23 Nov 2006
When it comes to meeting the skills challenge in a smaller organisation, experts agree that it is important to make the most of what you have, and invest wisely in skills.
Keep the internal IT skills as broad as possible. There is no point paying for a full-time specialist in security, if there is only enough work to occupy him or her for half the week.
Consider using web-based applications through a managed service provider (MSP) if it suits your business to do so.
Look for providers who will offer additional services, such as security, maintenance and integration, for a fixed fee.
If you require short-term access to expensive skills such as web developers, Java or .Net programmers or project management, consider working with a consultant. If this is a longer-term project, invest in training your existing team before recruiting.
Finally, do not forget there are plenty of sources of free advice and skills for small businesses, including Business Link, peer networking groups and vendors.
Although it is possible to try and keep a broad IT skills base in-house, greater expertise at reduced cost can be better obtained through flexible outsourcing. New services, such as those provided by companies like OrderWork, provide fast, responsive processes for meeting short term demand for skills. In this way you can keep your fixed costs low, only paying when you need the specific expertise. The advantage of these services are that they involve no fees to search for the skills you need, you only pay if you find what you want.
I believe the ease of availablity and the quality of work obtainable through such systems will lead to smaller in-house IT teams and a growth in the demand for flexible specialists.
Posted by: Chris 21 Dec 2006
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