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March 7, 2025
What IT Services Can Be Outsourced? In-House vs. Outsourced IT Services
Ever wondered what IT services can be outsourced and how they compare to in-house vs. outsourced IT services? This guide breaks down commonly outsourced tasks and their benefits.
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Jeremy Kopp
Founder / President
Have you ever thought about how businesses handle their IT needs without hiring a big team? Small and mid-sized businesses are spending more on IT solutions each year, with experts predicting this number to grow by 7.4% by 2025.
As companies rely more on technology, many find that hiring a full IT team is expensive and difficult to manage.
That's why knowing when to rely on in-house vs. outsourced IT services has become a smart solution. It helps businesses save money, stay secure, and get expert help without the stress of running an in-house IT team.
This guide explains what IT services can be outsourced and why it's a great option for businesses.
What are IT services?
Information technology (IT) services cover many business tasks that involve using computers and networks to store, process, and manage information.
These services include cybersecurity, cloud services, technical support, and web design. IT services help businesses work faster, keep their data safe, and make daily operations easier.
However, hiring a full in-house IT team can be expensive, so many companies choose to outsource IT services to experts who can do the job better and more affordable.
Why businesses need an outsourced IT department
Many businesses, whether small or large, decide to discover IT services that can be outsourced to save money and work more efficiently. Here are some key reasons why outsourcing IT support is a good choice:
- Save money: Running an in-house IT team means paying for salaries, benefits, and training. Choosing outsourced vs. in-house IT services helps businesses cut these costs.
- Get expert help: External providers have skilled IT professionals and the latest technology that might not be available in-house.
- Better security: Cybersecurity services help businesses protect their data from hackers, viruses, and cyberattacks.
- Grow easily: Businesses can scale services up or down depending on what they need without worrying about extra costs.
- Stay focused on work: Instead of dealing with IT problems, businesses can focus on growing and improving their services by relying on an outsourced IT department.
- Faster problem-solving: Outsourced IT support services, like help desks, ensure that technical problems get fixed quickly.
- Lower risks: Cybersecurity services, monitoring, and data backup help businesses stay safe from IT failures and data loss.
15 IT services that can be outsourced
Wondering which IT services can be outsourced to save time and money? Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly outsourced IT functions that help businesses run smoothly.
1. Managed IT services
Managed IT services mean handing over a company’s IT work to an outside service provider. These experts take care of network monitoring, troubleshooting, server maintenance, and more.
Businesses benefit from choosing outsourced vs. in-house IT services by lowering costs, improving security, and having a team of experts ready to help.
2. Help desk support
Help desk support is one of the most commonly outsourced IT services. It ensures that businesses get quick help with technical problems, software bugs, and system updates. Outsourcing help desk support means businesses can get 24/7 assistance while focusing on their core tasks.
3. Cybersecurity services
Cybersecurity is important for keeping a business’s data safe from cyber threats.
Outsourcing cybersecurity services means businesses get top-level protection, including firewalls, antivirus software, and system monitoring. Outsourced IT departments also check for weaknesses and help prevent cyberattacks.
4. Cloud services
One of the IT services that can be outsourced is cloud services, which let businesses store and access data securely on the internet.
Outsourcing cloud services allows businesses to use advanced infrastructure without paying for expensive in-house solutions. Cloud services include data storage, computing, and disaster recovery.
5. Data backup and recovery
Losing important business data can be a disaster. Outsourcing data backup and recovery services helps businesses protect their files and restore them quickly in case of a system failure.
Service providers offer off-site data storage and quick recovery options to keep data safe.
6. Network monitoring and management
Network monitoring makes sure that a business’s IT system is running properly.
Outsourcing network monitoring services means that IT experts track and fix any issues before they cause major problems. This service helps businesses avoid downtime and improve system performance.
7. IT support services
Not all businesses know what IT services can be outsourced and do not have the money or staff to handle IT problems.
Outsourcing IT support services helps companies manage system maintenance, software updates, and troubleshooting. External providers also offer remote IT support for quick fixes.
8. Outsourcing web design and development
A business’s website is often the first thing customers see. Outsourcing web design ensures businesses get professional, modern websites without hiring full-time developers.
An outsourced IT department handles everything from design to SEO and online store development.
9. Software development
Businesses may need custom software to handle their work better. Outsourcing software development lets companies build high-quality applications without an in-house coding team.
Providers of both in-house vs. outsourced IT services ensure that software projects stay on track and within budget.
10. IT infrastructure management
Outsourcing IT infrastructure management means businesses don’t have to worry about keeping hardware, software, and network systems running smoothly.
Expert providers help with system updates, security patches, and long-term IT planning.
11. Server management
Servers are the backbone of a business’s IT setup. Outsourcing server management ensures systems run without issues, with professionals handling security, monitoring, and optimization.
12. Business process automation
Outsourcing business process automation helps companies set up automated systems for repetitive tasks like payroll and customer management. Having an outsourced IT department improves your efficiency and reduces human errors.
13. Technical support
Technical support helps businesses solve IT issues, fix software bugs, and assist employees with their technology needs. Outsourcing technical support ensures faster responses and minimal downtime.
14. Antivirus and security solutions
Knowing what IT services can be outsourced helps businesses stay safe from malware, hackers, and system vulnerabilities.
External providers of antivirus and security solutions keep security systems up to date and monitor potential threats.
15. IT consulting services
Outsourcing IT consulting services helps businesses get expert advice on cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and IT system upgrades.
Third-party consultants help businesses stay competitive and improve their technology strategies.
How to pick your MSP when outsourcing these services
Aside from knowing which to consider, in-house vs. outsourced IT services, selecting the right managed service provider (MSP) is critical to ensuring that your outsourced IT services align with your business needs. Here are key factors to consider when choosing an MSP.
Industry experience and expertise
A reputable MSP should have extensive experience in providing IT services that can be outsourced across different industries. Their expertise and resources should align with your specific business operations, whether in cybersecurity services, cloud services, or IT infrastructure management.
Partnering with an experienced service provider ensures that your IT tasks are handled professionally and efficiently.
Range of services offered
The best outsourced IT departments offer a broad range of managed IT services, including help desk support, network monitoring, server management, and data backup and recovery.
Ensuring that your MSP provides end-to-end IT solutions will help streamline processes and eliminate the need to engage multiple external providers.
Scalability and flexibility
Your IT needs will evolve as your business grows. The right outsourcing strategy involves selecting an MSP that offers scalable services, allowing businesses to access more resources as needed.
This ensures that you are not paying for unnecessary services while still having the ability to scale up when required.
Security and compliance standards
Cybersecurity should be a top priority when outsourcing IT support. A reliable MSP should have strong security measures in place, including antivirus software, data loss prevention strategies, and compliance with industry regulations.
Whether outsourcing cybersecurity services or infrastructure solutions, ensuring adherence to security standards will protect your business data and sensitive information.
Availability and support
Technical issues can arise at any time, and immediate response is crucial. Look for an outsourced IT department that provides 24/7 help desk support and monitoring and management services.
Access to continuous technical support ensures quick troubleshooting and minimizes downtime, helping businesses maintain productivity.
Get started with RTC Managed Services today
Outsourcing IT support and management to RTC Managed Services lets businesses focus on growth while experts handle their IT needs. Our team offers IT services that can be outsourced to businesses looking to improve efficiency, cut costs, and stay secure.
Don’t let technical issues slow down your business.
Frequently asked questions
What IT services can be outsourced?
Businesses can outsource various IT services, including managed IT services, cybersecurity services, cloud services, data backup and recovery, help desk support, web design, software development, and server management.
These services help businesses streamline operations and reduce costs.
What are the four most commonly outsourced IT services?
The four most commonly outsourced IT services include cybersecurity, cloud services, data backup and recovery, and help desk support.
These services are essential for protecting business data, ensuring operational efficiency, and providing technical support.
How does outsourcing IT support help businesses?
Outsourcing IT support helps businesses by reducing costs, providing access to external expertise and resources, improving cybersecurity, and allowing businesses to focus on their core competencies. It also ensures quick troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues.
What are the benefits of outsourcing managed IT services?
Outsourcing managed IT services provides businesses with infrastructure solutions, network monitoring, and management, as well as access to third-party service providers who can handle critical IT functions.
This allows companies to scale services as needed and maintain IT systems efficiently.
Why should businesses consider outsourcing software development?
Outsourcing software development helps businesses access global outsourcing expertise, reduce costs, and complete projects within budget and on time.
It allows businesses to focus on growing their business while leveraging external service providers for custom software solutions.
How does outsourcing cloud services benefit businesses?
Outsourcing cloud services enables businesses to store data securely, scale services easily, and reduce reliance on maintaining an in-house IT infrastructure.
External providers offer cloud computing, data storage, and disaster recovery solutions tailored to business needs.
What should business owners look for when choosing an IT service provider?
Business owners should look for IT service providers with expertise in the required services, strong security measures, a proven track record, and flexible service offerings.
Partnering with an experienced service provider helps streamline IT operations and ensures high-quality support.
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