Independent Contractors can be beneficial for several IT projects. However, they should not be the primary means of IT support for a company that is dependent on its technology. A good analogy is an entire football team against a single player.
How Does IT Support Compare to a Football Team
We all remember that legendary high school football game when our team was down by one touchdown. When all seemed lost, the center snapped the perfect hike, the offensive line protected the quarterback from certain destruction, and the running back distracted two defensive players. Suddenly, the quarterback threw the winning pass, and the kicker made the final extra point, which took the team to victory. Then, with just one point in the lead, the defense held the opposing team to prevent a comeback! Victory!
In the same way, your business network needs a team to protect it and ensure your staff stays productive. After all, your IT holds all the intellectual data of your business. Every email, phone call, and document is a window into your business. Protecting this valuable information from hackers, hardware failures, software glitches, and end-user mistakes is essential.
Yet, one person cannot have all the skills or capacity to protect and care for your network. Like an individual trying to play all positions on the football field, they need more people, resources, and technology to protect your network. That is why you need a mature Managed Service Provider.
Concerns of Using Independent Contractors (IC) for IT Support in a Thriving Business
Independent Contractors lack the tools, resources, or technology to deliver the same level of support that a mature Managed Service Provider can. Some examples of this include:
- Unpredictable Cost – Independent Contractors offer ad hoc “pay-as-you-go” services. Due to the many issues associated with ad hoc, the risk is high, and the cost can get out of hand quickly.
- Single Point of Failure – Sickness, vacation, full-time job offers, and even death can devastate your business IT if you use an independent contractor.
- Limited Knowledge – While you can find independent contractors who are incredibly talented, there is not one IT person who knows everything to support a decent size network. Further, they typically don’t keep up with new certifications. This results in the IC learning on your time.
- Lack of Documentation – It can take years to succeed in IT support operations. For this reason, ICs lack robust ticketing systems, asset tagging, and business processes to track the issues and assets.
- Low Availability – One person can not be in two places simultaneously. Consequently, the IC will put its more profitable clients first.
- Lack of Insurance – Most ICs do not have business insurance.
- Insufficient Monitoring – Monitoring is essential for catching issues early on. Yet, robust monitoring tools are not affordable for ICs.
It’s important to ask questions surrounding these concerns when considering any outside individual for ongoing IT support.
When To Use an Independent Contractor for Business IT
There are times when it makes sense to use an independent contractor. For example, it is excellent for companies with less than 1/4th of an hour per person monthly for support. Or if a company has at most five computers. In these cases, the companies are not highly dependent on their IT to justify daily support. Instead, their needs are sporadic, and an IC is more appropriate.
Another time independent contractors are good for business is when their specific skill sets can help with strategic consulting or temporary projects. This makes sense when you have an internal IT department and need outside expertise temporarily.
When NOT to Use an IC for Business IT
An independent contractor won’t do when you need more than 1/4th of an hour of support per person monthly. In these cases, you are highly dependent on your IT and are likely a target of hackers. It is best to have a time with breadth/depth of experience, technology tools, and resources only a Managed Service Provider can provide. With a mature Managed Service Provider, you will get the following:
- Documentation
- Monitoring of Network and Desktops
- Tracking of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Continual Improvement
- Asset Tracking
- Live Network Operations Center
- Breadth and Depth of Multiple Engineers and Various Levels of Expertise
- High Availability
Summary
Just like you can’t play football with a single player, you cannot support a complex network with an independent contractor (IC.) ICs will limit you to the systems they know, whether they suit your company or not. Or, they will learn on your time. Instead of using an IC, trust a quality Managed Service Provider like INSI for all your IT support. Our team of experienced engineers can help you manage your current network and help you grow your network with the right technology.
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to be notified when a new article is posted, click here.
