Let’s admit it: not all of us like the idea of spending a lot on IT services. Since we can’t see the direct benefit, we often cut corners in the IT department. But the matter of fact is that outsourcing your IT needs to a reputable provider will pay itself in the long run. Sure, it feels uncomfortable at first to let someone handle your IT, but it will be worth it, especially if you’re running a busy office.

The key here is changing your thinking. Instead of seeing IT services as added expenses, consider it as an investment. It’s an investment to prevent downtimes and to ensure that your system is always guarded at all times.

So why should you invest in IT services? Here are the benefits you’ll reap:

Better productivity 

The best thing about reliable IT services is that it directly improves the productivity of your employees. Due to reduced downtimes, your employees can accomplish tasks faster and easier.

Take note that an inadequate IT infrastructure can cripple your business. Delays, lagging, and missing components are massive dilemmas that will also ruin the motivation of your organization.

Moreover, excellent IT services will remove inefficiencies. This will put your employees in a better mood.

Reduced management woes

If you keep on making workarounds with your IT, it’s time to let someone handle it for you. This way, you can break free from management woes and you can focus on other things that matter for your business.

You can do more while getting the best IT services possible. Most of all, you don’t have to train a bigger IT team as you’re going to access a pool of experts and advanced IT products.

Get more from your investment

Paying for IT services will boost your bottom line in the long run. This way, you can get more from your investments. Aside from that, you don’t have to purchase tech on your own. By outsourcing it to an IT provider, you can use premium IT products for only a small cost.

Instead of using pay-as-you-go schemes, a long-term IT service provider will give more for less.

Protection against disasters

Disasters are unpredictable and you’ll never know when a catastrophe will hit your area. If a hurricane damages your facility and ruins your IT hardware, a service provider can help you build the system back.

Aside from that, IT services create backups so your business can keep running in the event of a major catastrophe. Take note that IT service providers will also craft an IT disaster preparedness plan for you.

Defense against hackers 

Hackers are lurking on the web. Even small businesses are direct targets. This is one of the reasons why IT services are great investments. IT experts will secure your system with multiple layers of protection. This is much needed if you handle sensitive customer information like credit card info, healthcare data, and financial records.

Remember that data loss is responsible for trillions of dollars lost yearly. You might as well be prepared before things go to worst.

A fact of business is that old computers will eventually need replacing. However, in the process of procuring new hardware, many businesses question what should happen to their old computers? While it’s easy to dispose of them in the trash, business owners have to be responsible when disposing of their electronic waste, especially if they contain sensitive customer information.

Instead of letting your old computers get covered in cobwebs in your storage room, you should consider the following options:

Sell it for a discounted price

If you can’t find any use for your old computers, you can sell them. You can post your old computers online to attract buyers. In fact, you might discover that your old tech might be worth more than you think. So before you put a price on it, take a look at what similar equipment is selling for.

A simple eBay listing can turn your old tech into money. You can use it to fund new gadgets so you won’t shell out a lot for your new purchases.

Keep it as backups 

If you have a growing business, it’s best to keep your old computers as backups for the meantime. You can use it as backups if your new tech experiences glitches. However, make sure that you keep your old computer updated and dusted so that it can be used on the spot.

Keeping your old computers intact is ideal, so you’ll see how new gadgets will fare in the workplace. You might be surprised that a high-tech computer may hinder productivity due to the steep learning curve.

Consider donating it

Instead of throwing your old computers away, you can donate them to schools, public libraries, and organizations that need them. Aside from doing our landfills a big favor, you’re also helping other people. You may even be able to earn a few tax credits along the way.

But before you donate your tech, make sure that you have wiped it of all data. You wouldn’t want an accidental data breach.

Trade it with your IT provider

If you can’t find an interested buyer and donating doesn’t seem to be a practical choice, try to look for a trader who’s interested in your tech. You can also enlist the help of your IT provider as they can accommodate a trade or a discounted price for your old computers.

Some can trade for a different product so that they can refurbish your old computers with replacement parts.

Some words of caution 

Before you dispose of your old computers, make sure that you have wiped it clean.

If you’re not skilled at removing data from old computers, ask an IT expert or your IT provider to scrub your equipment for you. They will be able to wipe the hard drive completely and make sure none of your data remains on the computer. Do the same due diligence even if you’re donating the computers to charity. You never know who might pick them up.

Outsourcing your IT needs can save time, money, and energy. Aside from that, you’ll get the best value and service if you choose the right IT partner. Not all IT services are made equal, however,  so it’s important to find one that suits your business. It’s about asking the right questions and knowing the provider before inking the deal. With a reliable IT provider, you will reap the following benefits:

Increasing your bottom line

By outsourcing, you no longer have to maintain an in-house IT team. That means you can save money from training, acquiring new equipment, and managing a separate team. All of these will increase your bottom line. In fact, the money you’ll save by outsourcing can be allocated to improve your facilities.

Aside from that, IT providers can help manage your budget. This way, you have full control over spending. Take note that it’s much better that you hire a full-time IT provider than pay-as-you-go schemes.

Accountability for your IT infrastructure

With a contract in place, you can hold the IT provider accountable for any glitches that may happen in your system. This way, they will fix the issue right away and prevent expensive downtimes on your business. This is much better than having an in-house team deal with the problem. Aside from paying their salary, you also have to carry the burden of managing and ensuring their performance.

Overall, outsourcing your IT needs will free you of the responsibility of overseeing your IT. Still, you’ll not lose control over your infrastructure.

Proper advice for your productivity 

Many businesses don’t realize that IT experts can help boost their productivity through proper management and advice. Since you’re getting tips from experts, you can easily run your business with the right IT solutions.

Take note that a reliable IT provider won’t just handle your IT. They will also work with you so you can increase your employees’ productivity.

Round-the-clock monitoring

IT experts monitor your systems around the clock. So when a problem arises, they can easily fix it fast. The IT problem won’t have to wait until morning when it has already caused massive downtime on your system.

It’s also added peace of mind on your end. Aside from that, you can improve the user experience of your customer for whatever product or service you’re selling. In the end, outsourcing your IT won’t just free you from another burden; it will also help increase your revenue.

You can focus on more things that matter 

Instead of worrying about IT needs, you can outsource it to an expert. This way, you can focus on other things that matter to your business. You can work more on your audit or assessing the performance of your employees. Since you have saved time and money, you can also work on another investment or the expansion of your business. You’ll be surprised by how much you can save by hiring an IT partner.

Many businesses are torn between outsourcing their IT work and doing it themselves. Both have their pros and cons, so you should always weigh your options carefully to know which suits your business. As much as you can save money by doing your own IT work, it may not be sustainable or convenient. Consider the following points to help you decide.

It gives you knowledge of your company’s technology

The first-hand experience of your company’s IT system will provide you a better picture of its condition. This way, you can identify the IT needs of your employees, customers, and business.

It’s always good to have a working knowledge of your own IT. Although some business owners can get by without any knowledge of their IT infrastructure, it’s not ideal. For instance, an employee can easily steal information or tech without you knowing.

You can save some money, but…

For sure, you can save several thousand dollars by dealing with the IT problem on your own. This is a practical move, especially if you have intensive knowledge about how your system works.

However, you should also consider that long-term IT work could stymie your other projects. Since you’re spending time overseeing your IT department, you might miss out on other things that matter.

For some businesses, it might be more practical to enlist the help of an IT partner. This way, you can outsource your IT work and focus more on running and expanding your business.

Detailed repairs and installation should be done by experts

If you only have a working knowledge of your company’s IT, it might be best to ask for the help of an expert. This is true when you need to install new hardware or if you need intensive repairs.

It’s rare for a business owner to be knowledgeable enough about the ins and outs of IT components. Even if they do, taking the time out from business work just to handle the repairs might cost more in the long run.

When it comes to IT, it’s usually more cost-efficient to outsource major repairs or installations than doing it on your own.

Can you handle a large team?

Maintaining an in-house IT team has its advantages and disadvantages. First of all, employing IT experts will give you full control and exclusivity on your IT solution. Also, the employees are located on your premises, which allows you to monitor their performance easily.

However, in-house IT teams come with huge overheads. Small businesses don’t usually have the budget to fund such a department, so they are better off outsourcing their IT needs. Also, hiring IT experts for full-time positions demand continual training and salary raises. Again, that translates to more expenses and management woes on your end.

If you are in doubt, you can talk with an IT partner to discuss your options. They can help you decide if outsourcing is the way to go.

One of the assets that businesses have to fund is their IT system. This isn’t just their internet connection or the new computers they’re planning to buy. It includes every tech that keeps their business running – their website, IT security, IT services, applications, and so on. Since it can be a large-scale topic for some, the question is, how much money should a company spend on their IT? Being realistic with the costs is the first step to finding the right solution for your business’ needs.

Many businesses cut corners on their IT budget, thinking that it wouldn’t hurt a lot. However, they always end up acquiring substandard tech and services. So to help you set a realistic attitude toward your IT expenses, the following are the aspects you need to consider:

Do you need new hardware?

Businesses should identify first if they actually need new hardware, or they just want a new one. Many companies fall prey to tech advertisements and offer that they spend too much money on purchasing new units.

The key here is to have a smart upgrade plan. This will help businesses decide if they already need to upgrade their hardware. Never jump the gun just because a salesperson offers an attractive piece of tech to you.

Always factor in unexpected repairs and maintenance

Along the way, your system and hardware will encounter glitches, much so for hectic workplaces. Also, if you don’t have a solid IT plan or team, you should factor in higher costs in the future.

Without a reliable IT partner, you may end up spending a lot of money on pay-as-you-go providers. They offer immediate results, but will also cost more money than hiring a full-time IT partner.

Remember that repairs and unexpected costs take up the biggest chunk of your budget. Since repairs can’t be predicted, you have to allow a reasonable amount. To give you an idea, average businesses spend about 4% to 6% of their income on IT.

Redundant tech costs a lot

For businesses that don’t have an IT partner, it’s easy to become victims of unnecessary tech. Some of these overlap and cause confusion among employees. Worse, the maintenance cost pile up and cost more than what you’re supposed to be spending.

An IT advisor can help fix these issues. It may seem like an additional expense, but you’ll be surprised by how much you can save by availing of a professional tech audit.

In fact, you might discover that you’re paying for the same software packages that have similar functions or ones that aren’t utilized well.

Plan your budget with an IT partner

If you don’t have a clear idea of how much you need to spend, hire a trustworthy IT partner. They will help devise your IT plan and calculate the potential costs.

This way, you can see everything that you need in a list complete with a breakdown of expenses. Your IT partner can also discuss each one to you, ensuring that it suits your business’ needs.