In today’s digital age, a secure business network is non-negotiable. However, the approach to achieving that security can differ depending on your resources and comfort level. Here’s a breakdown of managing your network in-house versus seeking professional help:
Going it Alone (In-house):
- Control & Responsibility: Your IT team maintains complete control over network configuration and troubleshooting. This empowers them to tailor the security measures to your specific business needs. However, it also places the full responsibility for network security on their shoulders.
- Technical Expertise: Configuring, monitoring, and maintaining a secure business network requires a deep understanding of security protocols, encryption standards, access control methods (VLANs, segmentation), and ongoing vulnerability assessments. A significant investment in staff training or the presence of highly skilled IT professionals is crucial for this approach.
- Time Commitment: Network management is a time-consuming task. IT personnel need to devote ongoing effort to ensure proper configuration, identify and address vulnerabilities, and troubleshoot network issues. This can take away from their ability to focus on other initiatives.
Bringing in the Pros (Professional Network Management):
- Enhanced Security: Managed service providers offer extensive security expertise. They can implement robust security protocols with high-grade encryption, advanced access control measures, and ongoing vulnerability assessments, significantly reducing your risk of cyberattacks.
- Reduced IT Burden: Offloading network management frees up your internal team to focus on core business projects and strategic initiatives. This can lead to increased productivity and innovation within your business.
- Proactive Approach: Managed service providers take a proactive approach to network security. They continuously monitor your network, identify potential issues before they disrupt operations, and have the expertise to quickly diagnose and resolve any problems that do arise.
Choosing the Right Path:
The decision to manage your network in-house or seek professional assistance depends on your unique situation. Here are some key factors to consider:
- IT Team Capabilities: Do you have an IT team with the necessary expertise and experience in managing complex business networks? Knowing more about computers than you does not necessarily equate to expertise.
- Available Resources: Can your team dedicate the time and effort required for ongoing network management and security upkeep?
- Budget: Are you prepared to invest in staff training or additional personnel to handle the technical demands of network security?
Ultimately, the best approach involves finding a balance between security effectiveness, operational efficiency, and resource constraints. Both in-house and professional network management have their own strengths and considerations. Carefully evaluate your business needs and choose the path that best ensures a robust and secure network environment for your organization.
Not sure which approach is right for you? Let Gartner Technology help! We can assess your current infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend a customized solution, whether it’s in-house guidance or comprehensive managed services.
Image by Andrzej Kasprzyk (itring.pl), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
