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The Internet is filled with heaps of articles and blog posts touting the advantages of having your own in-house I.T department. They list reasons such as having more control, improved efficiency, and better customer service.

Oftentimes they give an in-depth explanation of how the ability to take advantage of the latest technology trends, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and big data analytics, can make a real difference for businesses.


However, what these articles don't mention are the significant disadvantages to having an in-house I.T team - disadvantages that often make outsourcing your I.T a much better option.


If you’re the owner or CFO of a small- to medium-sized company, it’s not always in your best interest to maintain an in-house I.T department that manages your technology needs. There are signs that your company may be better off outsourcing I.T, and in this article, we’ll explore four of them.

Lanrex's unique approach puts businesses first, every time. Find out what we can do for your business today.

Sign 1: I.T Is Costing Your Business Too Much

An in-house I.T department is expensive. Due to the skills shortage, I.T personnel generally demand higher salaries than other workers. Employees with certain specialisations — for example, cybersecurity or data management — often negotiate even higher remuneration. In addition, there are the costs associated with creating and implementing the infrastructure, including all hardware and software.

When you outsource your I.T function, you usually pay a pre-determined price for a service package that provides precisely the services you need. That means you’re not paying a team of employees — complete with benefits — for full-time work hours. Moreover, I.T consulting companies can get you better deals on hardware and software from reliable vendors.

Sign 2: You Don’t Train Your I.T Staff

Let’s face it: we all know our employees require periodic upskilling. When it comes to I.T, however, there are so many training options out there that, unless you’re a high-level I.T professional, it’s impossible to know where to begin — so many of us just let it go. While this is understandable, it’s also a fast-track to an ineffective I.T department — and that places your company’s performance and security at risk.

If, on the other hand, you work with an I.T consulting company, you get the benefit of consultants who not only specialise in specific areas of I.T but who also stay up-to-date on developments in their specialisations with the best trainings available. Moreover, since they work in their specialisations day in and day out, they possess vast and invaluable experience.

Sign 3: Your I.T Is Not Keeping Up

I.T is continuously evolving. Both employees and customers expect to be able to access companies remotely on a range of devices and operating systems. In addition, digitisation means that an increasing number of mid- to back-office functions are moving online. If you’re unable to update software and adjust configurations to allow for new or improved functionalities, it will result in impaired performance that could cause you to lose business.

An I.T consulting company is always up-to-date on the latest developments regarding infrastructure, data management, collaborative tools, VoIP systems, and any other relevant areas. It also has access to the most recent technology so your consultant will select and implement the best solutions for your company.

Sign 4: You Can’t Take the Risk

If your security system isn’t continuously updated, you’re vulnerable to cyber threats such as ransomware, zero-day attacks, and advanced persistent threats. According to a 2020 article by Zurich: Australian businesses lose up to $1 billion each year due to cyber attacks. In addition to the direct costs, the reputational damage resulting from breaches is immeasurable. These are very real risks that can cause significant, sometimes even irreparable, damage to a business.

This is where outsourcing your I.T function can make all the difference. Specialised I.T consultants have access to the latest knowledge and technology — and they know which solutions are right for your company. They also know how to consolidate multiple security applications that have been implemented over time into a single streamlined solution that provides visibility of your entire network. As the capabilities of security software advance, I.T consultants can also integrate new features such as self-learning and artificial intelligence that basically allow your security system to autonomously develop protections against sophisticated threats.

There’s also another aspect to risk, and that involves regulations and compliance. Depending on what business you’re in, you may have to comply with national or international regulations regarding communications and data protection. If you fail to comply, you could face hefty fines and reputational damage. Because of this, you need the ability to conduct audits of your infrastructure and security system, as well as generate reports of those audits.

An I.T consulting company not only reduces your risk because its consultants will ensure your network and cybersecurity measures comply with all relevant regulations, they’ll also have the expertise and technology to quickly and efficiently perform audits and generate reports.

Outsourcing Is the Smart Choice for Forward-Thinking Companies

Agility and digitisation are prerequisites for companies to drive innovation and growth in today’s competitive market. So is having effective, affordable I.T capabilities. That’s why forward-thinking companies outsource their I.T functions to save money, eliminate inefficiencies, reduce risk, and gain the expertise they need. That way, I.T becomes a powerful tool that companies can use to support their core activities, improve their competitive positioning, and reach their business objectives.

Lanrex offers a range of business I.T solutions, including integration, security and compliance, business continuity and recovery, and help desk support. To find out how we can help your business achieve its goals, get in touch today.

We’re creating a business that provides unlimited potential for our team. We believe that each and every team member has an equal opportunity to play a strategic and impactful role.

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