What are the differences between IT Services & IT Consultancy?
IT Services involve implementing IT solutions to improve processes and streamline your business.
IT Consulting is strategic advice about your IT infrastructure, where modifications or improvements are needed to achieve corporate objectives.
A good MSP will provide both IT services and IT consultancy, so it’s important to find a trusted MSP that can offer IT services such as delivering business-as-usual support, implementations for immediate or upcoming requirements, office moves, and anything else that requires an IT specialist. It’s important that your chosen MSP offers IT consultancy so that they can take a step back from the day-to-day with you, and strategise for the mid to long term, but also be part of creating your roadmap. A proficient IT partner will understand your business and where you wish to take it, will add perspective from an IT stand point, and project planning so that technology aids your business instead of it being a stumbling block.
What is considered IT Services?
According to Gartner, IT services refers to the application of business and technical expertise to enable organisations in the creation, management and optimisation of or access to information and business processes. IT services account for 72% of all global outsourcing contract values.
IT service companies typically provide IT services for businesses that don’t have the internal capacity or skillset to manage all their IT requirements. Even if a business has its own IT team, IT support services can enhance capability with expert knowledge and access to software solutions and integrations that could drastically improve operational efficiency.
Examples of IT services:
Technical support services
IT infrastructure management
Data management and security
Software development
Software licensing and management
IT hardware procurement and management
What is IT Consulting?
With IT consulting, the emphasis is on strategic advice and guidance that helps businesses align their technology strategies with their business processes and corporate objectives. Again, Gartner defines IT consulting services as helping clients to assess their IT needs and formulate system implementation plans.
Examples of IT consultancy:
IT audits and strategy consulting
IT process design
IT performance improvement
IT systems integration
ERP services
Data compliance and governance
IT security
IT cost optimisation
IT project consulting
Ready to understand the differences between IT Services and IT Consulting? Let’s get stuck in.
The difference in focus & objectives between IT Services & IT Consulting
When you take on an IT services partner, they will focus on delivering specific technical tasks that will be agreed upon upfront. IT service companies can guide and support you with understanding what technologies can help your business run more smoothly. Choose an IT services provider that doesn’t automatically recommend investing in unnecessary software or hardware, but instead first shows how you can maximise the potential and utilisation of your existing software and hardware estate. If recommendations are made, ask for justification and how potential outcomes will directly impact the IT performance of your business.
An IT consultant will focus on providing expert strategic advice that aligns your technology with your overall business strategy and objectives. IT consultants will make relevant recommendations for IT infrastructure, software, and hardware specific to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of your business.
Deliverables of an IT Services Company
In IT services, deliverables are tangible and specific outcomes the client can expect within a defined time frame. Whether it’s a service, project, or result, an IT services company will manage and monitor deliverables. If your company needs to develop capabilities to meet specific objectives, your IT services partner can also provide training to help with that.
IT services can improve business operations in several ways, and these examples give an overview of what you can expect from an IT services company.
Enhanced Efficiency
Enhanced efficiency is achieved by streamlining operations, reducing downtime, and boosting productivity by leveraging IT systems that are fully optimised to perform the way you want them to.
Enhanced Security
Enhanced data security by implementing strategies to protect your IT infrastructure, business, and data.
Seamless Scalability
Seamless scalability to facilitate growth with the design of IT solutions designed to accommodate expansion and future needs.
Expert Support
Access to experts who are constantly updating their skills to provide their clients with exceptional support, whatever their technology challenges.
Deliverables of an IT Consultant
IT consulting services go beyond technical implementation and operational planning, and a proficient IT consultant acts as a strategic partner who will show you how technology can move your business forward. Here are some examples of IT consulting deliverables, and you can expect reports, presentations, and training where necessary.
Road Map
Technology road mapping that outlines gaps in your IT will help identify cutting-edge technology that could work for your organisation. An IT consultant will ensure that integration is achievable and worthwhile.
Identifying Solutions
Identifying areas for improvement in your business processes where technology solutions and streamlining will lead to operational excellence.
Leveraging Insights
Leveraging insights to allocate resources effectively and reduce unnecessary expenditures to maximise ROI and improve cost efficiencies.
Supporting Growth
Supporting a smooth transition to new technologies while assisting with change management challenges.
IT Services vs. IT Consulting:
What are the different expertise & skills required?
IT Service Partners
IT Consulting
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Expertise
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Skills
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Proficiency
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Excellence
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Knowledge
The benefits of working with an IT services company or IT consultant
Whatever your business challenges with IT, partnering with an IT services company means you have access to technical support, a diverse skill set, and an opportunity to make your operation more efficient. An IT consultant brings strategic guidance, recommends tailored solutions, and has expertise in managing complex IT projects.
Whether you work with an IT services company or IT consultant, you can expect to gain a competitive advantage by exploiting technological advances and using them to bolster your profile as an industry leader. IT professionals will help you navigate disruptions, adapt to change, and consider your customers simultaneously.
Pinnaca Retail & IT Solutions:
Your Leading Partner in IT Services & IT Infrastructure
With about 20 years of combined experience helping businesses thrive, Pinnaca Retail & IT Solutions proudly offers comprehensive IT services and solutions designed to support and enhance your business operations. Our IT consulting service is used by clients who need strategic guidance. Our team of experts is equipped to handle a wide range of IT needs and can help you to understand the most efficient route to success.
If you are considering outsourcing any aspect of your IT services or strategy, start with a free consultation, and we can advise almost instantly whether we are a good fit for your business.
We have a guide outlining What IT Services Can Be Outsourced, and The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing IT, designed to help you if you need to outsource IT.
At Pinnaca Retail, we believe that technology should simplify operations, reduce costs, and drive sales. As your IT partner, we provide enterprise-level solutions tailored for businesses. Our mission is to empower you to focus on what matters most — growing your business.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and quote. Let’s take your business to the next level with customised IT solutions and support from Pinnaca Retail.