What IT Services Can Be Outsourced? 2024 Outsourcing Guide
As a business leader, you want to focus on what you do best — serving your customers and growing your company. However, technology is fast becoming a big part of operations, and managing IT requires time, money, and expertise.
The solution?
Outsource IT services so you can delegate technical tasks to the experts and get back to business. A staggering 37% of small companies subcontracted IT and accounting services in 2022 alone to help streamline processes. Moreover, IT services account for 72% of all global outsourcing contract values.
If you’re wondering what IT services can be outsourced by your business, this guide will walk you through all you need to know.
Ideally, you’ll want to outsource the following IT services to a professional IT solutions firm:
Ready to unlock the benefits of outsourcing IT for your business? Let’s dive in.
Four Most Commonly Outsourced IT Services
Below we have outlined the four most commonly outsourced IT services to answer your question “what IT services can be outsourced?”.
1. IT Infrastructure Management
As a business, managing your IT infrastructure can be overwhelming.
Do you have the time or expertise to handle things like:
Network setup and maintenance
Data security and backup
Software updates and patching
Troubleshooting technical issues
Probably not; you have more tasks to complete running your day-to-day business than focusing on the technical details that Pinnaca can do for you.
Outsourcing some or all of these responsibilities to an IT services company makes sense. They have the knowledge and experience to keep your systems running smoothly so you can focus on your business.
One of the most common IT tasks companies outsource is network management. An IT services provider can design, install, and configure your business network and monitor it in real time to ensure maximum uptime and performance. They’ll also handle essential maintenance like software updates, data backup, and security patches to protect critical systems and information.
Outsourced IT services for business lifts a huge burden off your shoulders. No more worrying about technical problems you don’t fully understand or having to drop everything when the network goes down. Your IT services partner will provide fast, expert support and guidance to resolve issues quickly.
Freeing up your time and mental space is invaluable as a business owner. And when considering the costs of hiring full-time IT staff, outsourcing often makes better financial sense, too.
IT infrastructure management is a service worth investing in for any organisation. Your business will benefit from the latest technologies and expertise to facilitate growth, all while you focus on the big picture.
2. Data Management & Security
Data security and management are critical to any business.
As a business, outsourcing these services allows you to hand over responsibility to experienced professionals. This frees up your time and resources to focus on growing your business.
One option is to hire a managed services provider (MSP), like Pinnaca Retail, to handle data backup and recovery. They can schedule automatic backups of your servers and workstations to safeguard against data loss from hardware failures, cyber-attacks, or natural disasters. If anything does happen to your data, they have the expertise to restore it fully.
You may also want to consider outsourcing your cybersecurity monitoring and management. An MSP can install and manage firewalls, antivirus software, and other protections to defend against hackers, malware, and other online threats trying to access your network and data. They monitor your systems around the clock to detect and respond to suspicious activity.
Compliance is another crucial area. Regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR require businesses to appropriately handle and secure customer data and information. An MSP will make sure your data management systems and processes meet all necessary compliance standards to avoid potential legal issues or fines.
Outsourcing these IT services and solutions allows businesses to benefit from enterprise-level services and expertise they likely couldn’t afford in-house. Your data is the foundation of your business, so protecting it should be a top priority. Partnering with an experienced MSP gives you peace of mind that your data and systems are in good hands.
3. Technical Support Services
As a business leader interested in outsourcing certain information technology services to help reduce costs and allow for more focus on your core business, another aspect to consider is technical support. Maintaining an in-house support team requires resources and time that could be better spent elsewhere.
Here are the areas this solution can help:
Outsourced Help Desk
An outsourced help desk provider can handle essential technical support for your staff. They can troubleshoot issues with software like word processing programs, set up new equipment, diagnose internet connectivity problems, and more. With remote access technology, the support team can quickly connect to your employees’ computers and resolve many common problems.
24/7 Monitoring
For critical systems, having 24/7 monitoring gives you peace of mind. An outsourced provider checks servers, networks, and other infrastructure for issues. If there’s a problem, the team can work to resolve it, even in the middle of the night or on weekends, depending on which package you choose. They have the expertise and resources to get systems back up and running quickly.
Using an experienced IT services provider for technical support and other areas allows you to gain access to a team with a broad range of expertise. Their resources and 24/7 availability provide affordable access to the latest tools and technology. With IT outsourcing, you can scale services up or down as your needs change — focus on your business and subcontract the rest!
4. Outsourced Software Development
As a business keen on outsourcing certain information technology services, software development is one area to look into. Developing systems and applications in-house requires specialised skills and significant resources. And for a company, this process may not be feasible or cost-effective.
Outsourcing software development allows you to tap into a pool of experts who can build customised systems tailored to your business needs. They can develop mobile apps, websites, integrations between systems, enhancements to existing systems, and more. With outsourced development, you get the software you want without the high costs of hiring full-time developers.
When choosing an outsourcing partner for software development, look for a company with experience creating solutions for businesses similar to yours. Ask to see examples of their work as well as client testimonials, and discuss your needs, priorities, and budget to determine if they fit. A good development partner will provide updates, share progress, address issues quickly, and deliver a high-quality product on time and within budget.
Outsourced development may be your company’s affordable, hassle-free option to build custom software solutions. You can focus on your core business while your development partner provides the technical expertise to design systems tailored to your needs.
Although outsourcing IT has its pros and cons, with the right outsourcing choice, you gain access to skilled professionals and specialised resources without the costs of maintaining an in-house development team. For businesses, outsourcing software development simply makes IT work.
Pinnaca: Your Leading Partner in IT Support & Infrastructure
With 20+ years of experience helping retail businesses thrive, Pinnaca Retail & IT Solutions is proud to offer comprehensive IT services and solutions designed to support and enhance your business operations. Our team of experts is equipped to handle a wide range of IT needs, from system upgrades to building custom e-commerce websites.
We offer the following IT services:
IT Support
We understand that technical issues and cybersecurity concerns can disrupt your business. That’s why our dedicated support team is available to assist you whenever you need them. Whether you need troubleshooting, data backup, software updates, or network monitoring, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to maximise uptime and keep your systems running smoothly. Depending on your needs, you can choose from three levels of managed it support, all designed for comprehensive IT support.
EPOS & Stock Management
Efficient transactions and accurate stock reporting are crucial for retail businesses. At Pinnaca Retail, we provide top-of-the-line EPoS (electronic point of sale) software and hardware solutions tailored to your needs. Our intuitive systems are easy to use and ensure smooth operations for your business.
We have a guide outlining what EPOS is, so we suggest you check it out.
Hardware Procurement
We’ve got you covered if you want to upgrade your servers, Wi-Fi, point-of-sale equipment, or just need a hardware refresh. Our turnkey infrastructure solutions can be designed specifically for retail businesses, or an office set up. Our experts will assess your current setup, recommend improvements, and handle the installation and configuration of new hardware and software. We’ll ensure that your infrastructure is optimised for efficiency and performance.
At Pinnaca Retail, we believe that technology should simplify operations, reduce costs, and drive sales.
As your IT partner, we provide enterprise-level solutions tailored for businesses. Our mission is to empower you to focus on what matters most — growing your business.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and quote. Let’s take your retail business to the next level with customised IT solutions and support from Pinnaca Retail.
FAQs About What IT Services Can Be Outsourced
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Some commonly outsourced IT service categories are:
Application Management/Support: Businesses may choose to hire out the management and support of their applications to specialised providers to reduce running costs.
Help Desk/Customer Service: Many businesses subcontract their help desk and customer service functions to external providers who can handle customer inquiries and technical support more effectively.
Web Design and Development: Outsourcing web design and development allows businesses to leverage the expertise of professionals in creating visually appealing and functional websites rather than hiring expensive web developers in-house.
IT Support: Outsourcing IT support enables businesses to access technical assistance and troubleshooting services without needing an in-house IT staff.
Cybersecurity: Companies often subcontract cybersecurity services to protect their systems and data from potential threats.
It’s important to note that the specific services outsourced can vary depending on the needs and priorities of each organisation. Different businesses may have unique requirements and may choose to outsource different aspects of their IT operations.
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Yes, IT services are commonly outsourced by businesses. Outsourcing IT services allows organisations to leverage external expertise and resources, reduce costs, and focus on their core competencies. It allows businesses to access specialised skills and knowledge that may not be available in-house.
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Outsourcing IT services means hiring external service providers or companies to handle specific IT functions or tasks traditionally performed in-house.
Instead of maintaining an internal IT department, businesses contract with third-party vendors or service providers to handle various aspects of their IT operations. This can include services such as infrastructure management, software development, help desk support, cybersecurity, data management, and more.
By outsourcing IT services, businesses can leverage the expertise and resources of specialised providers, potentially reducing costs, improving efficiency, and accessing the latest technologies and skillsets. It allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while leaving IT-related tasks to external experts. Outsourcing IT services can be done on a project-by-project basis or as an ongoing partnership, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the organisation.
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Many different IT services can be outsourced. Examples include infrastructure management, web design, and IT support.
Outsourcing infrastructure management involves server maintenance, network management, and data storage. Web design can be outsourced to professionals who specialise in creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. IT support, including help desk services and technical assistance, can also be outsourced to external providers who can handle troubleshooting and problem-solving for businesses.
Conclusion
So, what IT services can be outsourced?
Infrastructure, cybersecurity, software development, and tech support are the most commonly outsourced IT services by any company looking to scale.
The key is finding trusted providers who understand your business needs and will be long-term partners. With the right outsourcing strategy, you’ll have the bandwidth to reach new heights and won’t have to worry so much about keeping the tech lights on. Contact the Pinnaca Retail team today for a demo or consultation on how we can help your business.