Small organization support options

As a small organization like a small business, startup or non-profit you will need at least some technology to run your operation. Probably several computers, email, a printer and a wireless network. This technology will inevitably have issues. The question is, what are your options for supporting this technology.

1. Just do it yourself.

The "just do it yourself" approach is good if you have some degree of tech savviness or interest in technology or if your business can continue to run when there are technology issues. The big benefit of this approach is cost (or lack there of.) This often works well when you have up to three employees.

Pros. It doesn't cost anything. :-)

Cons. It takes you away from running your business. It's not your area of expertise so it will take you longer to research and implement technology solutions and you may not know technology best practices so there may be issues or rework as you grow.

2. Get a Managed Service Provider.

A Managed Service Provider, or MSP, is a third party that offers outsourced business services like technology support. An MSP is a good choice if your business cannot operate if there is a technology disruption, if you have high technology needs, or if you absolutely need technology support whenever the business is open. The downside is MSP's can be a big expense when you are starting out. Its worth starting to consider an MSP when you have 25 or more employees using computers.

Pros. They will take care of all your technology needs from anti-virus to software patching to resolving issues. They will have a bank of staff who are experts in many areas. They will be able to support more employees as you grow. They can offer 24/7 support.

Cons. It will cost between $150 and $300 a month for every user often with a $3,000 a month minimum. They may make you buy equipment like enterprise grade firewalls and managed network switches before they start supporting you which may cost $5,000 or more. Also, you won't have the same person supporting you all the time which means they won't know your business or technology intimately.

3. Hire an in-house tech support person.

Hiring your own in-house tech support person often makes sense financially once you have more than 75 employees using computers. Your own tech support person will know your business and your technology. They may not have an in-depth knowledge of all technologies. You will also have a support gap when they take time off.

Pros. They will know your systems and people and business and be available when you need them.

Cons. An in-house IT person will cost between $65,000 and $90,000 a year. They may be a jack of all trades (and master of none.) You won't have support when they go on vacation.

4. Work with Black Vest Tech.

Black Vest Tech can provide you with "right size" consulting, support and training for your small organization.

Pros. We will give you what you need and no more.

Cons. We only work in Vermont. :-(

Which tech support option should you choose?

It depends! There are pros and cons to each of these options. As a general rule you should consider an MSP when you have more than 25 employees using computers and you should consider hiring your own tech support person once you have 75 employees using computers. If you have fewer than 25 employees using computers contact Black Vest Tech to see how we can help you.