Should I build an internal IT team or switch to an MSP?

The short answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Both building an internal IT team and switching to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) have their pros and cons. The decision ultimately depends on your firm’s specific needs, resources, and long-term goals.

Building an internal IT team can seem like a good idea at first. However, retaining such a team can be challenging. Talented IT professionals often outgrow the firm, seeking new opportunities that offer more growth and learning. This introduces key person risk, where the departure of a single individual can disrupt your entire IT operations.

Moreover, internal teams typically only see one environment – your firm’s. This limited exposure can lead to their knowledge becoming stale, as they are not exposed to a diverse range of challenges like their MSP counterpart would be. Additionally, it is unrealistic to expect an internal team to be experts in every aspect of IT or to be available 24/7 to respond to incidents.

On the other hand, outsourcing to an MSP can sometimes result in a drop in user experience. Partners and employees often prefer working with a trusted, familiar person on-site rather than dealing with a remote service desk. However, modern operating models have evolved to address these concerns. Many MSPs now offer a hybrid approach, providing on-site resources managed by the IT services provider. This is backed up by proactive account management and service management, robust 24/7 infrastructure monitoring and management services, and 24/7 security incident response capabilities.

Choosing a modern IT services partner can significantly reduce the effort of managing IT. It can also mitigate the key person risk, overheads, and distraction associated with building an internal team. By leveraging the expertise and resources of an MSP, your firm can benefit from the latest technologies and best practices, ensuring your IT operations are efficient, secure, and scalable. So, while there is no perfect solution, the modern hybrid model offered by quality MSPs provides a balanced approach. It combines the benefits of having on-site support with the extensive resources and expertise of an external provider. For guidance on what to look for when assessing new MSPs, speak with Doherty Associates. We can help you navigate the complexities of IT management and find the best solution for your firm: https://www.doherty.co.uk/contact-us/