Types of IT Services You Can Outsource to Scale Your Business

Types of IT services are categories of technology support and solutions that help businesses manage operations, protect data, and drive growth — ranging from network management to cloud consulting. The right mix depends on your size, goals, and in-house expertise. 

The global IT outsourcing market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.48%, taking the industry to a staggering valuation of $812.71 billion by 2029.

Delegating IT tasks, such as software development, network management, or IT support, to external providers lets you tap expert skills without heavy in-house investment.

You can then focus more on your core operations while leaving the technical complexities to professionals.

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There are many types of IT outsourcing, and the one you select should fit your business needs for the utmost efficiency and best results. Our guide will help you make this decision.

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12 Types of IT Services

Outsourcing IT functions lets businesses tap into specialized skills, advanced tools, and industry expertise without the cost of building those capabilities in-house. The right mix depends on your size, goals, and technical needs. Below are 12 commonly outsourced IT service types, each with its scope, typical use cases, and example industries.

1. Managed Service Provider
2. Cybersecurity
3. Business Intelligence & Big Data
4. Cloud Consulting
5. Network Support & Setup
6. IT Help Desk Support
7. Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
8. Software as a Service (SaaS)
9. Hardware Installation & Maintenance
10. IT Training & Employee Support
11. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
12. Troubleshooting & Technical Support

1. Managed Service Provider (MSP)

A managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party company that manages an organization's IT infrastructure and end-user systems. At times, they take full responsibility for their client's IT infrastructure, including cloud technology, hardware, and software. 

Most operate under a service-level agreement that spells out exactly what they’ll manage and how quickly they’ll respond if something breaks. Businesses often bring in an MSP when they need reliable coverage but don’t want the expense of building a large in-house team. The arrangement can suit a fast-growing startup, a company with several offices, or any organization that wants IT systems to run quietly in the background.

2. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity providers work to keep an organization’s information and systems out of the wrong hands. Their work can include scanning for weaknesses, setting up firewalls, testing defenses, and reviewing policies to be sure they meet industry rules. Many follow established frameworks, such as NIST’s, to guide risk assessments and incident response plans. 

These services are especially important for sectors that handle confidential records, like hospitals, banks, and government agencies. Partnering with an outside security team gives companies access to up-to-date threat intelligence and round-the-clock monitoring without overloading internal staff.

3. Business Intelligence & Big Data

Business intelligence and big data services help companies make sense of the huge amount of information they gather every day. A provider might connect sales, customer, and operations data into one system, then create reports or dashboards that highlight trends worth acting on. Some projects focus on spotting patterns in buying habits, while others concentrate on forecasting demand or finding bottlenecks in a supply chain. 

For many organizations, outsourcing is cheaper and faster than building an internal analytics team. Retailers, manufacturers, and logistics firms often use these services to guide planning and keep operations running smoothly.

4. Cloud Consulting

Cloud consulting teams plan, move, and manage workloads in the cloud. Cloud providers offer multi-cloud management services for businesses with multiple cloud platforms. They also handle integrations and hybrid process management for businesses that combine cloud solutions with their on-premise systems.

A partner can right-size resources, set security and backup guardrails, and monitor performance to keep costs in check. Common needs include data center exit, app modernization, and regional expansion. Startups, SaaS providers, and global enterprises use these services for flexibility and compliance without growing a large internal team.

5. Network Support and Setup

Network support teams keep an organization’s systems connected and secure. Their work ranges from wiring a new office and configuring routers to setting up VPNs for remote staff. They may also install and maintain wireless access points, monitor performance, and troubleshoot outages. Many businesses bring in outside help when adding locations, upgrading bandwidth, or replacing older equipment. Reliable network design is essential in schools, hotels, and multi-site retail operations, where even a short outage can disrupt service and hurt the customer experience.

6. IT Help Desk Support

An outsourced help desk gives employees a single place to turn when technology stops working. It might be a quick call to reset a locked account, a chat to fix a software glitch, or an on-site visit for a stubborn hardware problem. The better providers don’t just clear the immediate hurdle — they note recurring issues and recommend ways to prevent them. For smaller companies without a dedicated IT department, this can keep day-to-day operations moving. Medical clinics, legal offices, and other service-based businesses often rely on this kind of support to avoid costly downtime.

7. Data Backup & Disaster Recovery

Backup and disaster recovery services protect the information a business can’t afford to lose. Providers set up regular backups to secure, off-site locations and create step-by-step plans to restore systems after a breach, hardware failure, or natural disaster. Many also test those plans to make sure they work under real-world conditions. These services are vital for organizations where even a short disruption can be costly—think online retailers in peak season, hospitals, or banks. Outsourcing ensures recovery expertise is ready when it’s needed most.

8. Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service, or SaaS, lets companies use applications over the internet instead of installing and maintaining them on their own servers. The vendor takes care of updates, security, and general upkeep, so the software is always current. Some providers also help with setup, connect the software to other systems, and manage who can access what. This approach removes the need for heavy IT infrastructure and makes it easier to try new tools. Schools, marketing firms, and customer service teams often choose SaaS to add capabilities quickly and grow without major hardware costs.

9. Hardware Installation & Maintenance

When a business needs to roll out new hardware or replace older equipment, it’s common to bring in outside technicians. They might be installing servers in a data room, setting up laptops for a new department, or getting networked printers online. Good providers don’t stop at the initial setup — they handle configuration, apply firmware updates, and return for preventive check-ups. That extra attention can keep devices running longer and help avoid costly downtime. Manufacturers, healthcare facilities, and public agencies often lean on these services during office moves, large expansions, or multi-site upgrades.

10. IT Training & Employee Support

Outsourced IT training gives staff the skills and confidence to use new systems the right way. A session might walk through features of recently deployed software, explain a major system upgrade, or cover security practices needed to meet compliance rules. Good trainers adapt the material to fit how a company actually works and deliver it in the format that suits the team — on-site, virtual, or a mix of both. Many also check back in after the rollout to answer questions and smooth out adoption issues. Industries from banking to manufacturing to education use this support to raise productivity and cut down on preventable errors.

11. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, replaces traditional phone lines with internet-based calling. Beyond voice calls, the same system can handle video meetings and instant messaging, all through a single platform. A provider will install the hardware or apps, link them to your existing tools, and keep everything running smoothly. Many businesses choose VoIP for features like call forwarding, voicemail that arrives in your inbox, and usage reports that help manage costs. It’s especially useful for call centers, consulting firms, and hotels where reliable, flexible communication is essential.

12. Troubleshooting & Technical Support

Technical support covers the hands-on work of diagnosing and fixing problems with hardware, software, or networks. Some businesses hire providers for one-off issues; others keep them on retainer for constant coverage. The job might involve repairing a faulty laptop, clearing a network bottleneck, or resolving a bug in a business application. Having experts on call reduces downtime and frees in-house teams for more strategic work. Schools, hospitals, and factories often rely on outsourced tech support to keep critical systems running.

Common IT Outsourcing Services: Quick Overview

Choosing the right mix of outsourced IT services starts with understanding what each type can offer your business. Here’s a side-by-side look at the most common IT services you can outsource, what they offer, who they’re best for, and the kind of work providers typically take on.

Is IT Outsourcing Right for Your Business?

It's essential to determine if this is the right choice for your business. Not every company needs to outsource its tech operations. Startups or small businesses with limited resources might outsource to save money and gain access to expert-level skills they can't afford to hire full-time, while larger enterprises may benefit more from in-house IT teams since they offer more control over business operations.

When deciding between outsourcing and in-house IT, you must keep your business goals in mind. "Start by understanding what you want to achieve, then focus on selecting the right IT outsourcing partner,” says Dmytro Sirant, Chief Technology Officer at OpsWork Co. 

For example, if your company wants to focus on core competencies and reduce operational costs,  you can outsource general IT functions like network management and data backup to a reliable external service.

"Outsource functions that will unload your dev team and deliver the greatest value and impact," Sirant explains. "It could be infrastructure optimization, CI/CD automation, or cloud scalability." You should plan to outsource tasks that are not your company's main focus, allowing you to concentrate on what your business does best.

But if that's not the case, an external provider can fill the gaps in your team's knowledge. "Involve external experts at any point where your team is struggling with specific operational challenges," Sirant recommends.  "Outsourcing can provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for these bottlenecks." 

The bottom line is that it's not always about switching to outsourcing or solely relying on your internal team. Balancing the two is often the more strategic approach.

For example, your internal teams can manage day-to-day IT operations while an outsourcing partner handles the cloud or cybersecurity. The partnership should ultimately streamline your company’s IT operations.

"Typically, [our clients] already have some development teams and are looking for ways to make the whole software development process more efficient and the software product more reliable and stable," Sirant shares. Since the development team is not overburdened with additional tasks, they can focus all their energy on making the final software product a success. 

How to Choose the Right IT Services

The easiest way to find the right mix of IT services is to work through the decision step by step. This keeps you focused on what your business actually needs, instead of getting distracted by a long list of “nice-to-have” options.

1. Start with your goals. Are you trying to fix recurring outages, protect sensitive data, cut costs, or speed up delivery times? Put those priorities in writing — they’ll guide every other choice you make.
2. Look at what’s in place now. Review your systems, tools, and the skills your team already has. Note where things run smoothly and where the same problems keep showing up.
3. Match gaps to service types. If your network is unreliable, look at providers who specialize in network support. If you’re storing customer health records, security and compliance should lead the list.
4. Think ahead. Factor in any regulations you must follow and whether the service can scale as your company grows.
5. Make a short list. Focus on providers who can meet your must-haves, fit your budget, and have experience in your industry.

Choose the Best IT Outsourcing Partner for Your Business

Choosing the right IT outsourcing partner should be based on your organizational objectives and current requirements, including but not limited to specific IT services, compliance with industry regulations, scalability, and cost savings.

You can opt for MSPs to get a full-featured IT management service or choose selective outsourcing. The specific tasks you decide to outsource will depend on existing in-house expertise and your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of IT services?

Businesses commonly rely on services like managed IT (MSP), cybersecurity, business intelligence & big data, cloud consulting, network setup, help desk support, data backup & disaster recovery, SaaS, hardware installation, IT training, VoIP, and technical support. Each tackles different challenges — from protecting data to improving productivity — so matching them to your needs is key.

Which IT services are most in demand in 2025?

In 2025, cybersecurity, cloud consulting, managed services, and data analytics are leading the pack. Organizations are facing more cyber threats, moving infrastructure to the cloud, and leaning on MSPs for comprehensive support. At the same time, they want data insights sooner, which has pushed up demand for BI and analytics.

How do IT services benefit small businesses?

For small businesses, outsourcing IT brings big advantages: expert support without hiring full-time staff, faster issue resolution, greater security, and access to tools they’d otherwise can’t afford. It also frees up internal teams to focus on customers and growth instead of wrestling with IT headaches.

What’s the difference between IT outsourcing and managed IT services?

IT outsourcing is a broad term for hiring an external provider for specific tech tasks—like app development or help desk support. Managed IT services, on the other hand, are a type of outsourcing that covers ongoing oversight of your whole IT environment. So, all managed services are outsourced, but outsourcing doesn’t always mean full management.

Can IT services help my business comply with industry regulations?

Absolutely. A capable partner can build systems and processes that meet those requirements and keep them current as regulations change.
Examples include:

• Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant storage and secure transfer of medical records.
• Retail and e-commerce: PCI DSS measures to protect payment card data at every step.
• Any company serving EU residents: GDPR-ready policies for collecting and managing personal information.

In regulated industries, these obligations often guide the project from the start. A good provider won’t just put security in place — they’ll supply the records, testing, and follow-up needed to prove you’re meeting the rules.

About the Author

Hannah Hicklen Content Marketing Manager at Clutch

Hannah Hicklen is a content marketing manager who focuses on creating newsworthy content around tech services, such as software and web development, AI, and cybersecurity. With a background in SEO and editorial content, she now specializes in creating multi-channel marketing strategies that drive engagement, build brand authority, and generate high-quality leads. Hannah leverages data-driven insights and industry trends to craft compelling narratives that resonate with technical and non-technical audiences alike. 

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