As the global business-scape continues to shift, recognizing opportune moments to optimize operations is paramount. One pivotal area for consideration is the Information Technology (IT) domain, where outsourcing can serve as a strategic game-changer.

Savvis’ Global IT Leadership Report contends about 70 percent of all IT infrastructure is expected to be outsourced within the next five years. The industry is witnessing a shift towards the decentralization of IT services and infrastructure, reshaping IT support to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

 

The Changing Face of IT Support

As more consumers migrate to the cloud, IT providers are facing increasing pressure to upgrade service delivery models. The call for more flexibility and higher-quality products is reshaping the landscape of IT support services. Understanding the spectrum of IT support services available for outsourcing is crucial for businesses contemplating this strategic move.

 

IT Support Services to Outsource:

IT support services encompass a range of functions, including managed services and tiered technical support. These services can be offered either remotely or on-site, providing businesses with the flexibility to choose the model that aligns with their specific needs. Some commonly outsourced IT support tasks include:

• 24/7 Telephone and Remote IT Support: Addressing issues in real time through dedicated engineers available online 24/7.

• 24/7 Network Monitoring: Ensuring constant vigilance over network activities to identify and address potential issues promptly.

• Onsite Engineers and Visits: Providing physical presence for technical support either through regular visits or on-demand.

• Hardware Support: Offering assistance and maintenance for hardware-related issues.

• Voice, Email, and Online Chat Support: Providing support through various communication channels.

• Enterprise IT Helpdesk: Handling comprehensive IT support for businesses.

• Application Support: Addressing issues related to software applications.

• Trouble Ticket Management: Efficiently managing and resolving trouble tickets for streamlined operations.

 

Benefits of Outsourced IT Support: A Strategic Move for Growth

Businesses, from startups to large corporations, have compelling reasons to consider outsourcing their IT support. Several key benefits make outsourcing an attractive proposition:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Outsourced IT support is often more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT support team. Specialized IT support providers focus solely on IT functions, reducing the cost per client compared to internal operations.

• Extensive Experience: Outsourcing provides access to the collective knowledge and experience of IT support providers. These professionals bring domain expertise gained over years, offering flexible service delivery models tailored to specific business needs.

• Augmentation of Existing Staff: Outsourced IT support aims for more efficient processes and improved productivity. Rather than replacing key in-house IT employees, outsourcing adds value by complementing the internal IT department. This ensures that the company always has expert support during peak times and holidays.

• Risk Reduction: Internal handling of functions involves inherent risks. Outsourcing allows businesses to transfer part of this risk to external experts with in-depth industry understanding. Outsourced IT professionals can mitigate risks and prevent costly mistakes that may occur when operations are handled internally.

• 24/7 IT Support: A significant advantage of outsourcing is the provision of round-the-clock IT support. This is crucial in today’s competitive market, where a few seconds can make a significant difference in customer satisfaction. Dedicated resources and the latest technology ensure that client needs are met promptly, irrespective of their location.

 

IT Support Outsourcing in the Philippines: Choosing Excellence

As the number of IT service providers rises dramatically, the importance of selecting an exceptional IT support company cannot be overstated. Working with an outsourcing company that prioritizes high-quality services, growth, flexibility, and negotiation is crucial.

 

Is it Time to Outsource Your IT? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Overwhelming Workload: Balancing Act or Breaking Point?

As businesses grow, so does the influx of customer tickets and IT tasks. When these demands become overwhelming for your in-house teams, it’s essential to evaluate your options. Expansion is one route, but it comes with increased costs and potential operational challenges. Alternatively, outsourcing serves as an attractive proposition, offering relief from the burden of escalating workloads.

Outsourcing not only lightens the immediate workload but also brings a structured approach to your company’s operations. It provides a scalable solution without the need for extensive internal team expansion, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing overall efficiency.

2. Rapid Staff Expansion: Need Professionals Yesterday?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, agility is key. When you urgently require a team of professionals, outsourcing connects your business to efficiency. Outsourcing companies are adept at rapid expansion, equipped with streamlined processes for interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training.

Their established frameworks ensure a swift and effective team buildup, allowing you to meet the demands of your projects without the delays associated with traditional hiring.

3. Seeking Outside Expertise: Expand Your Horizons

One often-underappreciated trait of outsourcing is the opportunity to tap into third-party expertise. If your business requires specific skills or knowledge that may not be available within your internal team, outsourcing becomes a compelling solution.

Before engaging a vendor, it’s crucial to compile a list of questions and issues that need resolution. This proactive approach ensures that the outsourcing partner aligns with your objectives. By leveraging external expertise, you gain insights, perspectives, and solutions that may not have been accessible through in-house resources alone.

4. Balancing Existing and New Initiatives: The Tightrope Act

In the pursuit of growth, businesses often grapple with the challenge of managing existing tasks while venturing into new projects. When overwhelmed, teams can burn out quickly, adversely affecting productivity and overall business performance. This scenario signals a prime opportunity to explore outsourcing.

Outsourcing allows your internal teams to focus on both existing and new projects without succumbing to the pressures of an overloaded workload. By strategically passing on certain tasks or even entire teams to outsourcing partners, businesses can achieve a balance, preventing burnout and maintaining sustained efficiency.

5. Challenges with Specific Tasks: Outsourcing for Specialized Solutions

Every team has its strengths and weaknesses, and not every business excels at every task. When faced with challenges in specific areas, admitting that external specialists might handle these tasks more efficiently is a step towards operational optimization.

For instance, if your in-house team struggles with providing excellent customer support, outsourcing this task to a company with expertise in customer inquiries can lead to enhanced services. This approach saves resources, time, and, most importantly, safeguards your business’s reputation by ensuring superior customer support without the need for extensive training or hiring.

 

Embracing Outsourcing as a Business Opportunity

Outsourcing is a multifaceted process with numerous possibilities and peculiarities. Venturing into it can be an elevating experience, bringing about increased success and growth possibilities for your business.

Not every business has the luxury of maintaining an in-house IT team, and even those that do may find their teams struggling to keep pace with the demands of today’s digital workplace.

Outsourcing IT operations can be a strategic move, offering access to specialized expertise, resources, and tools that may not be readily available internally. As you contemplate outsourcing, consider these signs and leverage external partnerships to enhance your business’s efficiency, innovation, and overall competitive edge.

 

To learn more about outsourcing, you can read our Top 8 Qualities of an Outsourcing Company in the Philippines article.

We invite you to follow us on social media and to visit our website to learn more about Sourcefit – your outsourcing partner.

About Us

Sourcefit – your preferred accounting service provider – is a widely recognized US-managed business process outsourcing company based in Manila, Philippines. We proudly serve over 100 clients with a workforce of more than 1,300 employees. Our global centers can serve multiple markets, and our staff is highly proficient in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Whether you need a few or many employees, we can help you achieve your business goals and build high-quality offshore teams.

Latest Awards

Sourcefit’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous industry awards and certifications.

We recently received the Fortress Cyber Security Award from the Business Intelligence Group. Sourcefit was also honored with the prestigious recognition of Best Outsourcing Solutions Provider in the Philippines during the 2023 Business Excellence Awards.

Other awards include: FT ranking of 500 high-growth Asia-Pacific, The Marketing Excellence Awards, Inquirer Growth Champion,  HR Asia Awards, among others.

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