How to Find IT Help - Outsource or Hire?

How to Find IT Help - Outsource or Hire? Outsourcing has several advantages over hiring. For one, outsourcing to an IT service provider can provide you with more flexibility. Depending upon the contract and/or the outsourcing provider, you can get extra help when it's needed--such as when transitioning to a new software application or technology. Similarly, you can reduce the level of IT help when the need diminishes. Another advantage: Because an outsourced IT provider has multiple clients, you may get a wider perspective on how to solve a particular problem than an IT staff person might provide. Also, outsourcing can be less expensive than hiring because you don't have to pay for benefits, training and other employee costs. On the other hand, a staff IT person is dedicated to your business alone. Ideally, he or she develops a deep understanding of your company's culture, goals and challenges, and may be in a better position to apply that knowledge to your short- and long-term IT needs. Also, barring sick leave, vacation or other situation, an IT employee on the premises may be able to more quickly react to an emergency or other critical situation. Still can't decide? Consider outsourcing your IT needs for a while before hiring. As mentioned earlier, outsourcing is more flexible. Also, outsourcing might help you better understand what you'll eventually need from an IT staff person. Another option: Hire a lean IT staff and augment it with an IT service provider as needed.

How to Outsource

If you've decided to outsource, there are several things you should do:

• Shop around. Ask friends, colleagues, business partners and technology providers for recommendations of IT outsourcing firms.
• Look for a reliable long-term partner. Don't choose an IT service provider based on price alone. Pick one that can map the best technology solutions to your specific business challenges and become your trusted IT advisor. The key is to choose a knowledgeable, trusted business partner, not a cut-rate tech-support operation.
• Think like a boss. Interview a potential IT service provider just as you would a prospective employee . Ask for recent references, preferably from someone in your industry. Negotiate with the provider to ensure you get a service-level agreement that best meets your business needs. Also, set goals and consider performing annual performance reviews to ensure the IT service provider lives up to those goals.