Outsourcing IT support is becoming increasingly popular as IT becomes increasingly important in just about all industries.
With core business operations relying on technology, even the smallest hiccup can significantly impact revenue and brand reputation, potentially affecting a company’s future.
For small to medium businesses that don’t have the budget for a substantial internal IT team or expensive onsite hardware, outsourcing IT support to outsourcing companies can be a cost-efficient way to ensure everything runs smoothly.
At Microbyte, we’ve been a leading provider of outsourced IT support services to companies within a broad range of industries, from construction to healthcare, for over two decades. Whether you need a 24/7 helpdesk, cyber security, cloud migrations or communications solutions, our managed IT support services can help grow, protect and future-proof your business.
But what does outsourcing your IT support involve? What are the benefits of remote IT support, and how can you be sure you’re working with the right consultancy? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Outsourced IT Support?
Outsourced IT support means that a company chooses to hire an IT company, such as Microbyte, based in London, to handle all (or some) of their IT instead of relying on an internal IT department. Some companies may retain a small internal team to liaise with the external Managed Services Provider (MSP) for support.
Outsourcing services can be entrusted to one company offering total IT support or several companies managing various elements. It means that parts of a business’s IT are assigned to a third party of experts who will make decisions and take actions to control, update and ensure everything functions correctly.
Our support packages offer a comprehensive approach to your IT systems to incorporate every aspect of support and planning. They’re also available for a fixed monthly fee, so you can always stay on top of your budget.
Elements of Outsourced IT Support Services
Outsourcing your IT looks different for every company. How you use IT supports your operations, and your daily needs vary greatly. Just some of the elements a third-party IT outsourcing company may provide are:
- IT helpdesk support
- Software updates
- IT Roadmaps
- Cyber security
- Firewall management
- Access control
- Backups
- Cloud migration
- System monitoring
- Best practices and compliance
- Data security
- Service Desk
- Dedicated account manager
Some businesses outsource specific elements, while others work with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for complete IT outsourcing.
Our Most Popular Business IT Support Services
With the support of our team, you can make sure your business never falls behind the curve and instead remains at the forefront of technological leaps and bounds. Above, we shed light on the wide variety of managed outsourced IT support services. Below, we delve into the specifics of our most high-in-demand monitoring and support solutions.
Cybersecurity
The best IT support companies can protect your business against just about all cybersecurity threats. Our dedicated IT staff can implement measures to fortify your company against malware, viruses, phishing, and more. We can also make sure you remain compliant with data protection laws and regulations.
24/7 Helpdesk for All Your Support Needs
We take a proactive approach to monitoring your IT infrastructure around the clock to prevent issues from arising in the first place. Should a problem occur, you can count on our team of friendly technicians to resolve the situation promptly, in most cases without needing to visit your property or interrupt your operations.
In-House Support as and When Required
Should you need some in-house support, our team of consultants are ready to visit your property at a moment’s notice to minimise business downtime.
Cloud Migrations
If you’re still storing data, software and hardware on your premises, you could benefit by migrating your IT infrastructure to the cloud. This allows you to store all your sensitive data and apps on external servers in secure facilities. You can also scale your IT needs instantly – there’s no need to invest in additional hardware to accommodate the growing requirements of your company.
Unified Communications
If you’re struggling to promote easy collaboration between your team members, you might be interested in our range of VoIP solutions that can integrate a range of messaging apps, phone network support, email solutions, and much more.
Benefits of IT Outsourcing Services
There are many benefits of outsourcing IT support to a third-party provider. So, before you start hiring ana dedicated technical consultant or internal IT team, here are some things to think about.
Focus on What You’re Good at
Outsourcing your technical support to outside IT services like Microbyte allows businesses to focus on what they’re good at instead of hiring and managing internal IT teams.
Reduce Your IT Costs
In the long term, outsourcing your IT support can save your business a lot of money. Professionals can ensure your systems are working correctly and make your daily operations more efficient. Your business can increase profits and cut waste with fewer errors and less downtown.
In addition, by partnering with a fully outsourced third-party contractor, you don’t have the expense of hiring an IT department full-time only to have them sit around during low periods. As demand fluctuates, your IT support company can provide the level of support you need and won’t charge you for more.
Make Planning Straightforward
Working with a third-party IT support provider such as Microbyte can make planning future budgets and projects much more manageable. Your MSP will be able to provide accurate information regarding cost and timeframes to help you execute plans effectively.
With plenty of experience in the industry, an MSP can let you know how much you should expect to spend on IT in the future and will be on hand as the company grows, so you don’t have to deal with any nasty surprises.
Count on Professional Experts and Reliability
Outsourcing your IT to a third-party support provider such as Microbyte means gaining access to a team of engineers and IT experts with a range of skills and training that may not be accessible to you when hiring in-house. If you need a wide range of skills, using an external team can be more cost-effective and easier than managing and paying for a house team.
Furthermore, by working with a team of qualified experts, you can be sure they will work effectively and offer a range of professional support services. You’ll gain complete peace of mind over the day-to-day operations and future IT needs of your business.
Access 24/7 Support Services
Working with a provider such as Microbyte, which offers unlimited access to remote support, ensures that your business continuity is maintained at all times. Our team of experts can quickly implement new technologies and deliver faster solutions to meet specific requirements.
Minimise Security Risks
Professional IT support companies can access the latest software, equipment, and best practice training. They can minimise the risk of data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other security issues. Overall, your business’s valuable information will be more protected than ever.
For companies that rely on IT as a part of their day-to-day operations to generate revenue, you can lower the risk of downtime and lost opportunities by ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Gain Access to the Latest Technology
Take responsibility for managing your own IT infrastructure, and you’ll need to stay on top of the latest developments and invest in new and upgraded hardware and technologies. However, if you choose to outsource, you can utilise the expertise of specialists who use the most advanced solutions on the market.
How To Start Outsourcing Your IT?
If you’ve started to see the benefits of outsourcing your IT support services, you’ll want to get started straight away. You may be impatient to start improving your software, smoothing out problems, and saving money.
But before you jump in, you need to be confident that the MSP is right for you. Identifying the best support team to fit your business can be challenging.
You need a fully Managed Service Provider, not just an IT support helpdesk. Learn how Microbyte is a leading provider of far more than just Outsourced IT Support Services
Here are a few things to think about and questions to ask to help you find the best MSP company for you.
How long has the company been in business?
Companies with decades of experience are more reliable and can offer better support. If the company only launched last month, they may not have the experience you need.
Do they specialise in one area?
Every business is unique, and different sectors require different levels of support. If you operate in a specific industry, you need an MSP that is comfortable providing tailored support.
What are their credentials?
Look for companies with industry-recognised certifications like ITIL, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA compliance. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to quality, security, and data protection. It also ensures the company has experience in your industry and a team of certified and experienced IT professionals. Evaluate their communication skills and customer service level to ensure effective collaboration. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select an IT outsourcing partner that aligns with your business needs and delivers exceptional service.
What do you actually want? Do you need a completely Outsourced IT Department or just some overflow help?
Think about what you actually want and approach a company that can give you the support you need. MSPs can provide a whole range of services. But you may not need help with every aspect of IT. You might just want a single point of contact for when issues arise or the possibility of adding services to your contract as your business grows.
Do they have flexible packages?
One size doesn’t fit all. You may want to work with a flexible MSP that can create a bespoke package just for you. This way, you only pay for the support you need and don’t miss out on vital support because it’s only part of a different package.
How much do they charge?
Let’s face it, in the end, you need to know how much you are willing to spend, what your ongoing budget is and what this will get you. The cost of outsourcing your IT will vary greatly depending on your required support.
Getting the right MSP for you is crucial for your business success. You need a team that can support you and helps take your business forward. Getting it wrong could be a disaster.
Can you view their case studies?
Do they have sufficient case studies to show you what they have achieved for other clients?
We foster partnerships built on trust, communication and integrity. This allows us to have honest conversations, where our motivation is what’s best for your business, and never a quick buck for us. Learn more about how we have achieved this for our clients.
Importantly, how much should Outsourced IT cost?
It shouldn’t be hard to work out how much outsourced IT costs. Yet, IT providers don’t always talk about the numbers as plainly as they could. The complicated jargon and befuddling number-crunching can be off-putting for companies considering an external support team.
At Microbyte, we understand that you can’t weigh up IT support (Learn More about our London office) options without a basic handle on the figures. Yes, there are lots of factors, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least know what ballpark you’re in.
One of the most common questions we receive from potential customers is the cost of our support services. Outsourcing your IT services is the first step to empowering your business, especially small businesses, to focus on its strengths and digital transformation.
Paying an expert does more than save money, time and hassle, it helps you scale quicker. And not only that, a team of experts can be cheaper than you think.
This article is an attempt to eradicate the mystery surrounding the price of IT support, especially remote support and unlimited remote support options. We will detail the many options available and crunch the numbers for you.
How much does Outsourced IT Support cost?
While prices can vary wildly, Tthe average cost of outsourced IT support is £25-35 per month, per user.
Outsourcing IT Support
IT support, or an IT helpdesk, offers the basic aspects of an IT package. This is generally used as a solution for businesses that keep their IT in-house. IT support involves hiring trained staff who can solve issues as they arise. For SMEs with a small in-house IT team, outsourced IT support helps small issues with a high operational impact, get fixed in no time. You don’t want a staff member unable to work because they’re waiting their turn in the IT queue. Outsourced IT support means they’ll speak to an engineer straight away.
Here’s our breakdown of the cost of outsourced IT support:
- The average user will create one ticket per month
- That ticket will take about 20 minutes to complete
- A good engineer is billed at £65ph
- We need 20 minutes of that engineer’s time
- 20mins x £65ph = £22
- £22 + 10% management time + tools = £24.20
- Totalling around £25 per month, per user
Considering a more comprehensive solution for your IT needs? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does your in-house IT team handle the ongoing care and development of your systems?
- Are your IT standards documented and reviewed on a regular basis?
- Are you comfortable your data is safe and backed up?
- Do you hire a team who manage the continuous improvement of your IT services?
- Do you have the knowledge and expertise needed to get issues rectified quickly?
- Is your organisation familiar with the latest IT technology improvements?
If you answered ‘no’ to any of the questions above, then a Managed Service Provider might be the best way for you to optimise your IT.
How much does an Outsourced Managed Service Provider cost?
An Outsourced Managed Service Provider costs £50-75 per month, per user on average.
A Managed IT Service is the complete management of your IT systems and sometimes telecoms to outsourced specialists. This service consists of far more than fixing computer problems. Unless you have a substantial in-house team, your business should be looking for a Managed Service Provider (MSP).
The support service offered by an MSP is more expensive for a good reason. Not only is there much more involved than IT support, but your MSP will also be much more involved with your business. They’ll be building a partnership with you to ensure your IT is always working for your business as it grows.
Here’s what you get from a full Managed Services offering:
- The cost of the helpdesk (broken down under IT support above) = £25 per month, per user
- Monitoring of updates, back-ups and security = £1 per month, per user
- Standards engineers (network administrators) who check operations and implement changes = £5 per month, per user
- An IT director who manages the client, their IT management, budget and future strategy. This can be quite an involved role and will depend on the activity and involvement of the client = £16 per month, per user
- Tools for smooth support services, including cyber protection = £10 per month, per user
So, for an extra £32 per month, per user, you have the total security and reassurance that your IT is taken care of – both now, and in the future.
Overview of Outsourced Cost of Outsourced IT Costs
IT support = £25-35 per month, per user
Managed services = £50-£75 per month, per user
There you have it. In numbers. We hope this has cleared up some of the most common questions surrounding IT services. It’s important to remember: time costs money, and good engineers are hard to come by. We must keep everything in perspective, too. When you can end up paying upwards of £50 per month, per user for software, you want experts to help you make the right decisions and invest wisely.
Ultimately, as with anything, you get what you pay for, so pay for the best you can afford. The right outsourced IT service provider will care about your business goals as much as you do.
Outsource Your IT Support
To get started outsourcing your IT support, you can get in touch with us here. We can discuss your business’s requirements to create a bespoke support package that suits you and your needs. When it comes to IT support, you need a company you can trust, and at Microbyte, we want you to trust us.
IT is one of your most significant assets so let us show you how valuable your IT can be when it’s in the hands of professionals.
Why should you outsource your IT Support
We’ve taken a closer look at why businesses are choosing to outsource IT support to experts and what outsourcing could offer to your business.
Access to Expertise
Outsourcing IT support allows businesses to access a wide range of expertise and the latest knowledge in a way that is challenging to replicate with an internal IT team. Outsourced IT providers have dedicated teams of specialists boasting extensive experience and diverse technological skills. Whether it’s network management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or software development, they possess the expertise needed to tackle a wide range of IT challenges.
Moreover, managed services providers make it their mission to stay at the forefront of emerging technological trends. They continuously invest in training and certifications, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest advancements. This commitment to stay ahead of the latest trends means that your business can leverage the technical skills and insights of these professionals without the need for in-house training or recruitment.
24/7 Support and Monitoring
Around-the-clock monitoring and support are invaluable for businesses with operations spanning different time zones or providing any-time professional services. In-house IT teams usually have to adhere to standard working hours, while third-party IT providers are able to offer 24/7 network monitoring and out-of-hours support. This continuous vigilance ensures that potential issues are detected and addressed promptly, saving your organisation valuable time and reducing downtime.
Whether it’s in the dead of night or during a weekend, outsourced support teams are ready to spring into action whenever a problem arises. Businesses can expect prompt assistance and faster resolution of IT issues, minimising disruption to business operations. In the fast-paced business world, the ability to rely on constant IT support is a significant competitive advantage.
Scalability
With the increasingly rapid pace of business today, the ability to adjust IT resources based on demand, market fluctuations, or seasonal changes is crucial. Outsourced IT services offer the flexibility to efficiently manage IT costs, allowing you to scale up or down as needed.
This agility is particularly advantageous when your business experiences rapid growth or faces seasonal spikes in demand. Outsourcing enables the rapid deployment of additional resources during peak periods, ensuring that your IT infrastructure can accommodate increased workloads and a move to remote work without unnecessary strain on your in-house team.
By entrusting IT support to external experts, your organisation can channel more of its core business focus on strategic initiatives, innovation, and customer service while leaving the complex management of IT resources to specialists who can scale your infrastructure in line with your evolving needs. In an era where adaptability and efficient resource allocation are paramount, outsourcing IT support stands as a critical tool for achieving long-term success.
Cost Effective
Outsourcing IT support isn’t just about efficiency and expertise – it’s also a strategic way to reduce costs and save money, allowing your organisation to allocate resources more wisely and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.
By opting for outsourced IT services, you can avoid the substantial expenses associated with recruiting, training, and managing an in-house IT department. Furthermore, the costs of finding and retaining top-tier IT talent are often significant, and outsourcing reduces these financial burdens. You can also reduce your overhead costs by scaling down your physical space and maintenance, saving on rent and hardware repairs, as the physical infrastructure and equipment are no longer your responsibility.
Another advantage is the fixed pricing models provided by most IT outsourcing companies. You can budget with confidence, knowing your IT expenses won’t fluctuate unexpectedly. Moreover, outsourcing eliminates the need for sudden expensive replacements or upgrades, as these responsibilities fall on the service provider, resulting in even more cost savings.
Enhanced Security and Compliance
One of the top benefits of using a third-party service provider is to improve cyber security and guarantee regulatory compliance. In an age of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, outsourced IT providers are at the forefront of cybersecurity best practices. They are well-equipped to implement strong security measures, protecting your data and IT infrastructure from a range of digital threats that can cause substantial damage to your business.
Continuous monitoring for potential security breaches, round-the-clock vigilance and technical support means IT professionals can quickly detect and respond to any issues. This high level of diligence and expertise in security is a robust safeguard, allowing you to focus on your core business activities with the confidence that your data and systems are well-protected.
Additionally, managed service providers always stay well-informed of the latest industry regulations and international data privacy laws. This ensures that your company remains in full compliance with ever-changing legal requirements, avoiding potential regulatory issues and costly fines.
Focus on Core Business
Outsourcing IT support can also benefit internal teams by enabling them to dedicate their full attention to core business operations. By entrusting IT tasks to a specialised support team, employees can work more efficiently and creatively without the constant distraction of IT issues. This improved focus on primary business demands ensures that the organisation remains competitive and innovative in its core areas of expertise.
Outsourced IT providers are dedicated to delivering top-notch service quality, ensuring that your IT infrastructure operates seamlessly, leaving your in-house teams with the freedom to excel in their respective roles. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a climate of continuous growth and advancement in a business’s core competencies.
Continuous Technology Updates
An external IT company provides an opportunity for technology updates that surpass what an in-house team can achieve. Professional IT companies have access to the latest software and hardware solutions thanks to IT industry experts who diligently stay up-to-date with emerging technological trends. This commitment to innovation ensures that a business’s IT infrastructure remains current and optimised for performance.
The advantage of outsourcing support services lies in their ability to integrate innovative solutions and the latest technologies into your existing IT infrastructure, keeping your company on the cutting edge of technology. Continuous improvement enhances operational efficiency and equips companies with the tools needed to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Risk Management and Disaster Recovery
Outsourcing IT support can also help with risk management and disaster recovery abilities. Professional IT teams will proactively prepare for unforeseen challenges and disruptions, such as cyber attacks or system failures. A managed services provider can help secure data, including comprehensive data backup and rapid recovery solutions that reinforce business continuity strategy.
An IT company can take proactive steps to mitigate risks before they impact daily operations, safeguarding your data storage and minimising potential downtime. With professional outsourcing support to create a disaster recovery plan, businesses are well-prepared to face unexpected IT challenges, helping maintain data integrity and operational resilience in the face of adversity.
Objective Perspective and Strategy
Outsourcing IT support offers an advantage by providing a third-party, objective perspective on strategic decisions and long-term business planning. External experts bring fresh insights, new ideas, and diverse experiences to the table, promoting better decision-making.
Support providers can help align IT strategies with overall business needs, goals and objectives, ensuring a cohesive approach that contributes to company success.
Moreover, an outsourced team is well-positioned to continuously evaluate and recommend IT strategies, providing feedback to support growth.
Outsource your IT systems with a trusted partner
Outsourcing IT support is a compelling and advantageous approach for modern businesses looking to gain a competitive edge. Relying on an outsourced IT team enables companies to benefit from improved cost-efficiency, enhanced expertise, 24/7 monitoring, security, risk management, compliance regulations, scalability, streamlined productivity and access to updates and expertise that an internal IT department cannot offer.
By entrusting IT tasks to external experts, businesses can navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological landscape to prepare for and seize opportunities for growth. Outsourcing IT support is about more than simple operational efficiency; it empowers companies to focus on what they do best while specialists manage the intricacies of their digital infrastructure.
Take the first step towards a better future by getting in touch today. Microbyte can help you assess your current digital assets and begin transforming your company for a seamless conversion to outsourcing services.
