DIY IT: How It Can Cost Small Businesses

Why Skipping Managed IT Can Stall Business Growth

For small businesses with lean teams and tight budgets, managing IT internally can seem like the most cost-effective choice. In the very early stages, handling simple tech needs yourself might work.

However, as your business expands, the complexity of technology also grows, resulting in an increase in devices, remote workers, sensitive data, and compliance requirements. What starts as a cost-saving measure often turns into an unseen drain on time, money, and security.

From unexpected downtime to security vulnerabilities, DIY IT management often comes with hidden costs that can quietly drain resources and jeopardize growth.

The Illusion of Savings From DIY IT

Handling IT in-house may save money upfront, but it often leads to:

• Reactive problem-solving instead of proactive prevention

• Lost productivity during outages or troubleshooting

• Increased risk exposure due to outdated security protocols

Consider this: A three-hour outage for a 10-person business billing $100/hour can cost $3,000 in lost productivity alone, not counting client trust or missed opportunities. Without dedicated IT oversight, small issues snowball into major disruptions, eating into the very savings DIY IT promised.

Security Gaps You Didn’t Know You Had

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls; it’s about strategy. DIY setups often lack the layers of defense needed to protect against modern threats. Common gaps include:

• Missed security patches and software updates

• No employee training on phishing or password hygiene

• Third-party risk assessments

With ransomware attacks targeting SMBs at record rates—and 60% of breached small businesses closing within six months—security cannot be an afterthought.

BAE Networks’ cybersecurity services close these gaps with scalable, expert-led solutions. Our layered approach combines proactive monitoring, endpoint protection, and employee awareness training to secure your business from every angle.

Time is Money, and IT Takes Time

Business owners wear many hats. But when IT issues arise, they:

• Spend hours troubleshooting

• Delay client deliverables waiting on fixes

• Risk burnout, juggling tech issues on top of leadership duties

Based on a Microsoft-commissioned study by AMI-Partners, small businesses lose an average of 20-30 hours per month handling IT-related issues rather than focusing on their primary jobs.

BAE Networks’ Managed IT Services offer 24/7 support, proactive monitoring, and strategic planning. We take IT off your plate so you can solely focus on your business.

Why Outsourcing Isn’t Just for Enterprises

Outsourcing IT used to be a luxury. Today, it’s a necessity for small businesses that want to:

• Scale efficiently

• Stay compliant with evolving regulations

• Protect customer data and trust

Whether you’re a small healthcare provider needing HIPAA compliance or a DoD contractor pursuing CMMC, the BAE Networks team becomes an extension of yours, providing enterprise-grade expertise at a fraction of the cost.

Where Should Your Investment Lie?

DIY IT might seem like a smart move, but the hidden costs tell a different story. If you're ready to shift from reactive to resilient, BAE Networks is here to help.

Explore our Managed IT Services and discover how proactive support can transform your operations.