Ah, IT. The backbone of modern business. The thing that keeps emails flowing, spreadsheets calculating, and your coffee machine inexplicably connected to the internet. But just like there are different ways to make a cup of coffee (from instant granules to a barista-style espresso), there are different ways businesses handle IT. Some approaches are smooth and efficient, while others resemble a chaotic game of whack-a-mole.
Let’s take a look at the different IT setups companies use, and which one might work best for you.
Some businesses decide that IT is just another hat for someone to wear, usually the finance manager, an eager apprentice, or even the managing director themselves. And when things get tricky, there’s always that one employee who “knows a bit about computers.”
Pros: Cost-saving, complete control, and sometimes an excuse for the MD to feel like a tech guru.
Cons: Higher risk of security breaches, compliance issues, and the likelihood of spending more time on Google than actually running your business. Also, the IT-savvy teenager eventually grows up and moves out.
Rather than appointing someone to handle IT, some businesses let employees fend for themselves. Jim in sales downloads a VPN from a random website, Susan in finance stores client data in a personal Dropbox account, and Steve in marketing somehow has admin access to EVERYTHING. What could possibly go wrong?
Pros: Empowering employees (sort of), no dedicated IT costs.
Cons: Patchwork systems, unpatched devices, massive security risks, and the potential for an IT meltdown that nobody saw coming.
For businesses that recognise IT’s importance, having an in-house IT team seems like the perfect solution. Whether it’s a one-person army or a whole department, these tech warriors keep the company running smoothly. But are they getting the time and resources to actually improve things, or are they stuck just keeping the lights on?
Pros: Faster issue resolution, dedicated expertise, a sense of security.
Cons: Limited knowledge base, stretched-thin resources, and the risk of relying on one or two key people who may take their knowledge with them if they leave.
This is IT support at its most reactive, waiting for something to go wrong before calling in an expert to fix it. It’s like only going to the doctor when you need an ambulance.
Pros: Pay-as-you-go model, no ongoing costs.
Cons: Higher downtime, no long-term IT strategy, and the possibility of IT emergencies becoming a regular occurrence.
Some businesses recognise the importance of IT and take proactive steps, like ensuring antivirus software is installed and updates happen regularly. It’s a step in the right direction, but still leaves gaps in security and efficiency.
Pros: Reduced IT issues, more security than a break/fix model.
Cons: Still not fully optimised, with blind spots that could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Then, there are the businesses that understand IT isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about staying ahead of them. These businesses work with an IT partner who proactively manages systems, enhances security, ensures compliance, and constantly evolves their tech to stay competitive.
Pros: Reduced downtime, top-notch security, strategic IT planning, and peace of mind.
Cons: Honestly? Not many, other than making sure you choose the right partner.
Most businesses fall into one of these categories, often based on their size, budget, and attitude toward risk and innovation. But here’s the truth: IT should never be an afterthought. It’s what keeps your business running, growing, and staying secure.
If your current approach to IT feels more like a game of survival than a well-oiled machine, it might be time for a change.
Ready to Level Up Your IT? Let’s Talk.
At XC360, we help businesses move from reactive IT chaos to proactive IT success. Get in touch to find out how we can help your business stay secure, efficient, and ready for whatever the digital world throws at it.
