9 types of IT projects to outsource

There are many advantages to outsourcing, of course, but if you're new to this arrangement, you're probably wondering where to start. The spectrum of IT projects available for outsourcing is vast, but some stand out more than others. This article looks at the most commonly outsourced IT projects to give you a head start.

But first, let's establish an understanding of IT project management.

What is IT project management?

IT project management uses structured project management methodologies to oversee and direct technology initiatives. Unlike general project management, IT project management focuses on projects involving information technology and aligns these endeavors with broader business goals and objectives.

To successfully deliver IT projects, project managers assemble a robust project team made up of IT experts and business stakeholders. Together, they develop a comprehensive project timeline, outlining deliverables, milestones, and resources needed in each phase, from inception to closeout.

Leveraging proven project management frameworks, the project team works collaboratively to execute the project according to the established schedule. The IT project manager continually monitors progress, manages risk, and ensures alignment with the original business case. Their oversight throughout the project lifecycle is critical to keeping the project on time and on budget.

With technical complexity intensifying across industries, IT project management is indispensable for guiding technology deployments that strengthen organizational capabilities. The right methodology, combined with a capable project team, sets the stage for the successful delivery of IT projects.

Key elements of IT project management:

1. Scope definition: Clearly describe what the project aims to achieve. This includes determining the project requirements, stakeholders, and expected results.
2. Time management: Set a timeline for the project, including key milestones and deadlines.
3. Cost estimation: Forecast the necessary financial resources and define a budget.
4. Quality Assurance: Ensuring that the final product meets specified business criteria and needs.
5. Risk management: Identify possible threats or challenges that may arise during the project and plan contingencies.
6. Resource allocation: Assign tasks to team members based on their skills and knowledge and ensure they have the resources they need to complete their tasks.
7. Stakeholder Communication: Keep all stakeholders informed about project progress, challenges, and any changes that may affect the outcome.
8. Integration: Ensuring that all components of the IT project, such as software, hardware and network infrastructure, work seamlessly together.

While the key elements provide a roadmap for successfully managing and executing IT projects, the benefits of implementing IT project management practices go beyond simply structured execution. These benefits highlight the tangible and intangible advantages that organizations can obtain.

Benefits of IT project management:

• Efficiency: Simplified processes and best practices that reduce wasted resources and time.
• Predictability: A structured approach means fewer surprises and clearer visibility into project progress.
• Optimal use of resources: Ensuring that resources, whether human, technological or financial, are used optimally and not overloaded.
• Greater stakeholder satisfaction: With clear communication and defined expectations, stakeholders are more likely to be satisfied with the project outcome.
• Higher quality results: With a dedicated focus on quality assurance, the final product is often of superior quality and free from major defects.

While IT project management is essential in today's digital age, outsourcing this vital function can offer greater benefits. Entrusting project management to external experts ensures that technology projects are not only completed on time, within scope and within budget, but also leverage the specialized knowledge and tools of experienced professionals. Utilizing IT project management practices, especially when outsourced, can be a strategic move for companies navigating the complexities of technology-driven projects.

What does an IT project manager do?

In essence, an IT Project Manager combines technical knowledge with leadership skills, bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders. They are the guiding force behind IT projects, ensuring they are aligned with the project objective, meet organizational objectives and create value.

1. Getting Started : The IT project manager defines the project, its objectives, and stakeholders, ensuring there is a clear understanding of the project's value and purpose.
2. Planning : involves outlining the entire project life cycle, from inception to completion. The project manager determines the required tasks, resources, schedule, and budget.
3. Executing : As the project progresses, the IT project manager ensures that all tasks are completed as per plan, making necessary adjustments as needed.
4. Monitoring and Controlling : They continuously track the project's progress, ensuring it stays on schedule and within budget, while managing risks and addressing any issues that arise.
5. Closing : Once the project is complete, the IT project manager will evaluate the success of the project, document lessons learned, and provide a final report to stakeholders.
6. Communication with stakeholders : At all stages, the IT project manager is the main point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring that they are kept informed and that their feedback is integrated into the project.
7. Risk Management : Proactively identify potential challenges, devise mitigation strategies, and ensure the project stays on track despite unforeseen obstacles.
8. Quality Assurance : They are responsible for ensuring that project results meet predefined quality standards and are aligned with business needs.

In essence, an IT project manager combines technical knowledge with leadership skills, often utilizing project management software to bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders. They are the guiding force behind IT projects, ensuring they meet organizational objectives and create value.

Outsourcing this fundamental role can offer several advantages. By leveraging external IT project management expertise, companies can tap into a broader set of specialized knowledge and skills, potentially reducing the costs associated with hiring and training full-time staff. Additionally, outsourced IT project managers often bring diverse experience of managing projects across multiple industries and introducing best practices and innovative solutions to the organization.

Types of IT projects to outsource

Staying competitive often means frequently updating IT systems, which requires substantial time and resources. Outsourcing emerges as a practical solution, allowing companies to access specialist skills without the burden of permanent staff.

Whether it's bolstering your current team or increasing cybersecurity, outsourcing key IT projects can provide the agility and resources to navigate the complex digital world. Let's explore the most common IT initiatives that companies outsource to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and strengthen their technology core.

#1 Staff Augmentation

You may very well have an excellent IT team, but not enough people to complete all the projects under your responsibility. Having too much to do isn't a terrible problem, but it's a problem nonetheless. Staff augmentation, which, as the name suggests, involves bringing in staff from an external company to work with your internal team, will allow you to increase efficiency.

You'll be able to complete projects faster without overwhelming your internal team or spreading your resources too thin.

#2 Software Development

Software development is not the same thing as IT. Still, IT experts can work on basic projects for you, such as simple applications or programs to be used internally within your organization. They can also work with your software development team to resolve issues, help your employees learn how to use software correctly, determine which programs are truly needed, and more.

#3 Web Development

A web presence is crucial in today's world. From web apps to websites, you need to make your brand and business visible and well-known to current and potential customers and clients, business partners, and the rest of the world. An IT team can develop web products and tools, no matter what you want to create.

#4 Technology Installation

Maybe you already have a brand new technology but haven't gotten around to using it yet. IT experts will not only help you determine the products your business needs, but also install them for you. This includes software, hardware, networks and more. This is especially useful when you are implementing company-wide systems, as they can ensure that everything is connected correctly and that all of your employees can use your new tools without errors.

This will allow you to create a solid technological infrastructure for the entire company, essential for the proper functioning of your business.

#5 Cloud Computing

Today, employees expect to be able to access essential materials and programs from home or any other location – not just the office. Cloud computing makes this possible. An IT provider can help you implement existing cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, from Salesforce to Slack, across your organization.

Are none of the existing models suitable for your needs? A qualified IT specialist can also build a cloud computing system tailored to your business based on your specifications and requirements.

#6 Maintenance and Support

One of the main reasons companies outsource their IT needs is to enjoy 24-hour support from vendors. They may call on a contracted external team to deal with issues that arise or to help with other maintenance, upgrade and upkeep tasks. This is more cost-effective than hiring an in-house team because you'll only have to pay for the support you actually need, rather than full-time salaries and benefits.

This team can also act as a help desk, answering your questions and resolving your demands.

#7 Communication

Your employees need to be able to communicate with your customers and each other through platforms like chat, video conferencing, email, and more. An IT provider can help you set up internal and external communication systems if you want your team to be able to contact and hold meetings with members while they are in different locations.

You can also use an existing platform, and an IT team can help you customize it to suit your specific business needs, as well as provide support.

#8 Cybersecurity

As you probably know, a security breach or attack can cripple your business – or even destroy it in extreme cases. You can protect yourself against hackers, malware, breaches, and other cybercrimes by implementing strong cybersecurity measures across your organization.

IT providers will help protect you from cyberattacks. In fact, cybersecurity is one of the most important projects you can outsource. Look for a company that has a track record in cybersecurity, including employees who specialize in the subject. This will further ensure that you are fully protected against attacks and threats.

#9 Education

When you implement new programs and software in your company, your employees may be confused and not know where to start. Effective training is key to making new technologies successful in your organization.

In addition to outsourcing specific IT projects, you can also hire experts to train your employees on how to use new technologies and maximize their benefits. They can tailor training to specific departments depending on which features they should learn and make the most of for their specific use.

#10 Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

Data analysis involves investigating raw data to discover meaningful insights essential for decision-making. Throughout the project management lifecycle, Business Intelligence (BI) tools present these findings in an easily digestible way, often using dashboards and visualizations. Outsourcing this resource ensures that you have professionals who can not only analyze massive data but also extract insights tailored to your business objectives.

Instead of just accumulating data, you can rely on a dedicated team to set up the right tools, analyze huge data sets, and provide valuable insights to drive more informed choices. They go beyond mere collection to transform data into a strategic asset.

With outsourced analytics and BI, you don't just get numbers and graphs – you get narratives, recommendations, and insights. Your provider becomes an expert guide, clarifying what the data means for your strategy and operations. They transform disjointed numbers into cohesive insights.

Whether identifying customer trends, optimizing supply chains, predicting equipment failures or forecasting sales, outsourced analytics and BI empower companies to look forward rather than back. Data transforms from the rearview mirror into headlights that illuminate the road ahead. And you can conduct your business operations with greater clarity and confidence.

#11 Integration with Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the way devices interact with each other. From smart homes and wearable health trackers to connected factory equipment, IoT has countless applications across industries. However, bringing IoT into current systems can be complicated, requiring specialized knowledge of hardware and software pieces.

Outsourcing IoT integration means turning to experienced professionals who understand the complexities of IoT environments. They can help choose the right gadgets, set up interconnected networks, ensure data security, and create applications to control and track these gadgets. Leveraging external expertise allows companies to efficiently adopt IoT, increasing operational efficiency, customer experience and generating new possibilities for innovation and growth.

Whether it's sensors that monitor product quality, vehicles that self-diagnose maintenance issues, or stock boxes that automatically reorder inventory, IoT creates a world where devices communicate seamlessly to unlock value. Outsourcing integration allows companies to quickly realize the potential of IoT while benefiting from the latest skills and technical mastery.

Getting started with software outsourcing

IT is vital to your business and you can't put it in just anyone's hands. Outsourcing your projects, from web development to cybersecurity maintenance and support, will help you keep your most essential processes running smoothly. It can also facilitate growth by giving your full-time team time to focus on the core needs of your business.