IT Budgeting For CFOs Post COVID-19
After more than three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s likely that your business has gotten into a rhythm with remote work. However, while we don’t know when the pandemic will end, it will certainly conclude at some point.
Have you given any thought to the way your business will operate in a post-pandemic world?
According to 317 CFOs recently surveyed by Gartner, the business world may not change back when the pandemic is over – 74% of CFOs say they expect to move previously on-site employees remote post-COVID-19.
However, if that’s your plan, you may need to change your model of IT support…
Do You Have The Right It Support For Long Term Remote Work?
If you agree with the CFOs surveyed by Gartner, then you need to consider your model of IT support. As you and the other c-level executives at your business have likely discovered since the start of the pandemic, your ability to work remotely depends directly on your IT support.
In the remote setting, technology is necessary so that you and your staff can:
- Access files, applications, and systems from a remote setting
- Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and customers via video conferencing solutions
- Stay secure against the increased rate of phishing attacks related to the pandemic
- Maintain communications with cloud-based phone systems that keep staff connected
Have you found that an internal IT team is capable of handling all this?
The Challenges Of Internal IT
- Employment & Management: An in-house IT team can cost a lot to manage and maintain. To be effective, IT service and support requires up-to-date skills and expertise. There are additional expenses on top of the salary to consider. For example, holidays, and the coverage while your network administrator is away. When you consider all of this, just one network administrator can cost you even more than a standard salary.
- Training & Certifications: With cybercrime and other threats to your business, you must ensure your IT staff is trained on the latest cybersecurity tactics. In addition, software, hardware, and cloud solutions are constantly evolving. To provide the most cost-effective IT solutions, your IT personnel should attend vendor training and stay up on certifications that expire. These training and certification expenses can really mount up and may involve travel expenses as well.
This is why outsourced IT services are the better choice…
How Is Outsourced IT Ideal For Remote Work?
Outsourcing your IT services can get you and your team the IT support you need, likely at a more cost-effective rate. These IT companies are already experienced in delivering remote support solutions where applicable and visiting on-site when necessary.
By migrating to an outsourced IT service, you can avoid a number of expenses that come with managing your own internal IT:
- Employment Costs: An in-house IT team can cost a lot to manage and maintain. To be effective, IT service and support requires up-to-date skills and expertise. There are additional expenses on top of the salary to consider. For example, holidays, and the coverage while your network administrator is away. When you consider all of this, just one network administrator can cost you even more than a standard salary.
- Ongoing Training and Certifications: With cybercrime and other threats to your business, you must ensure your IT staff is trained on the latest cybersecurity tactics. In addition, software, hardware, and cloud solutions are constantly evolving. To provide the most cost-effective IT solutions, your IT personnel should attend vendor training and stay up on certifications that expire. These training and certification expenses can really mount up and may involve travel expenses as well.
The bottom line is that outsourced IT services give you access to a team of experienced and knowledgeable IT experts— can you get the same from an in-house IT staff?
Our team of IT professionals at Generation IX Technologies is ready to have a strategic planning discussion with you and your leadership team. If you’re looking to get a handle on post-pandemic business planning, click here to get in touch with us today or call .
Everyday, I work to ensure organizations are leveraging technology to optimize their business, improve employee performance and satisfaction, and protect themselves from cybersecurity threats. I love my role in business development because it allows me to connect with all facets of a business. My primary focus is working with new prospective clients and introducing them to the Generation IX way of IT services and support. Additionally, I evaluate new technology and potential vendor partnerships. We are constantly looking for the best solutions for our clients.
