Cloud Managed Services vs. In-House IT: What’s Best for Your SMB?
Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are under pressure to deliver secure, scalable, and cost-effective IT solutions. Many face a critical decision: continue managing IT in-house or partner with a cloud managed services provider (MSP).
Here, we compare both approaches to help you make an informed choice for your business.
What Are Cloud Managed Services?
Cloud Managed Services allow businesses to outsource their IT operations to a dedicated provider like Lumen21. This includes:
- 24/7 monitoring and support
- Cloud infrastructure management
- Cybersecurity and compliance solutions
- Scalable resources as your business grows
In-House IT The Challenges
Maintaining an internal IT team gives you control, but it comes at a cost:
High salaries, training, and benefits for skilled staff
Limited availability (no 24/7 coverage)
Gaps in security and compliance expertise
Capital expenditure for hardware and software
Key Comparison Cloud Managed Services vs. In-House IT
Cloud Managed Services
In-House IT
Cost
Predictable monthly fee
High fixed & variable costs
Scalability
Easily adjusts to growth
Requires major reinvestment
Security
Advanced tools & expertise
Often limited capabilities
Compliance
Industry-specific support
High burden on internal team
24/7 Support
Yes
Rarely available
Download Your Free Guide: Scaling Securely - A Practical SMB Guide to Cloud IT Services
Discover how SMBs can transition to cloud IT smoothly and cost-effectively.
Why SMBs Are Choosing Cloud MSPs
With Lumen21, SMBs access enterprise-grade IT infrastructure without the costs and complexity of managing it in-house.
Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you scale securely.