Small businesses often struggle with managing their IT infrastructure. Their needs are constantly evolving, requiring a specialist who can bring everything together and scale it as necessary. These essential IT components include email, file storage, printers, websites, telephony, video surveillance, licensing and asset management, and backup solutions. Without these fundamental services, running a business becomes nearly impossible.
The Cost of an In-House IT Specialist
Hiring a dedicated IT specialist is costly. In Canada, the starting salary for an entry-level IT professional with 1-3 years of experience begins at $50,000 CAD per year. However, hiring a junior specialist comes with limitations such as a narrow skill set, low motivation, and limited accountability. Over time, these limitations can lead to escalating IT problems, turning the hire into a liability rather than an asset for the business.
The Outsourcing Solution
Given the high cost and potential inefficiencies of hiring in-house, IT outsourcing becomes an attractive alternative. What options are available for small businesses?
Managed Service Providers (MSP)
MSPs provide businesses with access to experienced IT professionals who can meet their specific needs. However, most MSPs require long-term contracts (typically 1-2 years), with service fees covering both company costs and profit margins. While MSPs offer a reliable IT service, their primary focus is on maximizing profit rather than tailoring solutions to a business’s unique challenges.
Independent IT Specialists (Self-Employed Consultants)
Another viable option is hiring a self-employed IT specialist. This approach allows businesses to negotiate flexible terms, such as setting fixed monthly fees or hourly rates based on infrastructure support needs. Working directly with an independent specialist eliminates intermediary costs, making it a more cost-effective and personalized solution for small businesses.
The Pitfalls of One-Off IT Services
A common mistake among small businesses is hiring different IT professionals for one-off tasks instead of establishing a structured IT strategy. This fragmented approach creates more problems than it solves. Here’s why:
- Limited Accountability – A specialist hired for a specific task will focus solely on completing it. They may encounter other issues but are unlikely to address them unless specifically paid to do so.
- Cybersecurity Risks – Freelancers often overlook security measures to complete tasks quickly and meet deadlines, increasing the risk of data breaches.
- Lack of Documentation – Proper IT documentation is crucial for business continuity. Many one-off specialists either neglect documentation or provide minimal details, making future troubleshooting difficult.
- Increased Data Compromise Risks – Each new specialist hired introduces additional security vulnerabilities, increasing the chances of data leaks or breaches.
Choosing the Right IT Strategy
For small businesses, IT is not just a support function—it’s a critical component of operational success. Investing in the right IT support model—whether through an MSP or a dedicated independent consultant—ensures long-term stability, security, and scalability. Avoiding piecemeal solutions and focusing on structured IT management will ultimately save time, money, and prevent costly disruptions.