When it comes to finding the right IT solution for your business, you have several options to choose from. Managed IT services and in-house IT department services all have their pros and cons.
This article will compare these two IT solutions to help you determine which is best suited for your company.
Managed IT Services vs. In-House IT Availability Comparison
Availability is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an IT solution.
Here is a comparison of how managed, in-house, and co-managed IT services handle availability.
| Availability | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Managed IT | MSPs provide redundancy, ensuring that you always have access to IT support. MSPs have on-call engineers to address IT problems outside of typical business hours. | They cannot provide as much on-site support as in-house IT can. An MSP engineer may visit your site only once a week. |
| In-House IT | Hiring an in-house engineer gives you the option to have your engineer on-site during all business hours. Your in-house IT engineer can address problems as they arise. | In-house IT resources can have lapses when the engineer takes time off. |
Managed IT Services vs. In-House IT Service Level Comparison
All IT solutions are designed to support your IT environment. Here is a comparison of what service looks like for managed, in-house, and co-managed IT services.
| Service-Level | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Managed IT | MSPs provide constant support from engineers with expertise in specific IT disciplines. MSPs have the knowledge and skills to solve complex IT problems. | MSPs might not know your business or industry. |
| In-House IT | In-house IT engineers know your business and industry. In-house IT engineers are always available on-site. | In-house IT engineers may not have expertise in all IT disciplines. In-house IT can be expensive to maintain. |
Managed IT Services vs. In-House IT Cost Comparison
Cost is always an important factor when it comes to choosing an IT solution. Here is a comparison of the cost of managed, in-house, and co-managed IT services.
| Cost | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Managed IT | MSPs are typically less expensive than hiring a full in-house IT department. | MSPs may charge extra for some services or require you to sign a long-term contract. |
| In-House IT | In-house IT departments provide complete control over your IT environment. | In-house IT departments are expensive to maintain, requiring salaries, benefits, and infrastructure. |
Conclusion
Managed IT services, in-house IT departments, and co-managed IT services each have their pros and cons. The right choice for your business depends on your specific needs and goals.
Managed IT services are becoming more popular as they are less expensive, easier to set up and maintain, and have teams segmented into tiers, ensuring that any issue is addressed by the right person.
They are also efficient, have experienced professionals, and offer remote problem resolution.
Managed IT service providers are experienced in managing network security and keeping data safe, ensuring your network is protected from cyber threats. However, working with MSPs can be a hands-off experience, and some companies may prefer more control over their cybersecurity.
On the other hand, building an in-house IT department allows for more customization, hiring employees with the exact qualifications and experience needed, and customizing the hardware and software.
However, it can be expensive, and the costs can quickly add up, paying for salaries, benefits, workstations, and cyber security and management software.
The decision between in-house or managed IT services depends on your company’s specific needs and capabilities, such as the size of the company, the level of control required, and the complexity of the IT infrastructure.
Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both options and review feedback before selecting an IT company.