to combine the strengths of both approaches.
For example, your in-house staff might focus on high-level strategy and day-to-day tasks, while an outsourced partner handles complex projects, provides specialized expertise, or offers mentorship and training to your team. This allows you to fill skills gaps and bring in additional support without hiring new full-time employees.
Why Choose a Local Provider?
When selecting an IT provider, a local partner can offer unique advantages. Local providers like Kehr Technologies prioritize responsiveness, allowing you to reach a live, local person who understands your business. They can also be on-site faster and are often more familiar with local business regulations. This relationship-based approach ensures that the provider truly cares about your business and is committed to finding the right solutions for you.
