What is an IT Consultant & What Do They Do?

In the world of technology, keeping up with the latest advances can be a daunting challenge. New tools and trends are constantly emerging, and it can be difficult to know which strategies will be most effective for your business.

This is where an IT consultant comes in.

While you might have heard of IT consultants before, do you really know what they do? If not, don’t fret. You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss what an IT consultant is, how they work, and the various services they can provide. So let’s get started!

What is an IT consultant?

An IT (Information technology) consultant is a professional who provides expert advice to help businesses improve their use of technology and achieve specific goals relating to their IT systems and infrastructure. 

They are experts in tech solutions and typically work on a project-by-project basis, helping companies by providing strategic recommendations and tactical advice in order to resolve any IT issues or challenges they may be facing. As such, IT consultants must also possess strong client management skills in order to understand the company’s needs and craft tailored solutions for them.

IT consultants may work for an IT consultancy firm, IT service provider, or as independent consultants. Which is right for you will depend on your individual business objectives and needs.

What does an IT consultant do?

The role of an IT consultant may vary depending on the specific needs of the client, but some of the most common tasks performed include:

• Assessing current IT systems and identifying areas for improvement
• Developing and implementing IT plans and strategies
• Managing IT projects and ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the client’s needs
• Designing and implementing new IT systems
• Creating and managing data and disaster recovery plans
• Providing cybersecurity and IT risk management advice to ensure the business is adequately protected
• Training the client’s staff on how to use new IT systems and software effectively

An IT consultant is different from IT support or technicians as they are more comprehensive and proactive. They focus on strategic expertise and help businesses apply technology to their business plan and growth strategies.

To be successful as an outsourced IT consultant, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the latest technologies and IT industry trends, excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with clients and team members, and the willingness to keep learning and adapting to changes (or specific business software) as they emerge.

Why hire an IT consultant?

Previously a world leader in technology, the US may soon experience a severe lack of IT workers, as India rises to potentially the most technologically advanced country in the world. This is just one IT statistic illustrating how IT outsourcing will become even more strategically important to Western countries in the coming years.

As a business owner trying to navigate these complex changes in the technology industry,  IT consultancy is a natural starting point.

There are several reasons why businesses may benefit from hiring an IT consultant. Some of the key benefits of bringing in a consultant include:

• Expertise and experience: IT consultants have the technical expertise and experience to provide strategic advice and practical solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of their clients.
• Efficiency: Consultants are typically able to complete projects quicker than in-house staff because of their specialisation.
• Cost-effectiveness: Working with a consultant can be more cost-effective than hiring a full-time, on-site IT staff member.
• Flexibility: Consultants can be brought in on a project-by-project basis and scaled according to the business’s needs, which allows companies to be more responsive to changes and more adaptable as the business grows.
• Access to new technologies: Working with a consultant means gaining access to the latest technology, which may not be available to in-house staff or operations.

Why hire Binary Blue IT consultants?

Expert IT consultants like Binary Blue provide businesses with insightful advice for turning their technology into a strategic asset. We help businesses optimize their IT infrastructure, implement robust cybersecurity protocols, and maintain compliance with industry regulations like HIPAA and PCI compliance. 

Offering migration and integration services that seamlessly incorporate your legacy systems with current and future technologies, we can help you avoid the business disruptions that come with technology transitions. We’re also a Microsoft Gold Partner, so you know you’re in the best technical hands.

Get in touch today to see how our IT consultants can support you.

How to compare and choose the best IT consultant for you

When choosing an IT consultant, there are several factors to consider. Some important criteria to take into account include:

• Reputation and references: Ensure you do your research and read reviews from other clients they’ve worked with before.
• Technical knowledge and experience: Make sure the consultancy firm has expertise in the specific technologies you need assistance with.
• Communication: Choose a consultant who is willing to listen to your needs and explain technical concepts in plain language.
• Flexibility: Look for a consultancy firm that understands your individual objectives and can provide creative solutions tailored to your business.
• Pricing: Compare the fees of different consultants and ensure you get good value for money.

At Binary Blue, our staff of experienced IT professionals can provide you with the comprehensive support and advice you need to keep your business running smoothly. We take the time to understand your individual objectives and design a strategy that meets them.

With us, you don’t just get access to cutting-edge technologies – you also get the confidence of knowing that everything is properly configured and secure.

And finally…

If you’re looking for an IT consultant who can help you unlock the full potential of your IT infrastructure, look no further than Binary Blue.

Our professional team of IT consultants possesses the technical expertise, experience, and business acumen to guide your journey, ensuring your business’s technology is aligned with your business strategy.

By partnering with Binary Blue’s IT services, you gain access to uplifting business insights, cost savings, improved operation efficiency, and enhanced customer/employee experiences. We provide clients with a personalized experience that is tailored to their specific needs and goals, making them the preferred partner for businesses throughout the UK.

Finally, deciding to work with a professional IT consultant like Binary Blue is an investment in your business’s future. It is a decision that can pay off exponentially as you reduce costs, improve efficiency in operations, maintain compliance, and drive innovation.

Get in touch today to see how our IT consultants can support you.

What is an IT consultant FAQs

What are the daily duties of an IT consultant?

On a day-to-day basis, IT consultant jobs may produce written or oral reports, attend international technical conferences, provide objective advice to clients, and report to a senior consultant or wider consulting firm, among other responsibilities.

What does it require to be an IT consultant?

Skills include project management skills, strong analytical skills, strong communication skills, knowledge of computer science and IT industry trends, plus wider commercial awareness in order to advise effectively. It also requires an ability to align IT best practices with business objectives, allowing for a balance between practical and cost-effective solutions.

What is an example of an IT consultant service?

IT consultants provide a number of services, from writing software and designing databases to recommending security solutions and helping clients migrate data between systems. Another example of an IT consultant service may be to offer objective advice on business processes, such as how to make operations more efficient and cost-effective.