Since non-profit organizations are focused on their missions, program outcomes and fund development, computer support is not their primary focus. However, since most of their funding comes from grants and donations, it is imperative to manage technology effectively, efficiently, and compliantly.
Storing, accessing, managing, and using all the data that a not-for-profit organization collects requires computer infrastructure that is reliable and secure. Non-profits often don’t have the resources to fully support all of their IT infrastructure needs. Even if your non-profit has one or several in-house IT technicians, they are often so bogged down by routine daily tasks that their talent is wasted. These employees are not adding nearly as much value to your non-profit as they should be.
According to the Gartner research group, over 65% of IT budgets go towards tasks that do nothing more than keep the lights on. You are investing money that is not improving operations, efficiency, or enhancing security.
Today, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are being used by museums, religious institutions, civic and social organizations, and other 501(c)(3) organizations to cost-effectively manage, service, and support their IT processes. MSPs are often called upon as an alternative to additional in-house staff.
A hybrid approach to IT that utilizes managed services, the cloud, and internal IT support can truly be the best of all worlds. They work simultaneously to help businesses achieve a greater ROI from their IT costs while allowing existing in-house resources to be channeled into more important development roles.
A Happier, Less Overwhelmed In-House IT Staff
Many of those never-ending tasks performed by in house support can be automated. While this might be interpreted as suggesting on site staff is not necessary, that could not be further from the truth. Your current staff can benefit from MSP services such as:
- Proactive management
- Remote monitoring
- End user help desk
- 24/7 network operations center
- Disaster recovery/business continuity solutions
- Security audits/updates
These services free your in-house staff from much of the routine issues taking up most of their time. Instead, they can focus on meaningful jobs that create value for the entire company. MSPs can remove the burden of routine tasks from in house support. With access to the MSP ticketing and monitoring system, and support from the 24/7 Network Operations Center, in-house IT have help identifying and addressing system issues before they become business disrupting problems. Additionally, daily interruptions like constantly having to run to Jack’s computer to see why his system is running slow can instead be handled by the help desk.
Guided Focus, Direction, and Prioritization
Working with an MSP gives existing IT personnel much needed focus and direction. MSPs commonly offer a complimentary consultation and network assessment that evaluates the overall performance and health of your IT infrastructure. From there, the MSP will recommend products and services most beneficial to current IT needs. The evaluation helps internal IT determine what system oversight and future planning they should be doing. Any regular system maintenance tasks can be performed by the MSP while in house IT can focus on processes that will drive down costs or increase revenue.
Fewer Instances of Failure and Human Error
A high percentage of costly security breaches are the result of human error. This is often because IT employees are stretched too thin and overlook vital security measures, such as applying tested security patches or updating anti-virus software programs. Working with an MSP will eliminate much of the work overload that often leads to system or security vulnerabilities. Systems can be backed up in the cloud for an immediate system restore if needed. Many of the issues that become costly business interruptions like hardware, software, and application failures are completely preventable if they are detected early and addressed promptly.
Summary
Many smaller non-profits have incredibly gifted and skilled IT employees that are burdened with way too many responsibilities, most of which are mundane and routine. These employees should be used to help determine how IT can be used to innovate and drive efficiency. IT can be a catalyst in the organization’s strategy, but not if the staff is burdened with updates, troubleshooting, and putting out daily fires. RESULTS helps non-profits organizations all over the country manage their IT infrastructure. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
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