This year, IT professionals are hard to find for companies. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, a company that replaces an in-house worker will spend six to nine months of their employee’s salary.
In current times, businesses are turning to BPO companies to solve or prevent such problems.
This article will explain what an outsourced IT provider looks like, how they work, and what it can do for businesses like yours. Continue reading to find out more.
What does an outsourced IT provider do?
Outsourced IT services go beyond just providing temporary fixes. An hourly fee is charged by a break-fix technician to diagnose and fix a problem with your network, software, or hardware.
Because you only pay for the problem you are facing, this service can seem cheaper. It can end up being more costly over the long term. Because they are paid more for taking longer to fix a problem, break-fix services don’t have the incentive to be quick or offer a permanent solution.
An outsourced IT provider, on the other hand, is a partner for your business. The provider monitors your servers and networks at a fixed cost. Outsourced IT providers can help you fix any problems that may arise and maintain your network’s smooth operation.
Outsourced IT providers can help you avoid threats and resolve issues as they arise. They also look for permanent solutions to your IT problems. The heavy lifting is done by a third party.
In general, an outsourced IT provider handles the following:
Computer Software
Software is the most difficult aspect of computing for many businesses. It can be difficult to update computing software, especially if you have different computer models. The software may not work on certain devices or require expensive upgrades.
Companies’ equipment is vulnerable if they fail to update their computer software. Antivirus licenses, spam blocking, and spyware blocking software are all essential to provide additional protection. Many companies lack the resources and expertise to manage the process.
Older software is less secure and can be a target for hackers. After a while, software developers stop offering support for their products. This leaves the users with the responsibility of fixing bugs.
Because it is using the most recent technologies, none of these problems have to occur with an outsourced IT provider. You can have software updates and testing done by it, so employees don’t need to log in and enjoy the improved performance.
Outsourced IT professionals can also help with the resolution of software bugs. Outsourced IT providers can help you make the most of your software. They can advise you on how to avoid programs that are no more supported and which ones to use.
Computer Hardware
It can be expensive to maintain computer hardware. It can be difficult for companies to increase their IT systems and computer arsenals to meet their growing needs.
Outsourced IT providers can assist in determining the hardware needs and how to use it so that companies don’t lose track of their assets or over-purchase. This can help lower hardware costs for a company.
Outsourced IT support is scalable, unlike insourcing. Companies can adjust their operations to adapt their equipment, so they can increase or decrease their equipment as needed.
Common Services for an Outsourced IT Provider
Many services can be handled by a BPO company offering IT support. These are the most popular:
Network Security
A breach of your IT system can cause more damage than anything. A key advantage of outsourcing IT is the guarantee of network security in the event of cyberattacks.
Outsourced IT support services are offered by BPO companies. They specialize in this area and employ the most recent security measures to keep hackers away. Outsourced IT providers offer proactive threat prevention, continuous monitoring, network reports, and security alerts.
Implementation and maintenance of networks
Small to medium-sized businesses can find updating system programs difficult and time-consuming. Outsourcing IT allows companies to delegate system updates to third-party vendors. This allows them to focus on their core business and prevents implementation distractions.
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Outsourced IT providers specialize in software integration and computer networks. These types of services are often handled by IT support companies. They can complete the task in half the time it takes for in-house IT departments.
Support for Troubleshooting
Outsourced IT providers can help you and your staff resolve problems on-site. Your team has access to IT professionals who can help you troubleshoot and solve IT problems.
System and File Backup
Large enterprises now store their files in cloud storage to protect data from the server or local hard drive failures. Many small businesses now follow the cloud storage example due to its convenience. Digital files can last a long time if companies store them in the cloud.
The server on which you store digital files is managed by an outsourced IT provider. They maintain it up-to-date and perform regular maintenance to ensure your files are safe.
Other services offered by an outsourced IT provider
- Data Center Management
- Tech Support and Help Desk
- Database Management and Development
- Web Development and Hosting
- Software and Application Development
- Disaster Recovery
- Email Management
Companies that hire an outsourced IT provider
Outsourcing IT support can benefit businesses of all sizes and all industries. Today’s most successful tech companies outsourced their development functions as part of their growth phases. They benefited from the infrastructure and skilled workers of an outsourced IT provider.
They outsource business functions to avoid building an internal team to manage short-term projects. This strategic move allows them to meet unexpected requirements and reduce overhead costs.
Here are some companies that have outsourced IT services:
- Alibaba
- Mastercard
- Microsoft
- Royal dutch shell
- Cisco
- Anheuser-Busch InBev
- SeatGeek
- Citi
- Slack
- Amcor
- Unilever
Different types of IT outsourcing
Outsourced IT providers offer a variety of services that allow you to select the best support for your needs. An outsourced IT support company may offer the following levels of assistance:
IT support that is online only
This support is cheaper than hand-on support. This type of support is best for businesses that have staff who are skilled at troubleshooting. The IT specialist will only need to guide them through the process via email or chat.
Pay-as-you-go IT Support
This type of support charges an outsourced IT provider a fixed fee in exchange for providing reactive IT assistance. Pay-as-you-go services are best for businesses that have their own IT infrastructure and only require assistance in an emergency. It is not a long-term solution and it comes with high costs.
Managed IT Support
You will sign a contract with an outsourcing IT provider to manage your IT infrastructure. Managed IT Support is a 24-hour service that will keep you informed about software and hardware upgrades, protect you against malware, and ensure file backups.
Other types of IT outsourcing
Offshore Outsourcing
Offshore outsourcing is the subcontracting of tech-related tasks abroad to an outsourced IT provider. Many IT professionals are trained in managing and troubleshooting tech support in countries like the Philippines. Outsourcing offshore can save you money and reduce taxes.
Nearshore Outsourcing
Nearshore outsourcing refers to the subcontracting of IT functions to a BPO located in a neighboring country. This allows you to travel and communicate with your outsourced IT provider more easily.
Domestic Outsourcing
Domestic outsourcing refers to the hiring of an IT provider who is based in your country for tech-support services.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a service provided by a third-party vendor. These services include software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform as a Service (PaaS), or infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
The benefits of outsourcing IT providers
Remote Monitoring Available 24/7
Outsourced IT providers do not cease monitoring your system after they have finished their shift. Reliable IT support companies remotely monitor your system 24 hours a day.
Third-party vendors have the best monitoring software that can detect and fix IT problems, track asset performance and stop privacy threats from leading to breaches. This constant monitoring helps protect your system against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
Implementation immediately
An outsourced IT provider can immediately implement any new program your company requires. This can slow down your business operations for several days or even weeks if it is done in-house. IT outsourcing means that you don’t have to stop your operations while the implementation is completed.
Reliable Technicians
It takes time and resources to train your IT staff to understand the details of your IT infrastructure. This can keep you from working in other areas. If you have high turnover rates, this can make it even more difficult. Outsourced IT providers can help you save time and manage staff changes.
Massive Cost Savings
Because of the difficulty and rarity of their abilities, IT professionals command a high salary. This can prove prohibitive for many businesses. It is possible to avoid having an IT department in-house and instead spend your money on expanding your business.
Organizations that have an IT department in-house will be burdened with IT support tasks. Outsourced IT providers allow companies to focus their resources and time on their core competencies.
Active IT Experience
Every day brings new challenges to the IT industry. It is common for IT teams that have been in the same company for a long time to have limited knowledge.
Outsourced IT providers are more skilled in solving a wider range of IT problems, as they have worked with many companies from different industries. Outsourced IT providers are very serious about the subject and will not stop learning. You can rest assured that you will receive the best possible assistance.
Competent Service
Most businesses consider IT a secondary or third-level skill. You can’t assess the knowledge of applicants unless your company deals directly with IT.
Large enterprises may keep their IT in-house because they have the financial resources and the ability to hire the best talent. Most businesses don’t have the time or money to hire top-notch IT professionals.
Outsourced IT providers can offer the same level of expertise as big companies but at a fraction of the cost. Outsourced IT companies offer high-quality expertise at an affordable price for small and medium businesses.
Maximize Productivity
Outsourcing to third-party vendors allows your staff to focus on the most important aspects of your business. Outsourcing IT providers can take over the IT tasks and allow your employees to focus on urgent issues without worrying about network security.
This results in increased productivity within the company and simplified workflows. You can concentrate on your core strengths while outsourcing IT to help you outsource technical tasks.
The bottom line
Technical Support Outsourcing work alongside your business to eliminate the risk of cyberattacks or network-related downtime. This helps to reduce the risk of data breaches and site inoperability for prolonged periods, which could cause damage to your business and your reputation.
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Compliance issues and ever-changing laws at both national and international levels are some of the most difficult aspects of computer technology. An outsourced IT provider must keep up with these changes and ensure that you are compliant.
Unity Communications is a leader in IT support solutions. We offer long-term partnerships and not just technical support. Get in touch with our team if you are interested in finding out how we can help.