Understanding the subject of information technology support is no simple task. The landscape of the IT field is massive, and it encompasses a huge variety of deeply complex subjects — things like network security, hardware and software implementation, data protection, operating system upgrades, office relocations, and so much more. In short, IT support refers to the wide range of services related to the management, upkeep, and optimization of a business’s information systems, including computers, servers, networks, and telecommunications.

The landscape of the IT field is massive, and it encompasses a huge variety of deeply complex subjects.

Though the definition may be simple to understand, the actual suite of services is quite a bit more complex. Let’s think about it like this. If someone says that they’re an artist, that’s a fairly non-specific claim. They could be a painter, a metal sculptor, a potter, a printmaker, or a photographer. And, even if they were to narrow down their selection to one of these, there’s an expansive list of specializations that they could fall into. Art and IT have this in common.

When someone decides to enter the field of IT, they must choose certain areas to specialize in. It would be nearly impossible for one individual to have expertise in all of the many facets of information technology. Because of this, even companies that hire dedicated IT staff often come to realize that there are gaps in their capabilities, and that their staff simply doesn’t have the particular expertise needed to solve every challenge. This is where outsourced IT support comes in.

Even companies that hire dedicated IT staff often come to realize that there are gaps in their capabilities, and that their staff simply doesn’t have the particular expertise needed to solve every challenge.

Since the assortment of IT needs is so vast, it’s often necessary for businesses to reach out to companies that have dedicated IT professionals on staff to support them — ones that have the specific knowledge and training that they need. The following list gives examples of some of the most common services that companies need assistance with:

• Data Protection/Backup/Recovery
• Network Support/Upgrades/Monitoring
• Hosting and Cloud Storage
• Hardware and Software Implementation
• Security and Compliance
• Procurement
• Help Desk Support and Troubleshooting
• Consultation and Analysis
• Server Updates and Support
• Operating System Upgrades
• Hardware Replacement and Warranty Management
• Telecom Installation and Support
• Telecom Expense Management
• Office Relocation
• Device Installation and Configuration
• Device Repair/Monitoring/Maintenance
• Harmful Program Removal and Repair
• On-Site Training

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it lends insight into the diversity and complexity of the information technology field.

It’s important for the leadership of companies with a dedicated IT team to understand this complexity so that they can ensure they’re using their on-staff experts for the right jobs. Rather than dedicate a staff member to a project where they have no expertise, it’s likely more cost effective to allow that employee to focus on the jobs that they’re trained for, and seek outside support for the new project. While it may be possible for that individual to learn what’s required to complete the job, this takes up a great deal of time that could have been allocated to completing other critical tasks.

No two IT professionals have the same experience or expertise, and by fully understanding the specific strengths of your employees, it may become clear that outsourcing certain IT functions or projects will save time, money, and headaches for everyone.