Digitalization has revolutionized the business landscape. It has allowed businesses to connect with more customers than ever before and office work to be done from anywhere in the world. The Los Angeles business landscape is no different. Businesses here have had to change the way they operate to stay competitive.
One of the most significant changes Los Angeles businesses have made is in their approach to information technology (IT). In the past, most businesses would have an in-house IT team. This team would handle all of the company’s IT needs, from maintaining the server to troubleshooting issues for employees.
However, as digitalization has progressed, many Los Angeles businesses have outsourced their IT needs or used staff augmentation to supplement their in-house team. There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches. But before we get into that, let’s first understand what staff augmentation and outsourcing are.
Staff augmentation is the process of supplementing an in-house team with additional resources. This can be done either by hiring more employees or by contracting with a third-party company. Outsourcing is the process of hiring a third-party company to handle all of a company’s IT needs.
Benefits of Outsourcing IT
Outsourcing information technology can be a great way to improve your online presence without breaking the bank. It’s often more affordable than hiring in-house staff, and you don’t have to worry about managing or training employees.
Another benefit of outsourcing IT is that you can tap into a pool of skilled professionals from around the world. This gives you access to a wider range of skills and expertise than you would likely be able to find locally.
Finally, outsourcing IT can help you free up time and resources so you can focus on running your business. Rather than trying to manage your website and digital marketing efforts yourself, you can leave it to the experts and focus on what you do best.
Drawbacks of Outsourcing IT
One of the main disadvantages of outsourcing information technology is that you lose some control over your business’s online presence. When you outsource, you’re essentially handing over the keys to your website and digital properties to someone else. This can be risky, especially if you don’t have a good working relationship with your IT provider.
Another drawback of outsourcing IT is that it can be difficult to scale up or down as your needs change. If you suddenly need more help, it can take time to find and onboard a new IT provider. Conversely, if you no longer need as much help, you may be stuck paying for services you no longer need.
Benefits of Staff Augmentation
One of the biggest benefits of staff augmentation is that it gives you more control over your business’s online presence. When you augment your staff, you’re still in charge of managing your website and digital properties. However, you have the added support of skilled professionals to help you reach your goals.
Another benefit of staff augmentation is that it’s easier to scale up or down as needed. If your business starts to grow, you can simply add more personnel to your team. Likewise, if business slows down, you can reduce the number of employees without having to cancel any contracts or services.
Drawbacks of Staff Augmentation
One of the main disadvantages of staff augmentation is that it can be more expensive than outsourcing IT. This is because you’re not only paying for the services of skilled professionals, but you’re also responsible for managing and training employees.
Another drawback of staff augmentation is that it can be time-consuming to find the right personnel to supplement your team. This can be a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the job market in your area.
Outsourcing IT vs Staff Augmentation: Which Is Right for Your Business?
The best way to decide whether outsourcing information technology or staff augmentation is right for your business is to consider your needs and goals. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, outsourcing IT may be the way to go. However, if you want more control over your business’s online presence, staff augmentation may be a better choice.
No matter which route you choose, the important thing is to find a solution that works for you and your Los Angeles business. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different approaches until you find the right fit.