Should my Company have In-House IT Support?

Monica Morris • Mar 22, 2016


Photo used with permission under  CC License

Last week, in our blog “ Does My Company Really Need IT Support? ” we discussed how to determine if your company needs a Help Desk or IT Support , sometimes referred to as Managed IT Services. If you concluded that you do need some kind of help desk you now have to decide whether or not to bring it in-house.

At first glance this may appear to be strictly an economic issue, however, the analysis is slightly more complicated than can you afford to pay someone.  The first question that must be asked (after you have decided the cost of not doing anything) is do I have enough problems to warrant someone doing this full time?  If the answer is no, you probably want to seek a managed IT services company.  If the answer is yes, then you have to decide what skills and expertise are required?

What Kind of IT Support Expertise do I need?

IT has never been a discipline where generalists prevail.  Even a standalone computer requires knowledge in multiple disciplines to support.  If you are connected to the internet, as most of us are, things become even more complicated.  Let’s examine a single site company with no remote users.  Here are the various items that need to be supported:

  1. The physical plant, with all of the jacks and cabling
  2. Workstations, laptops, desktops and handheld devices
  3. All the associated applications
  4. The network infrastructure of switches and routers
  5. Security appliances to defend against breaches
  6. Servers for a host of required services including network authentication, file sharing, communications like telephony, email and instant messaging, update services, database management, etc
  7. Wireless infrastructure
  8. Anti-virus and anti-malware applications and services
  9. Some kind of backup and disaster recovery schema.

Each of these requires their own expertise and while many talented IT professionals are knowledgeable in multiple disciplines, none know all of them well.  Additionally, you may require specialized knowledge to support your servers or edge appliances.

If you plan on hiring someone in-house, then you need to identify what your needs are today and what are you likely to grow to tomorrow.  What are the must-have, nice to have and do not need now disciplines?  Once you know this you can look at your budget.  Assuming that you have minimal needs, basic network without any servers, you can probably hire someone with desktop support capabilities for $40K to $60K per year, depending on where in the country you are located and how much experience you want.  If you need server level support, then you are looking for an engineer that will command a significantly higher salary in the $80K to $100K+ a year range.

Assuming you have the budget to make such a hire there is one more point to consider.  A single in-house technician can only be in one place at a time.  It would be awfully nice if issues occurred sequentially and only after the previous issue has been solved or is close to being solved.  Unfortunately, life never works that way.  Issues come in waves and there is a hiatus between them.  Additionally, your engineer or technician will usually get involved in project work like upgrading or replacing workstations and servers.  Issues will occur at inopportune times and something will have to be sacrificed.  Lastly, what about vacation and sick time.  In contrast, Managed IT service providers usually have multiple technicians and engineers staffing their help desk.  Rarely are they in a position where they can’t respond in a timely fashion to a support request.  If your budget permits, it makes sense to hire more than one to cover each other and to provide expertise in the various disciplines.  If you only have the budget to hire one technician, you are probably better served outsourcing your helpdesk or IT services needs to a reliable company.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
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