Excerpt from Omega Systems’ A Smart Guide to Managed IT Services for Scaling & Established Enterprises
Wondering if outsourcing IT will actually help – or just create more headaches?
You’re not alone. While managed IT services (MSPs) promise better support, stronger security, and predictable costs, many businesses hesitate to take the leap. Why? Because concerns about control, cost, disruption, or bad past experiences still loom large.
In this article, we unpack the most common objections to outsourcing IT – and share what the reality looks like when you work with a modern, strategic MSP.
Despite the upside, many organizations still hesitate. Let’s tackle the five most common objections we hear – and what they really mean in practice.
The Reality: Modern MSPs operate with transparency. You’ll have access to dashboards, reports, and regular check-ins. Co-managed models are designed to empower internal teams, not replace them.
The Reality: While monthly fees may look higher upfront compared to break/fix models, MSPs typically reduce long-term costs by minimizing downtime, preventing security issues, and streamlining operations. Plus, flat fees = predictable budgeting.
The Reality: A good MSP will guide the process with minimal disruption. Expect a structured onboarding plan – starting with discovery and documentation, followed by phased rollout. Most transitions are completed in 30–90 days.
The Reality: Not all MSPs are the same. A poor fit, lack of communication, or one-size-fits-all approach can break trust. Today’s top-tier providers build customized solutions, deliver on SLAs, and assign dedicated account managers to stay aligned with your goals.
The Reality: You’re not expected to have all the answers. Most MSPs offer no-cost assessments to help you evaluate your current environment, surface risks, and map a phased approach – so you’re not flying blind.
| 📸 Real-World Snapshot
Richards Manufacturing had been burned by a previous MSP that wasn’t delivering the support they needed. After switching to Omega Systems, they saw immediate improvements: greater stability, clearer communication, and support that consistently exceeded expectations. “They do what they say they’re going to do – and that’s more valuable than it might sound.” |
We’ve tackled the biggest concerns around outsourcing IT – but what about real results? If you’re curious about the numbers behind cost savings, reduced downtime, and improved productivity, this ROI breakdown dives into how managed IT services deliver measurable value in today’s economic climate.
Q1: What’s the first step in working with an MSP?
A: Most engagements start with a consultation or IT discovery process. It’s a no-pressure opportunity to evaluate your environment, identify gaps or risks, and understand how managed services could support your goals.
Q2: Can I keep my internal IT team if I work with an MSP?
A: Yes – and in many cases, you should. Co-managed IT allows your internal staff to focus on high-value projects while the MSP takes care of day-to-day operations like help desk, patching, and/or cybersecurity. It’s a partnership, not a replacement.
Q3: Will outsourcing IT reduce our visibility or control?
A: Not at all. A reputable MSP provides full transparency through real-time dashboards, reporting, and regular check-ins. You maintain oversight, while your provider helps execute and optimize behind the scenes.
Q4: Is outsourcing IT secure?
A: Yes – often more secure than handling it internally. MSPs deliver 24×7 monitoring, advanced threat protection (like EDR/MDR), multi-factor authentication, and align with industry standards like SOC 2, NIST, and CIS.
Q5: How do MSPs help with compliance?
A: Compliance isn’t a one-time audit – it’s a daily discipline. MSPs embed it into your operations by managing controls, maintaining documentation, and keeping you aligned with applicable industry standards like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GLBA, or CMMC year-round.
Q6: What does onboarding with an MSP look like?
A: A structured onboarding process minimizes disruption. It includes a review of existing systems, documentation, deployment of tools, policy alignment, and user training – typically completed in 30–90 days depending on your current infrastructure setup with clear milestones throughout.
Q7: We’ve had bad onboarding experiences before – what’s different here?
A: We understand that hesitation. That’s why structured handoffs, clear communication, and proven processes are part of every rollout. From kickoff to go-live, we’re accountable for keeping your transition smooth and successful.
Q8: What if our IT budget is tight?
A: Managed services often reduce total IT spend by replacing unpredictable costs with a flat monthly fee. You gain access to a full team of specialists and enterprise-grade tools – without the overhead of building it all in-house.
Q9: Will managed services lock us into a long contract?
A: Managed services are designed to support long-term success, so contracts are typically structured to promote stability and strategic partnership. The key is transparency – make sure you understand pricing, service expectations, and exit terms upfront. A good MSP focuses on delivering consistent value, not just locking you into a commitment.
Q10: Are we too small – or too complex – for managed services?
A: Not at all. Managed services can be tailored to fit organizations of different sizes and complexities. Whether you need comprehensive support or targeted solutions, an experienced MSP can scale to meet your exact needs.
Q11: How do MSPs align IT with our business goals?
A: The best MSPs go beyond support – they act as strategic advisors. With services like virtual CIO (vCIO) or vCISO, they help you align tech investments with your business roadmap, optimize spend, and plan for long-term growth.
Still wondering if managed IT is the right fit? Here’s the quick version:
Book a no-pressure consultation or IT assessment to get a clear, honest look at where you are – and where you could be – with the right IT partner. Need more time? Read the complete whitepaper to explore the full guide.
A Smart Guide to Managed IT for Scaling & Established EnterprisesSee how managed IT services can help your business scale smarter, stay secure, and reduce complexity. Get practical insights on what MSPs offer, how to choose the right partner, and why outsourcing IT is delivering real ROI.