When it comes to managing your business's IT infrastructure, one of the most important decisions you'll face is how to structure your IT support. Larger businesses may consider building a dedicated in-house IT team, while smaller organizations often lean on existing staff to "wear the IT hat" alongside their regular roles. Both paths come with unique challenges and risks.
"IT isn't just a back-office function anymore—it's a foundational part of your business strategy. Whether you're building an in-house team or outsourcing to trusted experts, make sure your approach reduces risk, increases efficiency, and supports your team."
Part 1: Building an In-House IT Team
The Benefits
Creating an in-house IT department means hiring employees who are solely focused on your business's technology infrastructure. For larger organizations or those with complex systems, this can offer strong benefits:
- Immediate on-site support when technical issues arise
- Deeper understanding of your internal processes and goals
- Direct control over project timelines and IT priorities
- Integration with your company culture and long-term vision
The Drawbacks
However, building and maintaining an in-house team is not without its drawbacks:
- High fixed costs, including salaries, benefits, and ongoing training
- Limited range of expertise, especially in areas like cybersecurity or cloud migration
- Vulnerability to turnover, sick leave, or vacation-related gaps
- Challenges keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and certifications
When In-House Makes Sense
An in-house team makes sense if:
- Your business has sufficient budget for recruitment, training, and retention
- You operate in a regulated industry requiring strict compliance
- You need tight control over sensitive data or proprietary systems
Part 2: When Staff "Wear the IT Hat" — Risks for Smaller Businesses
For many small or mid-sized businesses, hiring a dedicated IT person may feel out of reach. Instead, IT responsibilities often fall to someone in operations, admin, or finance who is "tech savvy." While this may seem cost-effective, it can introduce serious risk.
The Hidden Risks
Lack of Proper Tools
These staff members typically lack access to professional-grade IT tools—like remote monitoring, patch management platforms, and cybersecurity solutions—leaving your systems exposed.
Limited Expertise
Even if someone is good with Excel or basic troubleshooting, they may not be equipped to handle complex issues like data backups, ransomware threats, or network failures.
Low Priority, High Stress
IT becomes a secondary task, often tackled only when something breaks. This reactive approach increases downtime and risk—and creates frustration for both the employee and the team relying on them.
Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction
Asking non-IT employees to take on IT duties can lead to decreased job satisfaction. They're pulled in multiple directions, unable to do their core job well, and unprepared for the stress of resolving critical tech failures.
Outsourcing: A Scalable Solution
If hiring an internal IT pro isn't feasible, partnering with a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) can offer the support your business needs—without overwhelming your staff.
Expert Access
Access to expert technicians with a range of specialties
Predictable Costs
Predictable monthly costs for support, security, and maintenance
24/7 Monitoring
Round-the-clock monitoring and proactive issue resolution
Scalable Solutions
Solutions that grow with your business
Finding the Right Fit
When deciding how to manage IT, consider:
- Business size and growth plans
- Budget and risk tolerance
- Industry regulations and data sensitivity
- Internal capacity to manage IT systems effectively
The Hybrid Approach
For many companies, a hybrid model—with internal staff handling day-to-day tech needs and an MSP managing cybersecurity, compliance, and large projects—offers the best of both worlds.
Ready to Optimize Your IT Strategy?
At Huntertech, we help businesses across Calgary and Vancouver find the right IT support strategy. Whether you need to outsource fully, augment your current staff, or offload IT tasks from overwhelmed employees, we offer flexible, scalable solutions tailored to your goals.
Contact Us Today