{"id":476,"date":"2020-01-10T18:20:38","date_gmt":"2020-01-10T18:20:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/?p=476"},"modified":"2020-01-10T19:30:46","modified_gmt":"2020-01-10T19:30:46","slug":"it-service-partner-vs-in-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/it-service-partner-vs-in-house\/","title":{"rendered":"IT Service Partner vs In-House IT: A Cost Breakdown"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-opt-id=864952830  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:768\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-partner-vs-in-house.jpg\" alt=\"it-service-partner\" class=\"wp-image-487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:768\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-partner-vs-in-house-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:225\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-partner-vs-in-house-scaled.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:576\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-partner-vs-in-house-scaled.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1441\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-partner-vs-in-house-scaled.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1440\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-partner-vs-in-house-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you considered the IT costs in your business? As an Owner or Finance Leader, costs are an important factor in managing and scaling your business. You are tasked with the delicate dance of budgeting for internal resources and understanding when it makes sense to partner with outside experts. Let\u2019s break down the numbers and create a cost-benefit analysis for the IT function in your business. Specifically, partnering with an IT Service Provider vs hiring in-house IT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, let\u2019s understand the roles and responsibilities of each IT function in your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IT Roles &amp; Responsibilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Director of IT<\/strong><ul><li>On-site Presence<\/li><li>IT Environment Ownership<\/li><li>Quarterly Business Reviews<\/li><li>Budget Planning<\/li><li>Project Planning<\/li><li>Resolution Management with 3rd Party Vendors<\/li><li>Business Workflow Analysis<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Professional Services<\/strong><ul><li>Product Procurement for Projects<\/li><li>Design IT Projects<\/li><li>Deploy IT Projects<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Network Administrator<\/strong><ul><li>High-level IT tickets<\/li><li>IT Infrastructure Essentials<\/li><li>IT Tools Management<\/li><li>Deploy IT Solutions<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Service Desk<\/strong><ul><li>Technical Support<\/li><li>New Product Procurement<\/li><li>IT Documentation<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost per IT Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, let\u2019s take a look at the average salaries and burden for IT roles to understand the yearly cost of an in-house resource. We\u2019ve calculated a 30% burden to the company for taxes, insurance, and benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-opt-id=1702673041  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:310\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/cost-per-it-role-2020.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-477\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:310\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/cost-per-it-role-2020.png 1024w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:91\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/cost-per-it-role-2020.png 300w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:233\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/cost-per-it-role-2020.png 768w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1504\/h:456\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/cost-per-it-role-2020.png 1504w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>In-house IT costs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introducing Limetree Labs IT Pods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Limetree Labs, we\u2019ve structured our IT service teams into pods. An IT pod can service up to 1000 users. Due to the team nature of a pod, the expertise level is at a 10. Now, you can finally sleep at night. A minimum of four IT individuals are monitoring, optimizing, and securing your IT environment for less than the cost of an in-house IT team. Let\u2019s take a look at the numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-opt-id=556762353  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"492\" src=\"https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:492\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-services-costs-2020.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:492\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-services-costs-2020.png 1024w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:144\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-services-costs-2020.png 300w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:369\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-services-costs-2020.png 768w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1536\/h:737\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-services-costs-2020.png 1536w, https:\/\/mlqqfyvmtktq.i.optimole.com\/w:1554\/h:746\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/it-services-costs-2020.png 1554w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption>Average IT Service Partner costs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, there are two tipping points in our cost-benefit analysis. Here\u2019s an overview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1st tipping point: 150 users<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">(Comparable cost for one Director of IT)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you compare the two charts above, you\u2019ll notice that right around <strong>150 users<\/strong> is where you\u2019ll start investing almost the cost of one Director of IT resource. However, by hiring an IT Pod, you\u2019ll not only get the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/all-green-it-management\/\">Director of IT<\/a>; you\u2019ll also benefit from the Professional Services, Network Administrator, and Service Desk roles. <strong>The entire IT pod for less than the cost of one high-level IT resource.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2nd tipping point: 360 users<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">(Comparable cost for a full IT Service Partner Pod)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Comparing the two charts above, you\u2019ll see that once you reach <strong>360 users<\/strong>, your IT investment will start nearing the cost of hiring each of the IT Pod roles in-house. Even though the costs are comparable, there are a few things to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take into consideration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Hiring time and effort<\/li><li>Paying recruitment firms<\/li><li>Finding qualified candidates<\/li><li>Employee onboarding<\/li><li>Employee churn<\/li><li>Exposure and risk<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of these factors, many businesses over 360 users still choose to work with an IT Service Partner. In turn, this mitigates dealing with the administrative headache in-house.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another option for companies over 360 users is using an IT Service Partner for a portion of your IT needs. At this level, it makes sense\u2014both in value and the bottom line\u2014to bring on a partner for IT projects and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, for any business with 360 users or less, the answer is clear. Find an<a href=\"https:\/\/limetreelabs.com\/\"> IT Partner<\/a> to manage your IT Infrastructure. Not only is the <strong>cost considerably lower<\/strong>, but the value is clearly evident. Access to an entire IT team or pod will ensure your IT environment is performing at its best. Your business downtime is minimal or non-existent. Your staff is happy and productive. And your bottom line is protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For organizations over 360 users, partner with an outside IT expert for projects and support. Your in-house IT, should you choose to go that route, can manage the high-level IT infrastructure and day-to-day maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cherry on top is the ability to scale. You can\u2019t hire 1\/2 of an IT resource or eek by on 1\/3 of a Director of IT. <strong>Managed IT services scale with you, so that you\u2019re not paying more than you need\u2014with the full value of an IT team.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to leave the hassle of managing IT behind, give us a call at 208-901-3350 or email hello@limetreelabs.com. <strong>We have an IT Pod ready to serve you and your business!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div\n\t\t\t\tid=\"hustle-embedded-id-1\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"hustle-ui hustle-inline hustle-palette--gray_slate hustle_module_id_1 module_id_1  \"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-id=\"1\"\n\t\t\tdata-render-id=\"0\"\n\t\t\tdata-tracking=\"disabled\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tdata-intro=\"no_animation\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-sub-type=\"shortcode\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tstyle=\"opacity: 0;\"\n\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Become an Insider popup\"\n\t\t\t><div class=\"hustle-inline-content\"><div class=\"hustle-optin hustle-optin--default\"><div class=\"hustle-success\" data-close-delay=\"10000\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"hustle-icon-check\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><div class=\"hustle-success-content\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"hustle-layout\"><div class=\"hustle-main-wrapper\"><div class=\"hustle-layout-body\"><div class=\"hustle-layout-content hustle-layout-position--above\"><div class=\"hustle-content\"><div class=\"hustle-content-wrap\"><div class=\"hustle-group-title\"><h3 class=\"hustle-title\">Become an Insider<\/h3><h4 class=\"hustle-subtitle\">Get a monthly roundup of IT tips, stories and insights from our pros.<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><form class=\"hustle-layout-form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\"><div class=\"hustle-form hustle-form-inline\"><div class=\"hustle-form-fields hustle-proximity-joined\"><div class=\"hustle-field hustle-field-icon--static hustle-field-required \"><label for=\"hustle-field-email-module-1\" id=\"hustle-field-email-module-1-label\" class=\"hustle-screen-reader\">Your email<\/label><input id=\"hustle-field-email-module-1\" type=\"email\" class=\"hustle-input \" name=\"email\" value=\"\" aria-labelledby=\"hustle-field-email-module-1-label\" data-validate=\"1\" \/><span class=\"hustle-input-label\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex-flow: row nowrap;\"><span class=\"hustle-icon-email\"><\/span><span>yourname@example.com<\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"hustle-field hustle-field-icon--static \"><label for=\"hustle-field-first_name-module-1\" id=\"hustle-field-first_name-module-1-label\" class=\"hustle-screen-reader\">First Name<\/label><input id=\"hustle-field-first_name-module-1\" type=\"name\" class=\"hustle-input \" name=\"first_name\" value=\"\" aria-labelledby=\"hustle-field-first_name-module-1-label\" data-validate=\"\" \/><span class=\"hustle-input-label\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex-flow: row nowrap;\"><span class=\"hustle-icon-name\"><\/span><span>First Name<\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"hustle-field hustle-field-icon--static \"><label for=\"hustle-field-last_name-module-1\" id=\"hustle-field-last_name-module-1-label\" class=\"hustle-screen-reader\">Last Name<\/label><input id=\"hustle-field-last_name-module-1\" type=\"name\" class=\"hustle-input \" name=\"last_name\" value=\"\" aria-labelledby=\"hustle-field-last_name-module-1-label\" data-validate=\"\" \/><span class=\"hustle-input-label\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"flex-flow: row nowrap;\"><span class=\"hustle-icon-name\"><\/span><span>Last Name<\/span><\/span><\/div><button class=\"hustle-button hustle-button-submit \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-loading-text=\"Form is being submitted, please wait a bit.\"><span class=\"hustle-button-text\">Submit<\/span><span class=\"hustle-icon-loader hustle-loading-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><\/div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"hustle_module_id\" value=\"1\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"post_id\" value=\"0\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"hustle_sub_type\" value=\"shortcode\"><div class=\"hustle-error-message\" style=\"display: none;\" data-default-error=\"Please fill out all required fields.\"><\/div><\/form><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you considered the IT costs in your business? As an Owner or Finance Leader, costs are an important factor in managing and scaling your business. You are tasked with the delicate dance of budgeting for internal resources and understanding when it makes sense to partner with outside experts. Let\u2019s break down the numbers and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":487,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[67,66],"class_list":{"0":"post-476","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business-strategy","8":"tag-cost-breakdown","9":"tag-it-service-partner","10":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=476"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":899,"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/476\/revisions\/899"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/487"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.limetreelabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}