Staff Shortages

Factors such as rising cybersecurity threats, Brexit and the introduction of GDPR earlier this year have already put in-house IT departments under significant pressure. New findings from Auxillian indicating there is now an IT labour shortage will cause further headaches.

According to the recent survey of IT decision makers, 75% of businesses are “finding it hard to source and retain the right technology staff.” In the next 18 months, most respondents expect to increase spend in cybersecurity (88%) and privacy and data protection (84%). More than a third (35%) of respondents expect Brexit to increase demands on their IT departments. These increasing demands provide greater strain on already stretched departments.

Keeping up with the rate of change in today’s IT environment has become increasingly challenging. As companies become more aware of evolving challenges, the need to be prepared for all eventualities has never been greater. These factors, along with the added difficulty of finding the right staff, are leading contributors to the rise of IT outsourcing. In this piece, we examine the reasons why companies may benefit from outsourcing to a third-party vendor.

The rise of outsourcing

Those considering outsourcing their IT services can be reluctant to initially hand over an element of control in their company. However, as the advantages of outsourcing become more evident, it is being increasingly utilised. In the UK alone, outsourcing of IT functions accounted for 73% of the UK outsourcing industry in 2017. The volume is also doubling each year, with twice as much spent on IT outsourcing in 2017 (3.8bn) than 2016 (1.7bn).

This rise signifies that companies are recognising the benefits that outsourcing can bring. These benefits include:

  • Access to exceptional capabilities – Would you rather the knowledge of one individual, or the collective expertise of a team of IT professionals? Through outsourcing, your company can benefit from the expertise of a team with highly skilled resources and years of experience in dealing complex IT issues. This experience and resources will also allow you to stay up to date with the latest technologies and developments. A quality IT Managed Serviced provider will have the ability to take advantages of these developments quickly.
  • Reduced Costs – Managing your IT services in-house can incur significant expenses. The need to hire new IT personnel is eradicated, eliminating training costs. Due to the continuous requirement to achieve accreditations and certifications, staff must constantly undertake training to upskill. This can become expensive over time. Outsourcing IT services eradicates these costs, while also allowing the move from capital expenditure to operational expenditure leading to financial benefits in the long-term.
  • Increased focus on core business – When complex IT issues arise, this may lead to a lack of focus on core business decisions. The IT manager and other staff may be distracted from their primary activities, affecting long-term growth. Outsourcing your IT services can allow focus to be centred on core competencies, driving business value and more urgent, business-critical matters.
  • Security and Compliance – For IT departments under pressure due to staff shortages, staying up-to-date with the latest security protocols can be challenging. Rising cyber threats are making increasingly difficult for companies to safeguard their information. In a recent survey by Data Solutions, close to two-thirds (63%) of companies stated that they were not equipped to deal with emerging cyber threats. Entrusting your IT issues to an experienced partner can ensure your network is securely protected.

Are there risks?

With pressure increasing on IT departments, outsourcing seems to be a logical solution for companies who are feeling the strain. However, there are a number of factors to be considered before taking the step. Does outsourcing increase your company’s exposure to risk? One of the primary advantages outlined above can also be a sticking point for those considering the move – security. Entrusting your IT services to a third-party requires a significant amount of confidence in their security protocols. Fortunately, there are internationally recognised accreditations and certifications that can be used to judge how secure IT service providers are.

Is it Time You Considered Outsourcing Your IT? - ActionPoint

Secure, Reliable, Enabling

Rising demands on IT departments, along with a shortage of available staff, has led to an increase in the amount of companies outsourcing their IT services. Primary motivations include reducing costs and using it as a vehicle for business transformation. There are several factors companies must consider when adopting outsourcing. Security and trust are two primary factors. Choosing a vendor with robust security protocols, high levels of expertise and resources will allow companies to allay any fears they may have when outsourcing their IT services. With a highly qualified and experienced team of IT professionals, ActionPoint’s comprehensive IT Managed Services specialize in helping companies become more agile, mobile, secure and informed. ActionPoint recently achieved the ISO 27001:2013 accreditation – the highest standard in information security. The accreditation signifies that the information we hold is safeguarded to the highest level. Rather than replace your team, ActionPoint are there to enable and support them, “helping you achieve your greatest potential using the power of technology.”

To learn more about ActionPoint’s IT service offerings, go to https://actionpoint.ie/helpdesk-support/

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