Application maintenance can be a daunting task if you don’t have the capacity to do it. Many companies think that once they launch the application, the job is done. This is not true; application management services and maintenance must be performed regularly in order to keep your application modern, easy to use, and up to date.
Still, even when companies realize the importance of app maintenance, they may not always recognize the growing complexity and effort involved in ensuring applications remain functional, secure, and optimized. Handling an application internally used to be easy; however, the increasing demands on resources, the rapid pace of technological change, and the growing need for specialized skills has started to make it increasingly challenging for many businesses to keep up.
This is where application management outsourcing comes into play; it works as a strategic solution to streamline businesses’ processes while focusing on business growth. If you’re not sure whether you should outsource application management services or not, we’ve gathered a list of cases where it’d be best for businesses to outsource.
Table of Content
What is Application Maintenance and Management?
When Do You Need to Outsource Application Maintenance?
Benefits of Outsourcing Application Maintenance
Application Management Services and Maintenance with Flairstech
What is Application Maintenance and Management?
Before deciding if you’re going to outsource application management and support, it’s important to understand what application maintenance is. Application maintenance services involve a wide range of tasks that are important to keep applications functional and aligned with business objectives.
One of the main functions of application management is fixing bugs by addressing errors that emerge after deployment. Another function is working on updates and upgrades to ensure that the software is compatible with new operating systems or technologies.
Application management services also work on optimizing the application’s performance for improved speed, reliability, and overall user experience. Also, there are several proactive approaches to fix vulnerabilities that could leave the application open to cyberattacks.
When Do You Need to Outsource Application Maintenance?
While each business is different, there are several common signs that indicate it may be time to consider outsourcing your application management and support services. We’ve gathered some key indicators that suggest outsourcing application management services could be the right strategic move for your business down below:
- Resource Constraints Are Impacting Maintenance Efforts
As applications grow in complexity, managing them becomes a full-time job because of the huge amount of effort it takes. For many companies, especially smaller businesses, maintaining an in-house team of skilled professionals to handle application maintenance can become overwhelming.
For instance, a McKinsey & Company report revealed that a huge percentage of businesses face significant challenges when scaling IT operations. If your company is struggling to keep up with the demands of maintaining, updating, and improving your applications, it may be a sign that you need external help with your application management services.
Outsourcing application management as a service allows you to access specialized resources as needed without the overhead costs of hiring full-time staff. This scalability makes outsourcing an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
- You Lack Specialized Skills In-House
As applications become more advanced, the need for specialized knowledge in areas like cloud computing, security, and performance optimization grows. Managing an app on your own requires technical skills, especially when it becomes more complex. A report by CompTIA was made to address this issue, and the great majority of employers (93%) indicate there is an overall skills gap, the difference between existing and desired skill levels, among their IT staff.
If your internal team lacks the necessary expertise to keep up with the latest technology trends or the maintenance requirements of modern applications, outsourcing application management services can be a cost-effective way to solve this issue. Application management outsourcing connects you with experts who specialize in security, data management, and performance optimization, which ensures that your applications are maintained at a high standard.
- You Are Struggling to Keep Up with Technological Changes
Technology is growing at a fast rate, and applications must continuously adapt to remain relevant. Still, managing updates and implementing new features requires a lot of time and resources. If your internal team is struggling to keep up with the latest technological advancements, outsourcing application management services may be the solution to keep your applications competitive.
Outsourcing your application maintenance to a provider who stays ahead of technological trends ensures that your applications are always equipped with the latest features, updates, and security measures needed to stay modern and up to date.
- Your Maintenance Costs Are Growing Too Quickly
As a business, managing application maintenance and application management services internally can often result in escalating costs, especially as the complexity of the software increases. Hiring, training, and retaining staff with the specialized skills necessary to maintain and optimize modern applications can lead to increased operational expenses that might not fit your budget.
This is where outsourcing can greatly help; it provides a more predictable cost structure, allowing you to budget for maintenance while eliminating overhead expenses associated with in-house staff. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, businesses can save between 20% and 30% on operational costs by outsourcing compared to keeping this work in-house.
Also, rather than paying for salaries, benefits, and training, outsourcing application management services allows you to pay only for the services you need when you need them.
- Frequent Downtime or Performance Issues Are Affecting Your Business
Nobody likes it when the application they’re using shuts down for long periods of time. Performance issues and downtime can hurt a business’s reputation and bottom line. If your applications are frequently down or experiencing issues that affect your users, it’s essential to address these problems quickly before they turn into bigger problems.
Application downtime is costly; the Ponemon Institute revealed that the average cost of downtime is $9,000 per minute. For large organizations, this could translate to millions of dollars in losses per hour. Frequent system outages and performance issues harm user experience and also increase the risk of losing customers to competitors who focus on keeping their downtime to a minimum.
Outsourcing application management services ensures that your applications are consistently monitored and optimized, which leads to fewer disruptions and smoother user experiences. Application managed service providers use advanced tools to monitor application health 24/7, identify performance issues, and apply fixes proactively. By outsourcing to an expert, you reduce the risk of downtime, ensuring your business runs without unnecessary interruptions.
- Security Is Becoming a Huge Concern for Your Organization
Cybersecurity threats are becoming more concerning every day, with the number of cyberattacks on businesses rising dramatically. In fact, Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Because of this growing threat, it is essential to stay on top of application security as part of the application management services. This is something many in-house teams may struggle with due to resource constraints.
If your internal team lacks the capacity to address security vulnerabilities in your applications or to stay compliant with evolving regulatory standards, application management outsourcing will be a strategic choice. Outsourcing application management and support ensures that your software receives the latest security patches, is protected against emerging threats, and adheres to industry standards and regulations like GDPR.
- You Want to Focus on Core Business Functions
Your core business functions, whether it includes sales, marketing, customer service, or product development, are where you can add the most value and drive growth to your company. If your team is busy because of the constant maintenance tasks and application management services, it will take time away from more important activities that can contribute to your company’s strategic goals and growth.
By outsourcing application maintenance, your internal team can focus on what they do best while leaving the technicalities of software upkeep to experts. This can improve productivity, accelerate innovation, and give your company a competitive edge in the marketplace.
- Your Applications Are Becoming More Complex and Require Specialized Knowledge
As your business continues to grow, the complexity and scope of your software applications will also grow. For example, custom-built applications, legacy system integrations, and multiple third-party tools can make internal management incredibly challenging and require a lot of time and attention.
This leads to an increasing need for more sophisticated application management services, as it will become harder to manage them internally without significant expertise. Also, if your business is facing a growing number of integrations, increased user bases, or custom-built functionalities that require expert management, outsourcing to an application managed services provider can ensure everything runs smoothly and take a lot off your plate.
Benefits of Outsourcing Application Maintenance
If you think your company needs to outsource application management services but are still not sure, it’s important to also know the benefits of outsourcing application maintenance and support to help you decide. Some of the most compelling benefits include the following:
- Scalability and Flexibility
One of the key advantages of outsourcing application management and support is the scalability it offers. Your business can quickly scale services up or down based on demand without the need to hire or lay off employees. As your application evolves or business needs change, outsourced providers can adjust their support levels to match your needs and preferences.
- Access to Advanced Tools and Technologies
Application management services providers often use the most modern tools and technologies that your in-house team may not have access to. This is mainly because these companies have time to research and stay up to date with the latest advancements. This includes advanced monitoring software, automation tools, and the latest security protocols, which ensure your applications are always up to date and performing at their best.
- A Competitive Edge
Because of outsourcing, you’ll be allowed to implement new features or updates more quickly. With a dedicated team focused solely on your application, changes can be deployed faster, allowing your business to respond to customer needs and market trends faster. Having a competitive edge by outsourcing application management services will put your business at the top of the game.
- Proactive Monitoring and Support
With an outsourced partner, your applications will be monitored 24/7 for potential issues, ensuring that problems are identified and resolved before they impact users. This proactive approach helps reduce downtime and keeps your application running smoothly at all times.
Application Management Services and Maintenance with Flairstech
If you’ve decided to outsource application management services, we’re here to help! At Flairstech, we offer comprehensive application managed services designed to maximize the performance and longevity of your applications with the help of our 300+ certified professionals.
With a focus on continuous improvement, we work on enhancing system efficiency by 40% and reducing operational costs by 30%, making sure that your applications run smoothly and cost-effectively. Our team manages a diverse range of applications, including Web, Mobile, Desktop, Enterprise, and Cloud-Based Applications, as well as Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
Our proactive approach includes 24/7 monitoring, timely updates, performance optimization, bug fixes, and security patches, all tailored to meet your specific business requirements. Our commitment to quality is shown in our ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications, ensuring adherence to global standards for information security and quality management for better application management services.
In addition, we are fully GDPR compliant, safeguarding the privacy and protection of your sensitive data. With Flairstech, you gain a trusted partner for reliable, secure, and scalable application management, empowering your business to stay competitive in an evolving digital landscape.
Maintaining and managing your applications has become one of the most important tasks if you want to improve your software’s performance, ensure security, and reduce operational costs. This is why it’s important to decide early on if you can do it in–house or outsource.
By partnering with a skilled application management services provider, you gain access to certified professionals, advanced tools, and industry best practices, allowing you to focus on your core business objectives while ensuring your applications run seamlessly. If your internal resources are stretched thin or you need specialized expertise, outsourcing to a trusted partner is the key to maintaining a competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is application maintenance and management?
Application maintenance and management involve the continuous process of keeping software applications functional, secure, and up to date. This includes fixing bugs, applying updates and upgrades, optimizing performance, and addressing security vulnerabilities to ensure that the application operates effectively and aligns with business objectives.
- When should a business consider outsourcing application management services?
You should consider outsourcing when your business faces resource constraints, lacks specialized skills, struggles to keep up with technological changes, experiences rising maintenance costs, or deals with frequent downtime and performance issues. Outsourcing helps businesses scale their operations without the burden of hiring and training in-house staff for every specialized task.
- What are the benefits of outsourcing application management services?
Outsourcing provides several advantages, including scalability and flexibility, access to advanced tools and technologies, reduced operational costs, proactive monitoring and support, and a competitive edge. This ensures that your application remains modern, secure, and optimized without draining internal resources.
- How can outsourcing help reduce operational costs?
Outsourcing application maintenance services can save businesses money by eliminating the need to hire full-time employees, pay for training, or cover overhead costs. Instead, companies can pay only for the services they need, leading to predictable and reduced operational costs.
- How does outsourcing ensure better security for applications?
Outsourcing to experts ensures that your applications receive timely security updates, vulnerability patches, and are protected against emerging threats. Outsourcing providers are often equipped with the latest security protocols and knowledge, making it easier to stay compliant with regulations like GDPR and safeguard sensitive data.
- Is it expensive to run an app?
Yes, it’s expensive to run an app and keep it going. This is why it’s important to focus on application management services to help you avoid additional costs.
- Can outsourcing improve application performance?
Yes, outsourcing helps ensure consistent monitoring and optimization of your applications. Managed service providers use advanced tools to identify and fix performance issues proactively, reducing downtime and improving user experience, which ultimately helps maintain higher system efficiency.
- How can frequent downtime impact my business?
Frequent downtime can disrupt business operations, negatively affect user experience, and damage your company’s reputation. It can lead to lost revenue, reduced customer trust, and higher operational costs as you scramble to fix issues. In severe cases, prolonged downtime can result in customer churn and competitive disadvantages.
- What causes application downtime, and how can it be prevented?
Application downtime can be caused by factors such as server failures, software bugs, poor system performance, or security vulnerabilities. Preventing downtime requires proactive monitoring, regular maintenance, timely updates, and efficient troubleshooting. Outsourcing application management services can help identify and address potential issues before they cause disruptions.
Leave a Reply