The IT world is undergoing massive shifts, changes so profound that they’re reshaping the very fabric of businesses worldwide. Amidst these changes, companies are grappling with a critical question: should we augment our existing staff with specialized IT skills, or should we opt for managed IT services?
According to a report from Gartner, over 70% of companies have experienced some form of IT talent shortage in the last year alone, leading to delayed projects and missed opportunities.
| “The future of business is being written by companies and products that—directly or indirectly—leverage the power of technology,” ~Mike Pesina, Sr Director, Global Managed Services |
In this blog, we will delve deep into the differences and benefits of staff augmentation vs. managed services, helping you navigate through the intricacies to make a well-informed decision.
What is Staff Augmentation?
If you’ve ever asked, “What even is IT staff augmentation?” the answer lies in understanding the nature of supplemental staffing itself. It’s a strategy that allows you to bolster your existing team with specific skills tailored for a limited time or project scope.
Unlocking the Power of Staff Augmentation
When you engage in staff augmentation, you:
- Gain flexibility in scaling up or down based on project needs.
- Maintain direct control over the resources.
- Save costs by bypassing long-term employment liabilities.
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Diving into Managed IT Services
But if you’re questioning, “What about a more comprehensive, managed solution?” you might be more interested in managed IT services.
These are comprehensive IT solutions provided by external agencies, ensuring that your technological requirements are met without the need to manage every nitty-gritty detail.
The Proven Advantages of Managed IT Services
When you opt for managed IT services, you benefit from:
- All-inclusive IT solutions and consistent monitoring.
- Predictable budgeting with set monthly expenditures.
- Access to a broad range of updated tech and IT expertise.
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Staff Augmentation vs. Managed Services: The Core Differences
- Duration and Commitment: Staff augmentation is project-specific, while managed IT services often require a longer commitment.
- Control vs. Expertise: While you have more control in staff augmentation, managed services give you access to wider expertise.
- Cost: Managed services might come with fixed costs, while staff augmentation is more flexible.
How to Choose What’s Right for Your Business
Deciding between managed services vs. staff augmentation involves:
- Analysing your specific business needs.
- Assessing your internal IT strengths.
- Understanding the long-term implications of each choice for your goals.
Key Takeaways:
|
Criteria |
Staff Augmentation |
Managed IT Services |
| Duration | Project-specific | Longer-term |
| Cost Structure | Flexible | Fixed monthly costs |
| Control/Expertise Balance | Higher control | Broad expertise |
Making the Choice Between Staff Augmentation vs. Managed IT Services with Buchanan as your IT Partner
Navigating this landscape can be challenging.
But with Buchanan, you don’t have to do it alone. We can guide your decision-making process, providing bespoke solutions tailored to your unique business needs.
The IT landscape will continue to evolve, and your choices today will shape your company’s trajectory. Whether you opt for staff augmentation or managed IT services, ensure it aligns with your business vision.
Ready to evolve with the IT landscape? Consult Buchanan today. Together, we’ll map out your IT future.
