The managed IT services market could grow by a CAGR of 12.7% between 2021 and 2028. More businesses are relying on managed IT companies to improve their infrastructure. Outsourcing their IT department could even help businesses cut costs, reduce downtime, and remain secure.
Despite this growing popularity, some business owners are still wary. There’s a lot of gossip surrounding the IT industry.
Here are nine myths (debunked!) you might have heard about managed IT services. After reading this guide, you no longer have to feel apprehensive.
Instead, you can make a more informed decision for your business. Finding a local IT company could set your business up for long-term growth and success.
Keep reading to bust the most common myths about managed IT services today!
1. Your Data Won’t Remain Secure
Many businesses are concerned that managed IT companies don’t have their best interests in mind. For example, you might worry that your company data won’t remain secure if you hire a managed IT services provider.
Rather, your company data is likely more at risk without a local IT company’s services keeping your data safe.
Hackers aren’t slowing down any time soon. In fact, cybercrime could inflict $6 trillion in damages this year. That number could rise to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
Falling victim to a cyberattack could impact your brand’s reputation. Consumers might not trust you with their private information anymore. In fact, about 59% of shoppers will avoid a company that was attacked in the last year.
Meanwhile, ransomware damage costs could reach $20 billion by this year as well.
Consumers might even tell friends and family members that you were hacked. You could lose the chance to make sales in the future as a result. Meanwhile, brand trust and loyalty will continue to drop.
Instead of retaining long-term customers, you could struggle to attract new ones.
Stay Secure
Before that can happen, consider hiring your local IT company. Managed services providers work with compliant cloud service providers. Your IT department will follow the necessary protocols to keep your data secure.
After all, no one understands the importance of security and privacy more than your local IT company.
The best IT company will remain proactive regarding your security, too. For example, you can use 24-hour monitoring services. If there’s ever an attack, your IT team can react right away.
Their security services can minimize the risk of a potential attack.
If your business ends up hacked, your managed services provider won’t gain anything. In fact, their brand reputation could take a hit. They might struggle to sell their security services if they can’t protect their clients.
Instead, choose the best IT company based on the security services you need. Their experience and expertise can ensure your data’s safety.
2. Operational Quality Will Drop
Some businesses are concerned that their operational quality will go down if they hire managed IT companies. You might think they don’t care about the quality of your data and technology more than your internal IT department.
Maybe you’re worried outsourcing your critical operational systems will cause a drop in performance.
That’s a myth! Rather, managed IT companies are available to improve your operational quality.
Some companies still use the break-fix method. They wait until there’s an IT issue, then pause everything to fix the problem. This solution can cause unnecessary downtime.
Instead, consider working with an experienced IT company. They can improve your current operational quality. For example, they can use their specialized technologies to improve how your team communicates.
You can use cloud services to access your files from anywhere in the world. You can also communicate with clients and team members remotely. Finally, you can canvas the employee monitoring solution market and find an efficient tool to keep track of your managed IT team performance. Improving your infrastructure can boost your entire team’s productivity.
Meanwhile, you’ll also have an easier time remaining up-to-date with the latest trends.
If you fall behind, on the other hand, old hardware and software could cause downtime to increase. Your employees might even get frustrated, too. You might lose talent, which can impact your operations.
Instead, talk with your local IT company. They can help you recognize which solutions will drive your team’s productivity forward.
3. Managed IT Services are Expensive
The global information technology industry could reach $5.2 trillion this year. Global IT spending could reach $3.92 trillion as well.
More businesses are increasing their IT budgets, too, mainly due to:
- The need to upgrade IT infrastructure (57%)
- Increased security concerns (38%)
- Employee growth (32%)
- Business revenue increased (26%)
- Increased priority on IT projects (26%)
- Changes in operations due to COVID-19 (26%)
One of the main reasons businesses avoid managed IT companies is the cost. They think outsourcing their IT department will waste time and money. They’re worried they’ll have to pay high monthly fees that could impact their bottom line.
Rather, working with a managed IT provider can save your business money.
For example, you can:
- Reduce the cost of your IT infrastructure
- Optimize IT staff productivity
- Reduce application downtime
- Improve your overall ROI
You can reduce operational costs, boost your team’s productivity, and start making more money.
In fact, you can even work with your local IT company to determine where you can make cost savings. They can improve your infrastructure with your budget in mind. They’ll also help you avoid paying for hardware or services you don’t need.
Otherwise, you’ll need to find, recruit, and train an in-house IT department. The overhead costs can get costly. Meanwhile, you’ll have to worry about potential overtime costs, too.
With 24-hour monitoring services, you won’t have to pay for around-the-clock services. Instead, your local IT company will remain available whenever you need them.
Ask your IT provider about an ala carte option to ensure you can control your spending.
You’ll have peace of mind that you’re making the most of your IT budget.
4. Transitions Can Cause Confusion
Some businesses are worried that introducing new technologies will cause confusion among their employees. They’re concerned employees will waste time trying to learn how to use new tools. A managed services provider might impact their productivity as a result.
That’s a myth! Rather, working with a managed services provider can make life easier for your employees.
Ask your local IT company if they offer training. They can show your team how to use new hardware and software.
Your team will have the tools they need to remain productive and efficient.
5. Providers Don’t Consider Your Goals
Some business owners are worried a managed services provider will offer the same services to every client they help. If your data and technology lack differentiation, you might lose your competitive advantage.
Instead, you can work with your local IT company to develop a customized plan based only on your business’s needs.
Your IT company can determine which aspects of IT you need to outsource. You don’t need every service. Customizing your plan can help boost your productivity while reducing unnecessary costs.
Meanwhile, your IT department will help you accomplish your short- and long-term goals, setting your business up for success.
6. Your In-House Team Has to Go
Some business owners assume they’ll have to fire their in-house IT team and downsize to cut costs. Only then can they outsource to an IT company.
That’s not the case. Rather, your outsourced IT provider is available to help your in-house team.
If your in-house team has a major project they need to work on, they can’t waste time on minor IT issues. Your outsourced IT company can step in to help. That way, your in-house team remains productive and on-task.
Meanwhile, your outsourced team can offer additional experience and expertise your in-house team can use to its advantage.
7. All Providers are Created Equal
Another myth! Not all managed IT companies offer the same services. In fact, some companies specialize in different areas.
Take the time to vet your options before choosing the best IT company based on your specific needs.
For example, you might want to improve your communications this year. Maybe you’re more concerned about security or cloud services. Either way, you can choose a company based on your distinct needs.
Research a few different local companies before you make a decision.
Finding the right partner can benefit your business in the long run.
Searching for IT Companies
It’s also a myth that you can Google “local IT company near me” to find the perfect IT partner.
In fact, the number of IT workers has increased 10-fold since 1970. Before you choose a provider, it’s important to vet your options. Otherwise, you might not choose the right fit for your business.
First, make a list of the services you need. You can narrow down your options by finding a provider that’s equipped to help your business. Otherwise, you could waste time with someone who lacks the support you’re searching for.
Then, determine how long the company has worked in the IT industry.
Some companies pop up overnight, steal a business’ private information or money, and disappear. Do your due diligence. First, determine how long each company has existed in the industry.
Choosing a company that’s lasted a few years will give you peace of mind. Those IT companies are likely around to stay.
Then, consider the size of the business. Make sure they have multiple technicians available to help you.
Otherwise, the company might have limited availability. If there’s an emergency, you might have to wait hours (or even days) for help.
Instead, learn more about each company’s response times. Choosing a fast, responsive company will give you peace of mind. They won’t let downtime impact your operations.
Look for a company that has a strong professional reputation. They’ll want to maintain that reputation by offering the best possible services.
Consider looking for a company with experience specific to your industry, too. They can leverage their experience to benefit your business. They’ll have a better understanding of the IT solutions you need as well.
Do your research.
Looking for the best IT company around? Consider IT Support Downtown for the experience and expertise you need.
8. Technology is the Key to Success
Technology can help your business remain productive, efficient, and competitive. It won’t solve all your problems, though. You don’t need to follow every technology trend, either.
Instead, talk to them to talk with your local IT company. They’ll help you determine what technologies you should adopt.
They’ll take the guesswork out of the equation, saving you valuable time and stress.
If an IT company tries to sell you on every service under the sun, they likely don’t have your best interests in mind. Instead, choose a company that understands your distinct needs. They’ll help your business for years to come.
9. Only Large Organizations Can Benefit
Small businesses and huge corporations can both benefit from an outsourced IT department.
In fact, working with an IT company could give your small business a competitive advantage. You don’t have to spend all your money on an in-house team. Instead, you can save money while finding the IT services you need to succeed.
Without managed IT services, however, you might fall behind the competition. Consumers might think you’re behind the times, too. They might choose one of your competitors instead.
Don’t let that happen. Instead, choose an IT company with experience in your industry.
They can help you determine which IT trends can set your business up for growth and success. With their help, you can even anticipate potential trends in the industry.
Instead of falling behind, you could discover how to get leagues ahead of your competitors.
Myth Busting: 9 Myths About Managed IT Companies That are Complete Hearsay
These myths are busted! As you continue researching managing IT companies, you’ll discover there are a lot of misconceptions about what they can offer. Don’t let these myths impact your business.
Instead, consider working with a local IT company that can set your business up for growth and success.
Searching for more tips and tricks? You’re in the right place!
Check out our latest guides today to get started.
