Editor's note: This article was originally posted in 2019, but has been updated to reflect the latest information.  The “as a service” business model, in which third-party consulting firms provide IT services  on a subscription basis, has been nothing short of a revolution. In particular, network as a service (NaaS) has saved many companies from having to build and maintain their own networking infrastructure in-house. Configuring and operating devices such as routers, WAN optimizers, and firewalls is no easy task even for IT experts.

Editor's note: This article was originally posted in 2018, but has been updated to include the latest information. Cutting costs and maximizing revenue are essential to business success. If you do not stick to your budget, your company will inevitably fail. This is a large part of the reason why many Connecticut companies outsource their IT work to an external IT providers.  Kelser provides managed IT support services to many businesses in Connecticut. But, I'm not here to sell you on our services.  Instead, I'll provide some of the signs that it might be time to consider external IT support. Our experience has shown that many companies wait longer than they should to consider external IT support.  That's why we are pointing out the signs, so that business leaders like you have the information you need to make the decision that is right for your business so you get the support they need to be successful.  After reading this article, you'll understand the signs that could indicated it is time for your organization to consider external IT support.  What Are The Top Signs It Is Time To Outsource Your IT To An External Provider IT outsourcing provides budget certainty, elite tech service, and around-the-clock assistance. Perhaps most importantly, outsourcing is cheaper than employing an in-house team of IT professionals. Here's a look at some of the top signs it is time to outsource your IT duties to an external team of IT experts: 

Shortly after signing a managed IT support agreement with Kelser, your technical alignment manager (TAM) will visit your site to familiarize themselves with your technology infrastructure and begin the documentation and alignment process.

If you are considering external IT support, you likely are exploring two options: break/fix and managed IT. Each approach has its place, and each does some things better than the other. 

Important purchases demand due diligence. When purchasing a new vehicle, for example, you know the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) and what options are included. But there are usually fees that aren’t included in the MSRP. 

When considering options for external IT support, the two choices are break/fix providers and managed IT support. Some break/fix providers offer block hours of IT support. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of this option. 

Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2019, but has been updated to reflect the latest information.