As your business grows, technology needs increase. Should you hire in-house IT staff or outsource to a Managed Service Provider (MSP)? Or is there a hybrid approach that works best?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and the complexity of your IT environment. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both options to help you decide what’s right for your business.
In-House IT
Hiring your own IT staff means having a dedicated employee (or team) onsite to handle your technology needs.
Pros:
- Immediate availability for hands-on support
- Full control over priorities and projects
- Internal knowledge of company systems and culture
Cons:
- High costs (salary, benefits, training, certifications)
- Limited skillsets (one person can’t cover everything from cybersecurity to cloud)
- Harder to scale as your business grows
- Risk of downtime if your IT person is sick, on leave, or leaves the company
Outsourced IT Managed Service Provider
Outsourcing to an MSP gives you access to a full team of IT experts who provide support, maintenance, and strategic guidance, usually for a flat monthly fee.
Pros:
- Cost-effective — predictable monthly pricing without salaries and overheads
- Access to a team of experts with diverse skillsets (networking, cloud, security, etc.)
- 24/7 monitoring and support, not just 9–5
- Scalable as your business grows
- Proactive maintenance prevents problems before they cause downtime
Cons:
- Less “face-to-face” presence compared to onsite staff
- Requires clear communication to align with your business priorities
Co-Managed IT Services
Co-managed IT combines the best of both worlds: your internal IT team works alongside an MSP. This model is ideal for businesses that already have some in-house IT capability but need extra expertise, coverage, or strategic guidance.
Pros:
- Augments your existing IT staff with specialized skills
- Shared responsibility for support and monitoring
- Flexible scaling based on business needs
- Strategic guidance from MSP without replacing your team
Cons:
- Requires clear communication and role definition between your IT team and MSP
- Potential overlap if roles aren’t well-defined
Which Option Is Right for Your Business?
- Small businesses with limited IT staff: Outsourced IT often provides the most cost-effective, comprehensive coverage.
- Businesses with an internal IT team but gaps in expertise: Co-managed IT is ideal to supplement skills and provide strategic support.
- Large businesses with extensive IT teams: A hybrid approach can optimize resources while keeping strategic oversight in-house.
Final Thoughts
Every business is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Co-managed IT is increasingly popular because it balances cost, expertise, and control.
At Sarxos Industries, we provide outsourced IT, co-managed IT services, and strategic IT guidance tailored to your business. Contact us today to discuss the right solution for your team.