Watch Out: 5 Hidden Costs of In-House IT

As a business owner, non-profit decision maker, or city manager, you know the critical role IT plays in your daily operations. Many companies opt for in-house IT teams to manage their technology needs instead of outsourcing to a managed service provider, believing it’s the most cost-effective solution. Are they right? Let’s explore the hidden costs of in-house IT that often go unnoticed.

1. Limited Expertise Leads to Hidden Costs

One of the hidden costs of in-house IT is the limited expertise available within your team. IT is a vast and ever-evolving field, encompassing a range of subjects such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data management. 

Based on time restraints, in-house IT teams may need more depth and breadth of knowledge to address complex issues effectively. Despite their best efforts, this disparity can lead to prolonged downtime, lost productivity, and revenue loss. 

On the other hand, managed service providers (MSPs) like Intrust IT offer a plethora of IT support specialists who can swiftly tackle diverse challenges, saving your business time and money.

2. Unforeseen Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. In-house IT teams may need more resources or expertise to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats. After all, their plates may already be overflowing with daily tasks. 

Meanwhile, failure to adequately protect your company’s data could result in data breaches, legal repercussions, hefty fines, and damage to your brand reputation. 

On the flip side, MSPs specialize in staying on top of cybersecurity trends and mitigating risks, providing comprehensive protection against hidden costs associated with security breaches.

Your cybersecurity insurance provider could cut you loose if you don’t cover all your bases.

3. The Pitfalls of Scalability

Another hidden cost of in-house IT is the inflexibility when scaling your IT infrastructure. Businesses go through periods of growth and contraction, and your IT needs must align with these fluctuations. And as your business evolves, will your in-house team be able to complete custom IT projects?  

Maintaining an in-house team that can adapt to these changes can be costly and inefficient. MSPs offer the flexibility to scale your IT resources up or down as needed, ensuring that you only pay for what you use. 

This adaptability prevents you from overspending on IT infrastructure and personnel during slower periods. Outsourcing can also allow you to ramp up fast.  

4. Managing Cloud Adoption and Migration

The cloud has become an essential component of modern IT infrastructure. However, transitioning to the cloud can be complex and fraught with hidden costs if not executed correctly. 

In reality, in-house IT teams may need more expertise to plan and execute a seamless migration to the cloud. MSPs have extensive experience managing cloud adoption, ensuring a smooth transition that minimizes disruptions and unexpected expenses.

5. Data Storage and Disaster Recovery

Data is the lifeblood of your business, and safeguarding it is paramount. In-house IT teams often struggle to implement comprehensive backup and disaster recovery (BDR) plans to ensure business operation continuity. 

Inadequate BDR can result in data loss, downtime, and substantial financial repercussions. As managed service providers, we specialize in managing and protecting data storage with robust BDR strategies, reducing the risk of hidden costs associated with data disasters.

Need help determining how vulnerable your company is to cyber threats? We offer a security content automation protocol (SCAP) vulnerability assessment to find any security gaps you may have.

Counting Up the Hidden Costs of In-house IT 

While in-house IT may seem like a cost-effective option on the surface, the hidden costs of in-house IT can accumulate quickly and harm your business in the long run. MSPs like Intrust IT offer proactive, high-level, and customized solutions for your technology needs. Don’t let the hidden costs of in-house IT erode your bottom line and hinder your business’s growth.

At Intrust IT, we pride ourselves on being more than just IT professionals. We are customer service fanatics specializing in IT services for small and medium-sized organizations headquartered in Greater Cincinnati and Dayton looking to thrive in the digital age. We can manage or co-manage with your internal team to ensure a stable, secure, and productive IT office environment.

If you’re evaluating your IT support and cybersecurity protection options, contact us or book a meeting today. 

Through a no-obligation IT assessment, we’ll provide you with a better understanding of what solutions Intrust IT can offer, ensuring cost-effective and efficient IT services that help your organization achieve your business objectives.