What is outsourced IT support? Simply put, outsourced IT support is an external service that helps with your business’s technical needs. Depending on your Service Level Agreement (SLA), outsourced IT support can handle a range of tasks like tech support and troubleshooting, configuring computer hardware, installing and managing software, and more.

However, outsourced IT support has its limitations. Ticket volumes and restrictive contracts can lead to delayed responses for urgent issues, while the cost of a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is often out of reach for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of outsourced IT support, and examine cost effective alternatives like the Electric IT Hub, which empowers SMBs to take control of their IT in-house.

Outsourced IT Support & IT Management Statistics

• 43% of cyber attacks happen to small businesses, but only 14% of SMBs are able to combat cyber attacks by reducing their vulnerabilities and limiting risks.
• The cost of IT downtime can mean losing up to $300k per hour. Taking control of your IT environment can help prevent this costly downtime.
• 59% of small business leaders express difficulty implementing and rolling out new technologies.
• 53% of SMB owners believe they are at a competitive disadvantage as compared to larger companies in terms of IT costs.

So, what are the benefits of using outsourced IT support? And, how can you achieve the same benefits (and more) with an in-house solution like Electric?

5 Benefits of Outsourced IT Support

Outsourced IT support promises a range of benefits, many of which can be achieved in a more comprehensive and cost effective manner with the Electric IT Hub:

1. More time to focus on your business: When IT runs smoothly, you save valuable time to focus on growing your business rather than troubleshooting tech issues. With the Electric IT Hub, you can also automate time-consuming processes and streamline everyday IT operations – going beyond the capabilities of traditional outsourced IT support.
2. Enhanced security: Outsourced IT providers often take a reactive approach to cybersecurity, and delayed response times can have serious consequences in the event of an attack. The Electric IT Hub gives you direct access to the best security solutions on the market, providing you with unmatched visibility and control, and ensuring your customer and employee data is secure at all times.
3. Improved employee experience: Slow response times from outsourced IT support can frustrate employees and impact productivity. When IT is managed efficiently in-house, productivity improves and employees enjoy a stress-free work environment.
4. Reduced IT costs: Many SMBs turn to outsourced IT support because of a lack of internal resources, but the hidden costs associated with an MSP can quickly add up. With Electric’s transparent pricing model, you pay just $25 per employee per month. Find out how much you could save with the IT Cost Calculator.
5. Maintain a competitive edge: IT is a key driver of business growth, but it requires proactive management to provide real value. Outsourced IT support may cover basic needs, but SMBs need a more comprehensive solution to maintain a competitive advantage and unlock the full potential of their IT environment.

Looking for a true IT partner? Learn more about Electric as an alternative to your MSP.

What’s Included in Electric’s Alternative to Outsourced IT Support?

Electric delivers the same solutions as outsourced IT support – and much more – from a single, self-managed platform.

1. Device Management

A business is only as healthy and secure as the devices it relies on. The Electric IT Hub simplifies device management by giving you full visibility into device status, security, and compliance.

How Electric replaces outsourced IT support:

• Access to world-class Mobile Device Management (MDM) software
• Proactive security and policy rollouts
• Centralized visibility of device health and inventory
• Remote device lock and wipe controls

2. Security and Compliance

Outsourced IT support can leave SMBs vulnerable to the growing threat of cyber attacks. Electric provides access to the leading security solutions in one place, so you can enforce security policies, standardize security measures, and achieve and maintain compliance.

How Electric replaces outsourced IT support:

• Password management and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Data protection and user access controls
• Email security and phishing prevention
• Antivirus and malware prevention
• Endpoint protection and network security

3. Application Management

Managing employee access to your business apps has implications for security and productivity. Outsourced IT support providers typically have a limited understanding of your needs when it comes to this access. With Electric, you can take control of user permissions and save time with automated account provisioning and deprovisioning.

How Electric replaces outsourced IT support:

• Standardized access permissions based on role and team
• Automated account provisioning and deprovisioning
• Integration with on and offboarding workflows
• Single Sign On (SSO) capabilities

4. Employee On/Offboarding

Outsourced IT offers limited support during employee onboarding and offboarding, with minimal focus on the employee experience. Electric integrates directly with your HR system to automate these processes, streamline the onboarding experience for new hires, and keep employee data secure.

How Electric replaces outsourced IT support:

• HR system integration and workflow automation
• Device procurement and management
• App provisioning and deprovisioning
• Secure offboarding and device retrieval

IT inefficiencies slowing you down? Discover how you can drive productivity and enhance the employee experience with better HR and IT alignment!

5. Hardware Procurement and Warehousing

Electric puts you in control of the device procurement process, without adding to your workload. Purchase and ship employee devices through a curated Hardware Store, and securely reassign or store unused devices from a centralized platform.

How Electric replaces outsourced IT support:

• Curated catalog of brand-agnostic devices and peripherals
• Transparent procurement and nationwide shipping
• Integrated IT and onboarding workflows
• Easy device returns, reassignment, and storage

A Better Alternative to Outsourced IT Support

For many SMBs, outsourced IT support is no longer enough. Ticketing systems, SLAs, and hidden costs associated with traditional MSPs can all hinder growth and leave your business at risk. Electric is built specifically for SMBs as an alternative to outsourced IT support, empowering you to take control of your IT and security environment in-house without the need for technical expertise. Ready to learn more? Book a demo with our IT experts.