TOP 10 BENEFITS OF OUTSOURCING IT SERVICES AS A BUSINESS OWNER

Do you or one of your employees spend several hours a week dealing with IT problems, even though this is not your specialty?
Are you worried that your hardware and software are becoming obsolete or no longer sufficient to support the evolution of your business?
Are you concerned about the cybersecurity of your IT infrastructure?
Are you looking to reduce the costs associated with managing your IT department?

If you’re asking yourself one or more of these questions, then perhaps outsourcing your IT management to external IT experts is a viable solution for your business. In this article, I review ten benefits frequently associated with outsourced IT services, hoping that this information can help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

Outsourcing IT services significantly reduces operational costs, converting fixed expenses into scalable ones while eliminating the need for full-time, in-house IT staff.

You gain immediate access to a team of experts who are up to date on the latest technologies, cybersecurity threats, and industry best practices—without having to hire or train internally.

Enhanced security and regulatory compliance help protect your business from cyberattacks and costly penalties, particularly important for small businesses that are increasingly targeted.

Proactive IT management and regular system checks help minimize downtime and ensure quick recovery in the event of disruptions, giving you peace of mind and improved business continuity.

Outsourcing boosts flexibility, productivity, and competitive edge by allowing your team to focus on core business activities while IT experts handle the tech infrastructure behind the scenes.

1. Cost Savings
2. Access to Expertise
3. Enhanced Security and Compliance
4. Focus on Core Business Activities
5. Improved Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
6. Scalability and Flexibility
7. Reliable IT Support and Proactive Maintenance
8. Increased Efficiency and Productivity
9. Competitive Advantage
10. Predictable IT Costs and Budgeting
In Summary

1. Cost Savings

Maintaining an in-house IT team is expensive. The average salary for a full-time IT specialist in Canada is around $74,740 per year, not including benefits, training, and equipment costs. For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this is simply not sustainable.

Outsourcing allows you to get the desired level of expertise without the overhead cost of maintaining a full-time staff. This is one of the key benefits of outsourced IT services—you only pay for services you need, when you need them. A skilled IT provider like Info-Tech Montréal has plenty of experts to do the work for you, so you no longer have to worry about staff departures or sick leave; we’re here to support you.

This arrangement turns IT from a fixed cost into a variable one, helping you allocate resources more efficiently and giving you more control over your budget. For example, if your business needs more IT support during a busy season or a project, you can scale up your outsourced team. If you don’t need certain services during quieter periods, you won’t pay for them. This ability to adjust your expenses based on your needs helps you keep costs predictable and manageable.

2. ACCESS TO EXPERTISE

If there’s one environment that’s constantly evolving, it’s IT. Technologies frequently become obsolete, software evolves rapidly, and cyberthreats are continually on the rise. Trying to keep up to date is enough to raise the blood pressure of any business owner. That’s where outsourcing managed IT services can make all the difference.

Outsourcing gives you access to experts who are constantly learning and staying on top of the latest technologies. You don’t have to worry about managing updates, new software, or understanding the latest security threats—they’ve got it covered for you.

Take network management, for example. Ensuring seamless operations and protecting against cyber threats demands ongoing monitoring and proactive maintenance. An experienced IT provider handles this for your business with regular check-ins and responsive service.

And then there’s cybersecurity, which I can’t emphasize enough. With threats evolving daily, having a dedicated IT team means staying vigilant and protecting your business from attacks that could drain your finances significantly and often irreparably.

3. ENHANCED SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Cybersecurity and compliance are no longer buzzwords used by large organizations. They are essential for the survival and success of your business, no matter the size of your operation. The consequences of a data breach can be devastating, damaging your reputation, shaking customer trust, and stalling growth. More recently, small businesses appear to be prime targets for cybercriminals, accounting for 43% of all data breaches.

Even more concerning, one in four businesses has no security plan in place, leaving the door wide open for attacks. Thanks to outsourced IT services, these risks can be better mitigated. Here’s how:

By meeting industry regulations: Canadian regulations, such as PIPEDA and Law 25, or GDPR and SOC 2 internationally, are designed to ensure the protection of sensitive data. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties and damage your brand’s credibility. Outsourcing helps you maintain your business compliance and good reputation.
By reducing internal security risks: Many breaches stem from human error, such as weak passwords or misconfigured systems. An outsourced IT security team implements strong security protocols, provides employee training, and ensures proper access controls to prevent these mistakes from occurring.
By ensuring strong data protection: Small businesses are disproportionately affected by cyberattacks. When you outsource your IT, you gain access to sophisticated security tools and IT experts who stay ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

4. FOCUS ON CORE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

Running a business requires balancing several priorities at once and the last thing you need is to get caught up in IT issues.

Outsourcing IT services allows you to put technical challenges in the hands of experts. This leaves your internal teams free to concentrate on strategic, high-value tasks.

When you delegate IT management to a trusted provider, your team can focus on day-to-day operations and business growth. Outsourced IT services help:

Free up internal resources by eliminating IT problems that are slowing down your team.
Improve team morale by reducing distractions caused by technical problems.
Increase business efficiency by enabling your employees to better focus on their core functions and innovation within your company.

5. IMPROVED BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND DISASTER RECOVERY

When unexpected disruptions occur, whether it’s a system crash, a cyberattack, or a natural disaster, a business continuity plan can be the difference between staying afloat or sinking. Having a reliable backup and disaster recovery solution in place is key to ensuring that your business can recover quickly and continue operating smoothly.

With outsourced IT services, you are assured of proactive monitoring and maintenance that can minimize downtime. When issues arise, a dedicated team can spot them early and address them before they cause any irreversible damage. And if the worst does happen, you’ll have disaster recovery solutions that will kick into gear and restore your systems, data, and operations quickly, ensuring minimal disruption.

6. SCALABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

Running a business means constantly adapting to changing circumstances. Whether you’re scaling up for a busy season or adjusting to new market trends, your business must stay agile. This is where outsourcing your IT services can really give you an edge.

Enjoy the flexibility to easily scale services up or down based on your current business needs. Need more resources for a product launch or a large project? No problem. Want to scale back during slower months? That’s easy too. You’re not locked into long-term contracts or stuck with paying for services you don’t need.

It’s all about staying nimble and efficient without the burden of constant adjustments or worrying about whether your IT will hold up as your business progresses.

7. RELIABLE IT SUPPORT AND PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE

When running a business, downtime is never an option. Every minute your systems aren’t working is an extra minute you’re losing potential customers, revenue, and productivity. Unplanned downtime can cost your business heavily.

With outsourced IT services, you benefit from reliable support and proactive system maintenance designed to prevent problems before they arise. When issues occur, you can count on expert troubleshooting and timely response to keep your business running smoothly.

8. INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY

IT downtime can quickly hamper productivity, but outsourcing your IT services can eliminate these bottlenecks. 65% of companies report that such a management method enables them to concentrate more on their core activities, increasing overall productivity. Outsourcing IT services also makes it possible to leverage advanced technologies to boost efficiency throughout the company and optimize IT processes.

IT disruptions can quickly derail productivity, but outsourcing your IT services can eliminate these bottlenecks. 65% of businesses report that outsourcing IT functions allows them to focus more on their core activities, boosting overall productivity. Outsourcing IT services also helps leverage advanced technologies and optimized IT processes to drive efficiency across the business.

While your IT systems continue to run smoothly, you can stay productive and meet deadlines without being sidetracked by technical problems.

9. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Staying ahead of the competition requires constant innovation, and technology plays a key role in this race. While you focus on developing new products, improving customer experiences, or expanding into new markets, your IT experts handle the technical side, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

In addition to helping maintain operations, a solid IT strategy helps you use technology to stay ahead of the competition. With the right supplier, you get the tools, expertise, and agility you need to move forward smarter and faster than the rest.

10. PREDICTABLE IT COSTS AND BUDGETING

One of the final benefits of outsourced IT services is the predictability of your costs. Because you pay a fixed amount for your IT services, budgeting becomes easier.

Moreover, with this billing model and the services you select, you benefit from proactive management that helps prevent costly issues before they arise. For example, you can opt for cybersecurity services that avoid breaches of security or cloud services that enable you to recover your data quickly. In the event of a glitch, you won’t have to pay extra to fix specific problems.

When you can accurately forecast IT costs, you can better manage your budget and are free to reinvest in growth, safe in the knowledge that your business is well protected.

IN SUMMARY

As a business owner, you need to focus your time, resources, and energy on growing your business, not on solving IT problems or worrying about cybersecurity threats.

By outsourcing your IT services, you benefit from expert support, state-of-the-art technology, and proactive system management, without having to worry about managing them in-house.

Whether you aim to improve security, reduce costs, increase efficiency, or free up your team to focus on their core tasks, partnering with a reliable outsourced IT services provider can give you the peace of mind and flexibility you need to grow your business.

At Info-Tech Montreal, we offer comprehensive IT management services to help your business thrive, including remote monitoring, server management, cloud solutions, cybersecurity and business continuity planning, to name just a few. Focus on your core business while we take care of your IT needs efficiently and securely. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation IT assessment and find out how outsourcing your IT services can benefit your business.

6 Expert Insights on How to Choose the Best Managed IT Service Provider for Your Business

by James Hutchinson

Whatever your industry – retail, financial services, aircraft parts manufacturing, etc. – you probably depend on your IT infrastructure to keep your business running smoothly, protect your data, and support your growth. If you’re looking to subcontract the management of these infrastructures, either in part or in full, then choosing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a decision not to be taken lightly.

While a good provider will guarantee seamless operations, proactive maintenance, and robust IT security, the wrong choice could lead to downtime, data breaches, and lost revenue.

A report by Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that global cybercrime costs will reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025!

More than ever, SMEs need reliable, responsive IT support without the cost of a full in-house team. The right supplier will make your technology work for you, not against you. So, how do you find the right supplier? Let’s take a look at the key factors to consider when choosing the best managed IT services provider for your business.

Key Takeaways

Choose an MSP that offers a full range of services, including 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions, with flexible packages that grow with your business.

Industry experience is crucial—providers who understand your field can anticipate challenges and offer tailored solutions.

Reliable support with clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) ensures fast response times and minimizes downtime.

Prioritize value over cost; a well-balanced provider offers reliability, expertise, and comprehensive service without cutting corners.

1. Range of Services Offered
2. Experience and Expertise
3. Customer Support and Service Levels
4. Security and Compliance
5. Reviews, References, and Reputation
6. Cost Considerations

1. Range of Services Offered

A competent managed IT service provider should offer you a broad range of services to meet diverse business needs. Here’s what we consider essential:

Essential services

24/7 system monitoring to detect and resolve issues proactively
Robust cloud services for scalable storage and operations
Advanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data from threats
Data recovery and incident resolution for quick resumption of operations
Emergency support to prevent potential issues and minimize future disruptions

Value-added services

Comprehensive backup solutions to prevent data loss
Disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity during unexpected events
Technical assistance and infrastructure diagnostics (remote or on-site)
Providing expert advice, recommending tailored solutions, and implementing strategies for corrective and preventive maintenance
Training employees to use various tools and master new technologies and equipment

Network services

Managing VPNs, bandwidth, and firewalls

System management

Handling servers, storage devices, and overall IT infrastructure

Additional services

Application development, business intelligence solutions, and continuous optimization

It’s worth noting that a leading provider will offer you flexible service packages, with the option of modifying them as your business grows. This will enable you to choose the services best suited to your needs and budget at any given time.

Know that the best managed IT service providers go beyond basic monitoring and offer sophisticated analytics/reporting, automated incident management, and continuous improvement to ensure your company’s long-term success.

2. Experience and Expertise

When evaluating a managed IT services provider, experience and expertise are non-negotiable. Imagine entrusting your IT infrastructure to a services provider who truly understands your industry, its challenges, and its particularities. A provider with solid expertise in your field will be able to anticipate your needs and propose practical solutions aligned with your long-term objectives.

Beyond technical skills, seasoned providers bring a wealth of practical experience. They know how to diagnose problems quickly, implement effective solutions, and identify potential risks. This means your business stays protected and efficient, without unnecessary interruptions. To evaluate a supplier, don’t just look at their technical skills. See how they apply these skills in real, everyday situations.

Certifications and industry partnerships are other key indicators of a provider’s technical expertise. I recommend looking for certifications from reputable organizations. They demonstrate that the provider is committed to ongoing professional development and remains at the cutting edge of the latest technologies. Partnerships with leading tech vendors further reinforce a provider’s credibility and ability to offer cutting-edge solutions.

At the end of the day, a good managed IT services provider is a partner you can trust to look after your IT infrastructure, so you can focus on growing your business.

3. Customer Support and Service Levels

Imagine you have an urgent IT problem. You need a fast, efficient response to minimize downtime. That’s where a good managed IT services provider makes all the difference. Responsive, accessible support is non-negotiable when talking about keeping your business running smoothly.

Effective support means, above all, a team of IT experts that is available when you need them, with fast response times and clear communication. You need to be able to rely on them to solve your problems quickly.

Equally important are Service Level Agreements (SLAs). These documents clearly define what you can expect in terms of support availability, response times, and problem resolution. Don’t overlook these details, as they ensure that you and your supplier are on the same page, especially in critical situations.

Finally, having an MSP that can, if necessary, send a team of IT specialists to visit you on-site to assist you with IT network and system installation and configuration is an added advantage. This allows faster interventions and a more personalized service. Ideally, a provider who combines remote and on-site support will be best equipped to meet all your IT needs.

4. Security and Compliance

IT security and compliance are key to protecting your business’ data and complying with industry regulations. A reliable supplier must offer robust security measures to help you stay compliant. Here’s what you need to look for:

Security Measures

Advanced firewalls and encryption to secure sensitive data
Multi-factor authentication to control access to systems
Regular security audits to identify and fix vulnerabilities
Proactive monitoring to detect and respond to potential threats
Data backup solutions that keep information securely stored and easily recoverable
Endpoint protection to secure all devices connected to your network, preventing breaches from potentially unsecured devices

Compliance Assistance

MSPs play an essential role in ensuring business and organization compliance with data protection regulations, such as Law 25 and PIPEDA, and an even greater one in industries such as healthcare and finances where cybersecurity is non-negotiable. For example, they can help you stay compliant with standards like the Cybersecurity: Cyber resilience in healthcare standard.

A trusted managed IT service provider with strong security and compliance practices will protect your business from cyber threats and reduce the risk of penalties.

5. Reviews, References, and Reputation

A managed IT service provider’s reputation speaks volumes about its reliability and expertise. Take the time to read customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies. Platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and industry forums can provide insights into customer satisfaction and service quality.

However, I can tell you from experience that not all reviews tell the whole story. An unhappy customer may leave an exaggerated review, while a satisfied customer won’t always take the time to leave a positive review. Look for trends: consistent praise for responsiveness and problem-solving are good signs, while recurring complaints about downtime or poor communication are red flags.

In addition to online reviews, ask for client references. At Info-Tech Montreal, we’re happy to put potential customers in touch with some of our existing clients who can share their experience with them. By talking directly to customers of the managed IT services provider you’re considering, you’ll get a better idea of their responsiveness, technical skills and overall reliability.

A strong reputation, backed by positive client feedback and verifiable references, clearly indicates that a provider can deliver the level of support your business requires.

6. Cost Considerations

Cost is an important factor when selecting the best managed IT service provider for your business, but it shouldn’t be the only thing to consider. As with anything other service or product, the cheapest option isn’t always the best – cutting corners when hiring a provider of managed IT services can lead to security vulnerabilities, downtime, and long-term expenses on damage control. I strongly recommend evaluating pricing based on the provided value. A provider that offers a good balance between accessibility, reliability, and comprehensive service is often a better choice in the long run.

Pricing structures vary across providers, with common models including:

Flat-rate pricing – A predictable monthly fee covering all essential IT services.
Per-user or per-device pricing – Costs scale with the number of employees or devices supported.
Tiered pricing – Different service levels at varying price points, allowing your business to choose based on your needs.

Make sure you understand what’s included in the price. Some providers may charge extra for emergency support, security updates, or on-site visits. Understanding these costs upfront helps you avoid unexpected expenses and get the best value for your investment.

Let’s Recap

Selecting the right managed IT services provider is a strategic decision that can have a significant impact on your company’s day-to-day operations. By carefully evaluating key factors such as service offerings, industry expertise, support responsiveness, security practices and reputation, you can ensure that your business is backed by a trusted provider.

Remember, the cheapest option doesn’t necessarily represent the best value. Instead, look for a provider that offers comprehensive services to meet your specific needs. The right MSP will help you use technology to improve your operations, keep your data safe from threats, and free your team to focus on growing your business instead of fixing IT problems.

At Info-Tech Montreal, we offer tailored IT solutions designed to keep your business running smoothly. Our comprehensive services include IT consulting, managed IT services, cybersecurity, remote monitoring, and more. With our proactive approach and dedicated team, we ensure your technology infrastructure operates seamlessly and securely. Contact us to schedule your no-obligation IT assessment and discover how we can help your business thrive.

What Are Co-Managed IT Services, and Are They Right for Your Business?

by James Hutchinson

As a small or medium-sized business owner, you know that a good IT infrastructure and a qualified team are essential to your day-to-day operations and business development. However, managing and training your staff, keeping your infrastructure up to date, and ensuring that it is protected and grows in line with your needs all require investments in both time and money. What if I told you that you could reduce your costs while maintaining and even improving your IT services?

Let me introduce you to co-managed IT services. Flexible and cost-effective, these services enable in-house IT teams to collaborate with external managed IT services providers to ensure optimal running and protection of IT infrastructures. As an entrepreneur, this allows you to focus on growing your business while reducing some of your costs and risks. In this article, I explain in more detail what co-managed IT services are and why they could potentially be right for your business.

What Are Co-Managed IT Services?

Differences Between Co-Managed IT, Fully Managed IT and In-House IT

What are the Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services?

Is Co-Managed IT Right for Your Business?

Final Thoughts

What Are Co-Managed IT Services?

Co-managed IT services are a hybrid approach in which companies retain an in-house IT team while partnering with an external IT service provider. This model is particularly attractive to small and medium-sized businesses looking to optimize their IT operations.

With this arrangement, companies can retain control of their core IT functions while outsourcing specific tasks such as cloud solutions, server management or cybersecurity. The in-house IT team and the external service provider then work in collaboration, combining forces to improve overall network security and performance.

This balanced approach enables companies to reduce costs while gaining access to specialized expertise and advanced technology. The company’s own IT staff continues to oversee essential operations, while the external supplier provides additional support and specialized IT services that can evolve the company’s needs.

Perhaps you’re wondering how the tasks are divided between the two parties. Well, you decide!

For example, your in-house IT team may be responsible for day-to-day IT operations, such as configuring user accounts, troubleshooting, and maintaining hardware and network connectivity. They may also be responsible for strategic IT planning and controlling your core systems and sensitive data.

As for your Managed Service Provider (MSP), they can handle more specialized IT tasks. They can carry out proactive monitoring and maintenance to detect potential problems early and manage advanced security, cybersecurity threats, and the overall safety of your data.

With collaborative IT management, your internal team focuses on the core activities you’ve defined, while the MSP provides the support and expertise to manage more complex IT challenges and ensures round-the-clock monitoring of your technology, even while your IT team is on vacation.

Differences Between Co-Managed IT, Fully Managed IT and In-House IT

When deciding on the best IT management option for your business, you have three choices – Co-Managed IT, Fully Managed IT, and In-House IT. Your benefits will depend on your business size, budget, and IT needs.

Let’s look at how they compare.

Responsibilities

Co-Managed IT: Your internal IT team handles the day-to-day operations, while the Managed Service Provider (MSP) manages more complex or specialized tasks. Examples are IT security services, remote monitoring and management, or business continuity and disaster recovery.
Fully Managed IT: All IT functions are outsourced to an external MSP. The MSP is responsible for everything.
In-house IT: All IT responsibilities, including support, maintenance, and strategic planning, are by your internal team.

Flexibility

Co-Managed IT: Co-managed IT allows for the greatest flexibility, allowing you to scale IT support up or down as needed.
Fully Managed IT: This model is convenient but less flexible. Most IT functions are outsourced, with only a few (if any) basic functions are maintained in-house, often by one or two people.
In-House IT: The internal team has complete control, but scalability can be challenging if they lack the resources or expertise to manage everything

Control & Oversight

Co-Managed IT: Your internal IT team retains control over critical operations while the MSP supports specific areas. This approach balances internal oversight with external expertise.
Fully Managed IT: The MSP handles most of the IT control, and your business has limited direct oversight over daily operations.
In-House IT: The business keeps complete control of its IT. It can oversee every aspect of its IT infrastructure.

Cost Structure

Co-managed IT: Co-managed IT is typically more cost-effective than hiring more full-time staff. It provides external support where needed and avoids the cost of a fully managed solution.
Fully Managed IT: This can represent a significant investment since the MSP manages all aspects of your organization’s IT infrastructure but is typically still more cost-efficient than hiring additional in-house staff.
In-House IT: Costs can vary depending on the size of the internal team and the resources needed. In-house can require significant investment in staffing, equipment, and training.

Summary of Differences Between Co-Managed IT, Fully Managed IT and In-House IT

Criteria	Co-Managed IT	Fully Managed IT	In-House IT
Responsibilities	Shared between internal team and MSP	Fully outsourced to MSP	Handled entirely by internal team
Flexibility	High, can scale services as needed	Less flexible, majority of services managed by MSP	Limited flexibility, reliant on internal resources
Control & Oversight	Internal team retains control over core systems	MSP has most control, limited oversight	Full control by internal team
Cost Structure	Cost-effective, paying only for specific services	Higher costs for fully managed services	Can be costly with full-time staff and resources

What are the Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services?

More and more SMBs are finding it harder to keep IT technology up-to-date and efficient, especially with how fast technology evolves. That is why it makes perfect sense for many businesses to consider collaborative IT management as a solution. When you don’t have a dedicated IT team, you gain multiple benefits from shared IT services, which I share below.

Flexibility and Scalability: Co-Managed IT allows you to scale your IT resources up or down based on your needs. This ensures you only pay for your required services as your business grows.
Cost-Effectiveness: Instead of hiring additional staff, co-managed IT services offer specialized services at a fraction of the cost, helping you manage expenses more efficiently.
Access to Expertise: An MSP has experienced IT professionals who have the latest tools and expertise you may not have, providing you with the most up-to-date methods and knowledge.
Enhanced Security and Compliance: Co-managed IT can reassure you with advanced security protocols. This will enable you to comply with industry regulations and protect your business from cyber threats.
Improved Focus on Core Business – By offloading IT responsibilities to a trusted partner, your team can stay focused on growing your business without getting distracted by technical challenges.

Learn more about co-managed IT for your business

Is Co-Managed IT Right for Your Business?

To determine whether co-managed IT services are right for your business, it’s first important to analyze your current situation. Once you’ve made this assessment, you’ll be in a better position to choose the appropriate services required to meet your company’s immediate and future needs. Here are three key elements I suggest you analyze to find out which types of IT management services are best suited to your business. If you need help, Info-Tech Montreal offers free IT assessments and IT consulting services for SMBs.

Assessing Your IT Needs

The first step is to conduct an IT needs assessment. This will allow you to analyze the current state of your IT infrastructure and identify any gaps or areas needing improvement. You’ll want to evaluate hardware, software, networks, cybersecurity measures, and your IT team’s current workload and expertise.

For example, if your internal team is overwhelmed by routine maintenance or your security measures aren’t keeping current according to industry standards, those may be signs that external support is needed. Aligning IT resources with your overall business objectives is critical to ensure your IT strategy supports growth.

Considering Your Business Size and Industry

Co-managed IT is ideally suited for SMBs with a limited internal team that still want to maintain control over their IT operations. For example, collaborative IT management is ideal if you are in an industry where cybersecurity is non-negotiable, or compliance measures are strict, such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing.

By partnering with a managed service provider, you can benefit from specialized expertise in regulatory standards such as Law 25 in Quebec and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in Canada, and better protect sensitive data.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The final step you should take is a cost-benefit analysis. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) compares the advantages (benefits) and disadvantages (costs) that are associated with a particular decision, project, or policy. In this case, you would compare the costs of hiring a managed IT service provider to what you would pay to do everything in-house.

While co-managed IT might have an upfront investment, the long-term benefits usually outweigh these expenses. Reduced downtime, improved security, and access to the latest technology updates can produce substantial long-term cost savings. An even greater benefit is that your in-house team will no longer be consumed by mundane day-to-day tasks, leaving them more time to focus on your company’s growth and strategic initiatives.

Ultimately, deciding whether co-managed IT services are right for your business comes down to your specific needs and goals. This collaborative approach offers the best of both worlds for SMBs looking to scale, reduce costs, and maintain control over IT operations. Only after a thorough assessment of your current situation and future needs will you be able to decide whether co-managed IT is right for your business.

Final Thoughts

As a business owner, you know that to stay competitive, you need to make smart, strategic decisions about your resources. Co-managed IT services offer a flexible solution that combines the best of both worlds: you retain control through your in-house team while having access to specialized expertise and cutting-edge technology when you need it.

If you’re struggling to keep up with rapid technological change, looking to strengthen your cybersecurity, or reducing your IT costs without sacrificing quality, co-managed IT services can help. The idea is not to replace your current IT team but rather to provide them with additional support and expertise to drive your business growth.

If, after reading this article, you are seriously considering the option of co-managed IT services for your business, Info-Tech Montreal would be pleased to discuss your unique needs and the solutions we can offer to help you. We offer IT managed services to small and medium-sized businesses in the Greater Montreal area, as well as IT consulting and IT security services, among other things.

Key Takeaways

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