What IT Services Can Businesses Outsource? 10+ Services to Consider 

IT outsourcing services are technology services delivered by an external company or specialist instead of being handled completely by a business’s internal IT team.

Businesses can outsource:

• One specific IT task
• A complete IT project
• A particular technology function
• Ongoing managed IT services
• Specialist expertise for a limited period
• Multiple IT functions through one provider

The model can be flexible.

For instance, a business may keep an internal IT manager but outsource its help desk, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure.

NIST recognises external information system service providers as organisations that provide information system services through arrangements such as outsourcing contracts and other business relationships.

15 IT Outsourcing Services Businesses Can Consider

Here are some of the most common IT functions that businesses can outsource.

1. IT Support Services

IT support is one of the most common areas for outsourcing.

An external IT support team can help employees with everyday technology issues such as:

• Computer problems
• Software errors
• Email issues
• Password problems
• Printer issues
• Network access
• Application problems
• Device setup

Depending on the agreement, support can be provided remotely, on-site, or through a combination of both.

Who can benefit?

IT support outsourcing can be useful for small and medium-sized businesses that do not need a large internal help desk.

It can also help larger companies that need additional support capacity.

2. Help Desk Services

Help desk outsourcing focuses specifically on handling employee technology requests and incidents.

A provider may use a ticketing system to:

1. Receive the request.
2. Categorise the issue.
3. Prioritise it.
4. Troubleshoot the problem.
5. Escalate it when required.
6. Resolve and document the issue.

A structured service desk can bring more consistency than relying on employees to call whichever IT person happens to be available.

IT service management includes practices for managing IT services and supporting users in a structured way.

3. Cybersecurity Services

Cybersecurity is another major area of IT outsourcing.

Businesses can outsource services such as:

• Security monitoring
• Endpoint security
• Vulnerability assessments
• Security testing
• Incident response
• Security awareness
• Identity and access management
• Security reporting

Cybersecurity outsourcing can be particularly useful when a business does not have specialist security professionals internally.

However, outsourcing cybersecurity does not mean the business can wash its hands of security responsibilities.

The company should clearly define who is responsible for access, monitoring, incidents, backups, compliance, and reporting.

4. Cloud Management Services

Many businesses now depend on cloud platforms for applications, storage, collaboration, databases, and infrastructure.

Cloud outsourcing can include:

• Cloud migration
• Cloud configuration
• Cloud monitoring
• Security management
• Backup
• Performance optimisation
• Cost management
• Updates and maintenance

A managed cloud provider may support migration, optimisation, security, configuration, upgrades, and maintenance.

Example

A growing business moving from on-premises servers to cloud infrastructure may outsource the migration and ongoing management to a specialist provider.

This can be useful when the internal team has limited cloud experience.

5. Software Development

Businesses do not always need to hire a permanent software development team.

They can outsource the development of:

• Websites
• Mobile apps
• Web applications
• Customer portals
• Internal business applications
• E-commerce platforms
• APIs
• Automation tools

Software development outsourcing can be project-based or ongoing.

Example

A retail company wants a customer mobile application but does not have developers internally.

It could hire an external software development team to handle design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

6. Network Management

Network problems can affect the entire organisation.

Businesses can outsource network management services such as:

• Network monitoring
• Router management
• Firewall configuration
• Wi-Fi management
• Network troubleshooting
• Performance monitoring
• Network security
• Infrastructure upgrades

An external network team may monitor systems continuously and investigate problems before they become major disruptions.

7. Server and Infrastructure Management

Businesses with servers and on-premises infrastructure may outsource their management.

Services can include:

• Server monitoring
• Operating system updates
• Performance management
• Hardware monitoring
• Storage management
• Infrastructure maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Security patching

This can be useful when a business does not have enough internal infrastructure specialists.

8. Data Backup Services

Data loss can happen because of hardware failure, accidental deletion, software problems, cyber incidents, or other disruptions.

Businesses can outsource:

• Backup configuration
• Backup monitoring
• Off-site backups
• Cloud backups
• Backup testing
• Backup reporting
• Recovery support

But remember: having a backup is not the same as having a tested recovery plan.

Businesses should understand how often backups occur, where they are stored, how long they are retained, and how recovery is tested.

9. Disaster Recovery Services

Disaster recovery focuses on restoring technology and business operations after a major disruption.

An external provider may help with:

• Disaster recovery planning
• Backup infrastructure
• Recovery environments
• Data restoration
• Recovery testing
• Business continuity planning
• Disaster recovery monitoring

The exact service depends on the business’s recovery requirements.

For example, a company that cannot afford to be offline for several hours may need a very different recovery strategy from a small business that can tolerate longer downtime.

10. IT Infrastructure Monitoring

Businesses can outsource continuous monitoring of their IT environment.

Monitoring may cover:

• Servers
• Networks
• Applications
• Cloud resources
• Storage
• Endpoints
• Security events

The provider may alert the internal team or take corrective action according to the agreed service model.

Monitoring can help businesses identify potential problems before employees start complaining that “the system is down again.”

11. Database Management

Databases often contain critical business information.

Database outsourcing may include:

• Database administration
• Performance monitoring
• Backup
• Recovery
• Security
• Updates
• Performance optimisation
• Troubleshooting

Businesses that rely heavily on databases may benefit from specialist database administrators without hiring them full-time.

12. Application Management and Support

After software is deployed, it still needs attention.

Application support can include:

• Bug fixing
• Updates
• Monitoring
• Performance management
• User support
• Security patches
• Integration support
• Application maintenance

This is particularly useful for businesses that rely on custom or specialised applications.

The outsourcing provider can take care of routine technical maintenance while internal employees focus on using the application for business purposes.

13. IT Consulting

Sometimes a business does not need someone to manage IT every day. It needs someone to help answer important technology questions.

IT consulting services can cover:

• Technology strategy
• IT assessments
• Digital transformation
• Cloud strategy
• Cybersecurity planning
• Infrastructure planning
• Technology roadmaps
• Software selection

For example, a company planning to modernise its IT environment may hire an external consultant to assess the current setup and recommend a practical roadmap.

14. IT Asset Management

Businesses may have hundreds or thousands of technology assets.

These can include:

• Laptops
• Desktops
• Servers
• Smartphones
• Network devices
• Software licences
• Cloud subscriptions

IT asset management can help track what technology the business owns, where it is located, who uses it, and when it needs replacement.

Some providers can also manage device procurement, configuration, deployment, maintenance, and retirement.

15. Microsoft 365 and Productivity Platform Management

Businesses often depend on productivity platforms for email, communication, file sharing, meetings, and collaboration.

External providers can help manage:

• User accounts
• Email
• Security settings
• Access permissions
• Microsoft 365 administration
• Collaboration tools
• Device integration
• User onboarding and offboarding

This can be useful for businesses without dedicated administrators for these platforms.

Other IT Services Businesses Can Outsource

The list does not stop there.

Depending on the organisation, other outsourced IT functions may include:

• IT project management
• Data analytics
• DevOps
• Quality assurance and software testing
• Technical support
• Virtual desktop infrastructure
• Endpoint management
• Identity management
• IT compliance support
• Website maintenance
• E-commerce technology support
• Network security
• Email security
• IT documentation

The important thing is not to outsource services simply because they are available.

The service should solve a genuine business requirement.

Which IT Outsourcing Services Should You Choose?

There is no universal answer.

A useful starting point is to divide your IT activities into three groups.

Keep Internally

Keep activities that are highly strategic, sensitive, or closely connected to your competitive advantage.

Outsource

Outsource activities where an external provider can offer strong expertise, efficiency, scalability, or support.

Hybrid

Share responsibilities between your internal team and an external provider.

For example:

This approach can give businesses the best of both worlds.

Benefits of Outsourcing IT Services

The main benefits can include:

Cost Control

Businesses may avoid the expense of hiring a large internal team for every specialist function.

Specialist Expertise

External providers may offer skills that are difficult to recruit internally.

Scalability

Services can potentially be increased as the business grows.

Better Support

Structured service desks and monitoring can improve IT support processes.

Access to Technology

External providers may already have experience with modern cloud, security, automation, and infrastructure technologies.

More Focus on Core Business

Internal employees can spend less time on routine IT tasks.

Business Continuity

Backup, monitoring, disaster recovery, and support services can help organisations prepare for technology disruptions.

However, the benefits depend on the provider and the quality of the outsourcing arrangement.

How Much Do IT Outsourcing Services Cost?

There is no standard IT outsourcing price.

Pricing may depend on:

• Number of users
• Number of devices
• Number of locations
• Services required
• Support hours
• Infrastructure complexity
• Security requirements
• Cloud usage
• Project size
• Service-level requirements

Providers may charge:

• Per user
• Per device
• Monthly fixed fees
• Hourly rates
• Project-based fees
• Service-based fees

Before comparing prices, make sure each proposal covers the same services.

A low quote may simply leave out important requirements.

How to Choose an IT Outsourcing Provider

Choosing the right partner is just as important as choosing the services.

Consider the following.

Technical Expertise

Does the provider understand your technology environment?

Security

How does it protect customer and business information?

Experience

Has it worked with organisations of similar size and complexity?

Support

What are the support hours and escalation procedures?

Communication

How will your team communicate with the provider?

Pricing

Is the pricing clear, predictable, and easy to understand?

Contract Terms

Check the SLA, responsibilities, renewal terms, termination process, and exit arrangements.

NIST guidance recommends considering provider capabilities, experience, qualifications, trustworthiness, and security requirements when organisations engage external IT service providers.

Common Mistakes When Outsourcing IT

Choosing Only on Price

The cheapest provider may not provide the best value.

Outsourcing Without a Clear Scope

Make sure everyone understands what is included.

Ignoring Security

Do not give unnecessary system access to an external provider.

Forgetting About Internal Ownership

Even outsourced systems need internal business ownership.

Not Measuring Performance

Use appropriate KPIs and SLAs to monitor the relationship.

No Exit Plan

Have a process for retrieving data, documentation, credentials, and assets if the relationship ends.

FAQs About IT Outsourcing Services

What are IT outsourcing services?

IT outsourcing services are technology services delivered by an external company or specialist. Common examples include IT support, cybersecurity, cloud management, software development, network management, backup, infrastructure, and IT consulting.

What is the most commonly outsourced IT service?

IT support and help desk services are common outsourcing choices, but the right service depends on the business. Cybersecurity, cloud management, software development, and infrastructure management are also widely outsourced.

Can small businesses outsource IT?

Yes. Small businesses can outsource selected IT functions instead of building a large internal technology team. Common choices include IT support, cybersecurity, cloud management, backup, and Microsoft 365 administration.

Can a business outsource cybersecurity?

Yes. Businesses can use external cybersecurity providers for services such as security monitoring, vulnerability management, endpoint security, incident response, and security assessments.

Can software development be outsourced?

Yes. Businesses can outsource website development, mobile applications, custom software, APIs, integrations, testing, maintenance, and other development activities.

Is cloud management an IT outsourcing service?

Yes. Cloud migration, configuration, monitoring, security, optimisation, maintenance, and backup can all be provided by external cloud specialists.

Should a company outsource all of its IT?

Not necessarily. Many businesses use a hybrid approach. They keep strategic or sensitive responsibilities internally and outsource selected services where external expertise provides clear value.

How do I know which IT services to outsource?

Start by reviewing your IT costs, internal skills, workload, security requirements, technology roadmap, and business priorities. Then identify areas where an external provider can provide measurable value.

What are the risks of IT outsourcing?

Potential risks include security issues, vendor dependency, communication problems, unclear responsibilities, service-quality problems, hidden costs, and loss of internal knowledge.

Is IT outsourcing suitable for startups?

Yes. Startups can outsource specialist technology work while keeping their internal team focused on product, customers, and growth. However, they should protect intellectual property, data, credentials, and business-critical systems.

Conclusion

Businesses can outsource far more than basic technical support.

From IT support and cybersecurity to cloud management, software development, network management, backup, disaster recovery, infrastructure, database administration, and IT consulting, there are many IT outsourcing services available today.

But the goal should not be to outsource everything.

The better approach is to identify which technology activities are slowing your business down, requiring specialist skills, creating unnecessary costs, or taking valuable time away from your internal team.

Then decide whether those activities should be managed internally, outsourced, or handled through a hybrid model.

A good IT outsourcing partner should do more than simply fix computers or answer tickets. The right provider can become a practical extension of your team and help your business manage technology more efficiently.

In the end, the best IT outsourcing strategy is the one that supports your business goals, protects your data, provides measurable value, and gives your team room to focus on what matters most.