AWS Managed Services vs. In-House IT: Which Choice Is Right for Your Business?

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Your AWS Management

Cloud adoption has accelerated rapidly over the last few years. Statistics show that 92% of businesses now have a multi-cloud strategy in place or in the works and in 2020 alone, 61% of businesses migrated their workloads to the cloud. As more and more companies migrate their operations to the cloud, the need for efficient and effective AWS management is becoming increasingly important. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine whether AWS management should be performed in-house or outsourced to a managed services provider. Both options have their merits and the decision ultimately depends on the unique needs and resources of each business. 

This article explores the pros and cons of each approach and provides readers with guidance on how to make an informed decision on an AWS management strategy.

Outsourcing AWS Management to a Managed Services Provider

Expertise and Experience

One of the primary benefits of outsourcing the management of AWS resources to an AWS Managed Services Provider (MSP) is the expertise and years of experience they bring to the table. Managed services partners specialize in AWS infrastructure management and have a deep understanding of the platform’s capabilities and best practices. This knowledge allows them to remediate issues quickly, but more importantly identify potential configuration, security, and cost optimization issues and correct them before they even become a problem. By leveraging an AWS partner’s expertise, companies optimize their AWS infrastructure, minimize costs, and improve the overall performance of applications and workflows.

Agility & Flexibility

Another crucial advantage that businesses gain by choosing to work with a managed services partner is enhanced agility and flexibility. A good MSP program will also include a set amount of consulting engineering hours every month to help make sure your AWS cloud environment is fine-tuned to handle your changing needs. A managed services partner can quickly and easily adapt to changes in a business’s requirements, whether that means scaling infrastructure up or down, implementing new features, or integrating with other systems.

Potential Downsides

However, outsourcing your AWS management does come with some potential downsides and risks. One of the main concerns is the loss of control over infrastructure. Companies that contract a Managed Services Provider are relying on a third-party partner to manage their AWS environments. A high level of trust is required, and the company should communicate its goals and requirements clearly so the recommendations provided by the MSP are aligned with company objectives. Cost is also always a factor, so a clear understanding of potential internal IT cost savings should be understood before committing to an agreement. This is especially the case for smaller businesses with limited resources. 

Evaluating the Advantages and Disadvantages of In-House AWS Management

Complete Control Over Resources

In-house AWS management can be an attractive option for companies that have the expertise and resources to manage their cloud infrastructure. This approach provides full control over the AWS environment and allows companies to tailor their cloud management strategy to their specific business requirements.

Cost Savings

Another advantage of in-house AWS management is the potential for cost savings. When the cloud infrastructure is small and the operations are not very complex, it may be more cost-effective to manage internally. Existing IT staff may be able to leverage their current expertise and skills to manage their AWS environments without the need to hire additional personnel.

Potential Downsides

However, there are also potential downsides to in-house AWS management. One of the main concerns is the level of expertise required to manage an AWS environment effectively. AWS is a complex platform with many moving parts and changing security requirements, and it can be challenging to stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and tools. 

The potential cost savings may be offset by possible inefficiencies in the AWS cloud environment that are resulting in higher AWS bills. Remember, AWS has a pay-as-you-go pricing model, but to truly benefit from that model, the design needs to be optimized for the business. Also, security vulnerabilities left open by inexperienced IT staff can also cause unforeseen financial consequences.  

Making an Informed Decision About Your AWS Management Strategy

When choosing an AWS management strategy, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right approach for a business depends on a variety of factors, including budget, resources, and expertise.

To make an informed decision, it’s important to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and consider business requirements carefully. For companies having limited resources or expertise, outsourcing AWS management may be the best option. However, businesses that have the necessary expertise and resources in-house may be able to save costs by managing their AWS environment themselves.

Another important factor to consider when choosing an AWS managed services provider is their experience and expertise. It is important to look for a partner that has a proven track record of success in AWS and has experience working with businesses in the same or similar verticals. Companies should choose a partner that not only knows the AWS platform inside and out but also understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing cloud infrastructure for their specific industry or use case.

When evaluating potential AWS managed services partners, it’s also important to consider their service offerings and pricing models. Some partners may offer à-la-carte services, while others may provide a bundled package of services. 

Ultimately, the decision between partnering with an AWS managed services provider or building an in-house IT team comes down to a variety of factors. By carefully evaluating business needs and considering the expertise, experience, and service offerings of potential partners, companies can make an informed decision that sets them up for success in the cloud.

CloudWise, TrackIt’s Managed Services Offering

CloudWise is TrackIt’s AWS Managed Services offering, one of the only designed to provide comprehensive support specifically for Media & Entertainment deployments. The offering includes a suite of managed services such as monitoring, optimization, and support, enabling media companies to manage their AWS infrastructure with ease and efficiency. 

CloudWise is built on TrackIt’s in-house custom monitoring software, providing customers with real-time monitoring and support, monthly cost analysis and coverage reports, annual architecture reviews, and quarterly security assessments by AWS-certified engineers. 

CloudWise also offers customized dashboards with programmable alerts, ensuring that customers can stay focused on their core business without interruption. With CloudWise, customers can benefit from 24/7/365 global support from AWS-certified TrackIt engineers, ensuring that their cloud investments are optimized to achieve their full potential.

About TrackIt

TrackIt is an Amazon Web Services Advanced Tier Services Partner specializing in cloud management, consulting, and software development solutions based in Marina del Rey, CA. 

TrackIt specializes in Modern Software Development, DevOps, Infrastructure-As-Code, Serverless, CI/CD, and Containerization with specialized expertise in Media & Entertainment workflows, High-Performance Computing environments, and data storage.

In addition to providing cloud management, consulting, and modern software development services, TrackIt also provides an open-source AWS cost management tool that allows users to optimize their costs and resources on AWS.