Managed Service Provider vs. Independent Contractors – is there a difference? Yes! There is a big difference!
In the past, technology was considered a necessary evil to support a business. However, everything has changed in the business community. Today, technology is the lifeblood to survive in the new digital world.
The truth is technology helps meet client demands and operate more efficiently. Therefore, it can no longer be taken for granted. That’s why you should reconsider putting all of your technology support in the hands of a single person, friend, or family.
One or Two People vs. a Team
Using a single person, friend, or family member can be much cheaper than hiring an MSP because they do not have any overhead, insurance, or payroll. Nor have they invested in robust systems to monitor, track, and document network issues.
However, this can cost you in the long run. Some of the more common issues include:
- Unpredictable Cost– Independent Contractors offer ad hoc services that are “pay-as-you-go.” Unfortunately, the lack of standards, monitoring, and preventive maintenance will cause more issues. Therefore, your company pays for downtime and labor.
- Single Point of Failure– Sickness, vacation, full-time job offers, and even death can devastate your IT network from lack of attention.
- Limited Knowledge– While you can find independent contractors who are highly talented, there is not one IT person who knows everything that is needed to support a network fully. Further, they typically don’t keep with new certifications. This results in the IC learning on your time.
- The Highest Billable Client Gets the Highest Priority – No matter the promises, if only one person supports several businesses, they will always choose to support the highest billable client first.
- Lack of Insurance– Most Independent Contractors do not have business insurance.
IT Maturity in an MSP vs. Independent Contractors
People, processes, and technology are the three pillars of excellent IT Support. Without these, you lack IT maturity. Subsequently, IT maturity determines the ability of an IT organization to deliver exceptional service and continual performance improvements. You can see proof if this is the way an MSP performs vs an independent contractor or someone like a friend or family member.
However, independent contractors cannot compete at this level because they lack the following:
- Preventive Maintenance – Onsite Preventive Maintenance is essential to ensuring your systems operate as they should and catch issues in advance. In addition, it is time-consuming. However, it’s a preventive measure and not billable time. For this reason, Independent Contractors will often skip this step because it eats into their billable time.
- Robust Ticketing System– Most independent contractors keep all your IT information in their heads. This approach is useless if they get hit by a bus or take a job with one of their other clients. In addition, those that do use a ticketing system usually invest in cheap or free systems that lack the necessary reporting required to improve performance. On the other hand, a good MSP tracks everything in robust ticketing and asset tracking systems to continuously improve their performance.
- Robust Monitoring Tools – Monitoring is essential for early detection of issues. Yet, robust monitoring tools are not affordable for Independent Contractors.
- Asset Tracking Tools – Tracking your assets is an absolute must if you want to control your costs and track your total cost of ownership. However, it may not be in the best interest of the independent contractor as it limits their billable time.
- Security – Cybersecurity is a growing threat across the country. Unfortunately, independent contractors do not have the resources or programs to advise or protect their clients from new threats fully. Alternatively, most MSPs do.
Education & Experience in MSP vs. Independent Contractor, Atlanta GA
It may surprise you that most independent contractors work more than 60 hours per week. Indeed, they are stretched very thin. As a result, they often don’t have the time to keep up with certifications or training. Therefore, they learn on your time. On the other hand, a mature MSP has:
- High Availability with a Live Network Operations Center
- Breadth and Depth of Multiple Engineers and Various Levels of Expertise
- Advanced Cybersecurity Advice and Solutions
Summary: MSP vs Independent Contractors?
Choosing your IT support provider is one of the most critical decisions in the 2023s. You need a provider who can demonstrate the breadth and depth to take you to the next level, make you more competitive, meet your client demands, and operate more efficiently. INSI can help you deliver. Click the button below to connect with one of our engineers.
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.
