The Difference Between Fully Managed IT Support and In-House or Current IT Support
As businesses grow and become more reliant on technology, managing IT systems becomes increasingly important. Whether your business currently uses an in-house IT admin or you’re working with a third-party IT company, you may wonder whether switching to a fully managed IT support contract could offer more benefits.
In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between fully managed IT support and relying on your current IT company or in-house support. Understanding these differences can help you decide which option is best for your business.
What is Fully Managed IT Support?
Fully managed IT support is a comprehensive service where a dedicated team of IT professionals handles all aspects of your IT infrastructure. From network monitoring to cybersecurity, software updates, and hardware maintenance, everything is taken care of, ensuring your business runs smoothly. With a fully managed contract, your IT systems are actively monitored 24/7, allowing proactive issue resolution before problems arise.
Key Differences Between Fully Managed IT Support and In-House/Current IT Company Support
1. Proactive vs Reactive Support
- Fully Managed IT Support: A key benefit of fully managed IT services is proactive monitoring. Your systems are continuously monitored, and potential issues are identified and fixed before they impact your business. This reduces downtime and ensures your operations run smoothly.
- In-House IT Admin/Current IT Company: In-house IT admins or external companies often operate on a reactive basis. This means they step in only after a problem has occurred, which can result in costly downtime and disruption to your daily operations.
2. Comprehensive Coverage vs Limited Resources
- Fully Managed IT Support: With a fully managed contract, you have access to a full team of IT professionals with a wide range of expertise, from network security to cloud solutions. This ensures that all your IT needs are covered, without having to hire additional staff or work with multiple vendors.
- In-House IT Admin/Current IT Company: In-house IT admins often have limited expertise in certain areas, and external IT companies may not offer a full range of services. This can result in slower issue resolution or gaps in critical IT areas like cybersecurity or disaster recovery.
3. Fixed Costs vs Variable Costs
- Fully Managed IT Support: A fully managed contract typically comes with a fixed monthly cost, allowing you to budget predictably. The service includes ongoing support, software updates, network monitoring, and more—without any hidden fees or unexpected costs.
- In-House IT Admin/Current IT Company: In-house IT admins require salaries, benefits, and additional training costs. When working with an external IT company, you might also face variable costs, such as extra charges for emergency repairs or after-hours support, making budgeting more difficult.
4. Continuous Support vs Limited Availability
- Fully Managed IT Support: With a fully managed contract, you’ll have access to 24/7 support. This is especially important if your business operates outside of regular office hours or if you rely on technology to function at all times.
- In-House IT Admin/Current IT Company: In-house admins are typically available only during business hours, and support from external IT companies may not be as readily available, leading to longer wait times in case of emergencies.
5. Scalability vs Limited Resources
- Fully Managed IT Support: As your business grows, a fully managed contract can scale with you. Whether you need additional services, more storage, or expanded security measures, a fully managed IT provider can adapt to your changing needs seamlessly.
- In-House IT Admin/Current IT Company: In-house teams may struggle to keep up with the demands of a growing business. Additional resources or expertise may be required, but hiring more staff or upgrading systems can be costly and time-consuming.
6. Focus on Core Business vs Managing IT
- Fully Managed IT Support: By outsourcing your IT needs to a fully managed provider, you and your team can focus on what you do best—growing your business. You’ll have the peace of mind that your IT is being taken care of by professionals.
- In-House IT Admin/Current IT Company: Managing an in-house IT team or constantly coordinating with external providers can take up valuable time. If your IT admin is overwhelmed or unavailable, it could slow down progress in other areas of the business.
Why Fully Managed IT Support is the Smart Choice
Moving to a fully managed IT support contract means handing over the responsibility of your IT systems to a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to keeping your business running smoothly. Here’s why making the switch could benefit your business:
- Proactive problem-solving: No more waiting for something to break. Your IT systems are monitored 24/7, ensuring issues are resolved before they affect your business.
- Predictable costs: With a fixed monthly fee, you can budget confidently, without unexpected repair bills.
- Expertise at your fingertips: Gain access to a full team of IT experts with a wide range of skills and experience.
- Scalability: Your IT needs can grow and evolve as your business does.
- Focus on business: Free up your time and energy to focus on growing your business, not managing IT issues.
Consider Fully Managed IT Support for Your Business
If you’re finding that your in-house IT admin or current IT company isn’t providing the proactive support and comprehensive coverage your business needs, it may be time to consider a fully managed IT support contract. At System Plus, we provide tailored IT solutions to ensure your technology works for you, not the other way around.
Contact us today to learn more about our fully managed IT services and how we can help your business thrive.