Most growing businesses reach a point where their current IT approach stops working. Maybe your internal person is overwhelmed, or break-fix support keeps falling behind. You’re wondering whether to hire more IT staff or work with an outside provider.
The choice between managed IT services vs in house IT isn’t always obvious. Each approach has real advantages and drawbacks that affect your daily operations, budget, and ability to grow.
When In-House IT Makes Sense
Some businesses do better with internal IT staff. If you have highly specialized systems, strict data control requirements, or enough volume to keep multiple IT people busy full-time, internal staff might work well.
Companies with 100+ employees often have enough IT needs to justify dedicated staff. A manufacturing business with custom equipment interfaces, or a healthcare practice with specific compliance needs, might need someone on-site who understands their unique setup.
But internal IT has real limitations. One person can’t cover every technology area. When they’re out sick or on vacation, problems pile up. Training costs add up as technology changes. And if they leave, you’re scrambling to replace specialized knowledge.
When Managed IT Services Work Better
Most businesses between 25 and 200 employees find that outsourced IT support options solve problems internal staff can’t handle alone.
Managed providers offer several advantages. You get a whole team instead of one person. If someone is unavailable, others step in. The provider stays current on security threats, software updates, and new technologies without you paying for training.
Consider a 50-person accounting firm. They need reliable email, file sharing, and backup systems, especially during tax season. An internal IT person might handle basic issues, but they probably can’t design a comprehensive backup strategy, monitor for cyber threats, and plan technology upgrades all at the same time.
The Co-Managed Approach
Many businesses don’t have to choose one or the other. Co-managed IT combines internal staff with outside expertise.
Your internal person handles day-to-day user support—password resets, printer issues, new employee setup. The managed provider handles network monitoring, security management, backup systems, and strategic planning.
This works well for companies with one IT person who’s stretched thin. They keep handling what they know best, while the managed provider covers gaps in expertise and availability.
Cost Considerations That Matter
Internal IT costs more than just salary. You’re paying for benefits, training, software licenses for monitoring tools, and backup systems. When that person takes time off, IT issues still need handling.
A skilled internal IT person in most markets costs $60,000 to $90,000 annually, plus benefits and tools. Managed IT services often cost less than that while providing broader expertise and better coverage.
But don’t just compare monthly costs. Think about what happens when your internal person leaves unexpectedly, or when you need help with a major project like an office move or software migration.
Common Mistakes in This Decision
Many business owners assume they need someone on-site full-time. In reality, most IT work doesn’t require physical presence. Remote monitoring, cloud-based systems, and virtual support handle most issues effectively.
Another mistake is thinking managed IT means losing control. Good providers work as partners, not replacements for your judgment. They should explain recommendations clearly and help you make informed decisions about technology investments.
Some companies stick with break-fix support too long because it seems cheaper. But paying for emergency fixes usually costs more than preventing problems. If you’re calling for IT help more than twice per month, managed services probably make financial sense.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Start by listing your actual IT needs. How often do you need help? What happens when systems go down? Do you need someone who understands your industry’s specific requirements?
If you have complex, unique systems and enough volume to keep someone busy full-time, internal IT might work. If you need broader expertise, better coverage, and predictable costs, managed services usually make more sense.
For many businesses, the co-managed approach offers the best of both options—local knowledge plus comprehensive expertise.
What This Means for Your Business
The managed IT services vs in house IT decision affects your daily operations, budget predictability, and ability to handle growth or problems. Don’t make this choice based only on monthly costs. Consider expertise gaps, coverage during absences, and what happens when you need help with major projects.
Most importantly, think about where you want to spend your time and attention. Internal IT requires ongoing management and training investments. Managed services let you focus on running your business while professionals handle technology reliability and planning.
If you’re evaluating IT support options for your growing business, TECHZN can help you understand what approach fits your specific situation and goals.
