The Hidden Costs of IT Support

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The Hidden Costs of IT Support

Finding the right IT Support can be a complex task with hidden costs that inflate your IT budget. Exploring all of the costs can help you differentiate between necessary and avoidable expenditures. 

Here are our top tips for identifying and managing hidden IT support costs effectively.  

Check for Unnecessary Software Licenses 

Over-licensing is a common pitfall within IT support with many businesses paying for software features they neither use nor need. To avoid this: 

  • Conduct Regular Audits: Periodically review your software usage to identify underutilised applications. 
  • Select Scalable Solutions: Choose software that allows flexibility in licensing so you can adjust based on actual usage. 

Watch Out for Excessive Storage Costs 

Paying for more storage than you need can put unnecessary strain your budget. 

To manage storage costs: 

  • Implement Data Management Policies: Regularly archive or delete obsolete data to free up space. 
  • Leverage Cloud Storage Wisely: Use cloud storage solutions that offer pay-as-you-go models so you only pay for what you use. 

Avoid Auto-Renewing Contracts 

Auto-renewal clauses in IT support contracts can lead to complacency and overpayments. 

To prevent this: 

  • Set Renewal Reminders: Mark contract renewal dates and review terms beforehand. 
  • Benchmark Services: Compare your current provider’s offerings with competitors to ensure you receive value for money. 

Inadequate IT Support Leading to Downtime 

The hidden costs of managed IT services can also come from the things you don’t do. Cutting corners with low-cost IT support can result in frequent system downtimes, increasing costs indirectly. According to Gartner, the average cost of IT downtime is approximately £4,000 per minute, highlighting the importance of investing time and money in quality support. 

Overlooked Training Expenses 

Lack of proper training can lead to inefficiencies and increased reliance on support services. 

To combat this: 

  • Invest in Employee Training: Equip your team with the necessary skills to handle basic IT issues this will reduce the dependency on external support. 
  • Utilise Allowable Expenses: In the UK, training courses and professional development are considered allowable business expenses, provided they are necessary for the business. 

Ignoring Preventative Maintenance 

Skipping regular maintenance can lead to larger, costlier issues. 

To avoid this: 

Schedule Routine Check-Ups: Regular maintenance helps identify and resolve potential problems before they escalate. 

Implement Proactive Monitoring: Use monitoring tools to keep an eye on system performance and health. 

Not Shopping Around for Services 

Sticking with the same IT support provider without considering other providers can result in missed opportunities for better service or pricing. 

To address this: 

  • Regularly Assess the Market: Explore different IT support providers to compare services and costs. 
  • Negotiate Terms: Use market comparisons as leverage to negotiate better terms with your current or new providers. 

By proactively identifying and addressing these hidden costs, UK businesses can streamline their IT expenditure and ensure they are allocating the right funds for IT support.  

 

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