IT-Outsourcing: asking the right questions

In my bachelor thesis, I often heard from owner-managed SMEs without their own internal IT department: “I don’t want to have anything to do with this stuff” – “IT should just run”. The core of the statements was that they wanted to focus on the core business, because that is where the core competencies of SMEs lie.

Connected with this, however, was the strong need to have an IT partner at their side who can deliver everything centrally from a single source. Short response times, smooth functioning of the IT infrastructure and advice on new products and solutions were required. In other words, an IT partner at eye level.

What is involved in IT outsourcing for SMEs?

For companies of all sizes, the IT sector is indispensable today. Large companies usually have their own department for all information technology matters. For SMEs, on the other hand, the question arises as to what kind of IT services are required by an external provider. With IT outsourcing, companies can therefore draw on a range of different services.

To present the company’s own profile and portfolio, a website for the company is a good idea. The company’s products and services can be presented on it. If required, the company can also develop its own e-commerce store. It allows customers to purchase products and services online. This is more likely to be in the B2C business, since in B2B the products and services usually require explanation.

Beyond the web presence, external IT partners have many other solutions on offer. In the area of IT infrastructure, they can create and maintain in-house networks. This also includes setting up network printers. These so-called local area networks (LANs) can also be expanded as needed. In this way, companies always remain flexible, because they only finance what they effectively use and need. In addition, external IT partners also take care of the downsides of digitization. Every company needs advice in the area of IT security. The protection of internal data and suitable training for employees play a central role here.

The goal is clear; «leave IT to the professionals»! –At the beginning of every IT outsourcing project one should answer these basic questions:

• Is the full range of know-how available to operate the IT infrastructure competently?
• Is the IT security of the infrastructure guaranteed?
• Do you have cost transparency?
• Do you know where to start in the continuous development of your IT infrastructure and other complex digital transformation topics?
• Does IT support your digitization projects?
• Is the availability of IT assured?

Do you have the answers to all your questions?

The following is an overview of the advantages & disadvantages of IT outsourcing:

Benefits:

1. time, resource and financial savings

Topics such as IT security, product selection, and technical aids are the responsibility of IT specialists. Specialist staff can be dispensed with, allowing financial and time resources to be deployed elsewhere.

At the same time, a good IT partner does its utmost to provide a professional team. The competence of the employees is the figurehead of every IT company. This also includes the permanent monitoring of the latest developments on the market. The IT industry thrives on constant innovation. The IT partner makes this expertise available to the customer company.

2. cost and performance transparency

Projects can be analyzed and evaluated in terms of key figures. IT services are logged and costs can be tracked at any time.

This step is essential for trust in the external IT partner. Strategic awareness must always be aligned with the interests of the customer. A successfully operating service provider in the IT sector must see itself as the extended arm of its client. As such, it must be willing to be transparent in order to ensure lasting trust between the partners. It is important to communicate at eye level at all times.

3. expertise of IT specialists

The IT specialists of redIT are at your disposal at any time. With us, the customer is the focus, we strive for long-term partnerships and convince with a lot of expertise.

The technological diversity must always remain up to date. Services such as setting up and maintaining networks, cloud offerings, backup solutions and IT security are very different and individually oriented. Professionally acting personnel are therefore required for each of these subareas. The success of an IT company is a reflection of the competence of its employees. That is why a great deal of emphasis is placed on this area.

“Technological diversity must always remain at the cutting edge. “

4. competitive advantage through continuous development with the IT partner

redIT wants to engage with customers and, above all, meet the demand of the changing requirements on the market. The digital development must not be lost sight of. Especially in terms of IT security, technology, hacker attacks or data protection issues. Through outsourcing, one is always up to date and decisive steps ahead of the competition.

With a good IT partner, the company can take care of its core business. The IT service provider delivers the necessary technological innovation to the company. Through professional communication, the work is explained in a way that is comprehensible even to a customer with less technical experience.

5. Data storage and security

Guaranteed data storage in Switzerland. Secured IT environment against cyber threats through market-driven and scalable security modules.

This permanently ensures the protection of critical company data. Security has become one of the most important building blocks of any IT infrastructure. The risks and potential threats from external attackers are taken very seriously. IT outsourcing does not mean exposing the company’s data to third parties. It means the monitoring and protection of data by trained professionals.

To this end, we offer, among others:

• SSL certificates
• Firewalls
• IT security trainings
• Phishing protection
• Virus protection

Disadvantages:

Hiding disadvantages is the wrong way for us. redIT wants to communicate transparently with customers and find solutions. It is no secret that IT outsourcing involves a certain “dependency” on the IT partner. It is therefore absolutely necessary to have a relationship of trust with the partner. Only in this way is it possible to benefit from the advantages of IT outsourcing. redIT focuses on fast response times and customer education, which allows the SME to focus on its own core business.

What does IT outsourcing cost?

“Costs also occur in the IT outsourcing space.”

Financial expenses are classified as a disadvantage in every company. Every planning step of a new project includes a cost analysis. And this is booked by entrepreneurs on the negative side. As an entrepreneur, you have to take this point into account objectively, and it should not be neglected.

In the field of IT outsourcing, costs also occur. But these are not a disadvantage of individual companies. In the age of digitalization, a functioning and, above all, secure IT infrastructure is a must for every company. Stability in the IT sector is one of the prerequisites for the sustainable growth of every company.

An important advice: One more important advice:: Jeder IT-Outsourcing-Vertrag sollte folgende Haftungsfragen und Eventualitäten enthalten:

• Duties, indemnities
• Gewährleistung von Haftungs- und Datenschutz- und Sicherheitsthematiken
• Guarantee of liability and data protection and security issues Secrecy regulations
• Contractual key data; termination conditions, follow-up regulations, contract duration, etc.

Our offer:

redIT wants to advise you transparently and be at your disposal with our 360° expertise. Future-oriented solutions and cooperation are our top credo for long-term partnerships. According to the motto; competent, pragmatic and individual!

If your company is looking for a solution to the range of corporate IT issues, then get in touch with us. Professional IT consulting is the building block for our and your success. IT outsourcing can be the right answer for you, too. Call us today!

Text & bachelor work by Alessia Baumann