The use of business technology is growing. And the need is growing exponentially.

Of course, how much you should spend on technology and IT services as a business owner greatly depends on your individual business. How much technology do you need? What technology do you need? The range is huge! Computers, POS systems, accounting software, data back-ups, CAD design machines and software, data storage, phones, online meeting software… the list is endless. And, the list is different for each industry and each company.

Different industries rely more heavily on different areas of tech. For example, financial institutions are going to spend more on data security. (In fact, banks generally spend more on their IT budgets than most other industries.) Whereas, a retail store may concentrate more on POS technology and inventory tracking. One may need 20 computers & an integrated phone system for a call centre. Another may just use the 1 computer for accounting only.

Tech Budget vs Support Budget

When considering your IT budget, though, it is important to also take 2 different aspects into consideration: the technology itself… and the support of that technology. Far too often, companies will concentrate on just the one side, leaving the other starved. An oversight they may regret later.

When carving out your IT budget, a big consideration should be the IT Support side. It is vital. Having the right support in place can save your company thousands of dollars in the long run… whether that is protecting yourself against the next ransomware attack or minimizing downtime (& lost revenue) when an issue with hardware arises. Good IT Support will also help you purchase the right tech for the business, covering the other side of the coin too.

Staff vs External Support

The traditional model for companies that needed tech support, was to have someone on staff to do the job. However, this can be a costly practice for a small business and makes you very reliant on one individual to keep up with all the latest updates, technology, and trends. (And this changes DAILY!) The more efficient route, these days, is to hire a reliable Tech Support Company (or Managed Service Provider) in your area.

Pros to Outsourcing

The pros of outsourcing to an IT Support company include:

• Using an external Tech Support Team means at least 1 less employee to find, hire, pay & provide benefits for. You only need to call when you need help, saving you both money and time!

• You do not have to spend thousands of dollars on training someone (including ongoing training since the technology business changes so much), who may leave the company at any point, leaving you to start over.

• You do not have to worry about the 1 tech going on vacation, leaving your business uncovered for 3-4 weeks of the year.

• You will actually have access to a whole team of IT Support Technicians & Consultants. Multiple heads means way more experience & skill diversity in more areas, and with more technologies. (Certainly way more than 1 single person could ever have!) So, you will have the solution to your problem faster.

• These companies usually have a greater buying power because they are purchasing more often for other companies like you. (Potentially saving you $$!)

• Managed IT Support Providers are well experienced in planning, and working with, all levels of IT budgets. They can determine what you need to work better, and help you work out a budget to fit.

• Keeping up-to-date with the latest security concerns and threats is so important, but also very complicated & time-consuming. Managed Service Providers are used to dealing with these threats every day. They will know what measures are best for your company and set-up. Another headache off your plate!

• Running a business is a lot of work. You are already juggling many balls! Hiring a dedicated IT Support Company means 1 less department to worry about, meaning you can concentrate better on your work and customers.

READY to Hire An MSP?

Having the right IT Support Team behind your business can make such a difference its success. If you are overwhelmed by your tech needs, consider hiring a dedicated Managed Service Provider.

Oh yes… and if you happen to be in the BC Fraser Valley region, contact us!  We provide these computer & technology support services to businesses all over the Lower Mainland.3