Updated October 2026. Originally published January 30, 2025.
Most small and mid-sized businesses can’t afford, or can’t find, all the IT and security skills they need in-house, which is why outsourcing has become a strategy rather than a shortcut. A single network and computer systems administrator earned a median of $96,800 in 2024 (BLS), and one person can’t cover servers, cloud, security and help desk around the clock. Outsourcing gives you that range of expertise without the overhead of building a full department.
The skills gap is real
Finding the right people is getting harder, not easier. In ISC2’s 2025 Cybersecurity Workforce Study of more than 16,000 professionals, 95% reported at least one skills gap on their teams, and 59% called those gaps critical or significant, up from 44% in 2024 (SecurityInfoWatch). The most-needed skills were AI (41%) and cloud security (36%) (CSO Online). Outsourcing is one of the three main ways security leaders are closing those gaps (MeriTalk).
IT solutions tailored to your needs
Starfish Computer isn’t just an outsourcing option; we’re a partner focused on helping your business grow. Our flexible approach fits the way you work today:
Full IT department. For businesses without IT staff, Starfish Computer can serve as your complete IT department, so technology supports your goals without the burden of managing it in-house.
IT staff augmentation. Already have a team? We add specialized expertise in areas like firewalls, storage, cloud and security, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Project-based support. For one-time needs such as a migration or a Windows 11 refresh, we provide scalable support on your timeline, so you don’t hire permanent staff for temporary work.
The benefits you can expect
Predictable costs. Avoid the expense of hiring, training and retaining an internal IT team, with costs that scale as you grow.
Access to expertise. Tap a team with current knowledge across networking, cloud, security and AI, instead of relying on one generalist.
Focus on your core business. With IT handled, your leaders can spend their time on customers and growth.
Scalability and flexibility. Adjust your IT capabilities as your business changes, without internal restructuring.
Stronger security coverage. An outside team can provide monitoring, patching and incident response that most small businesses can’t staff on their own.
Get started with Starfish Computer
Outsourcing your IT with Starfish Computer means more than filling gaps; it’s a partnership that helps your technology drive your business forward. Whether you need complete IT management or supplemental support, contact us to design a solution that fits your goals.
Protect your business: start with an assessment
The question isn’t whether your business will face a cyber threat, but whether you’ll be ready when it does. Since 1994, Starfish Computer Corporation has helped businesses across Northeast Ohio:
Assess current security posture and risk
Plan a cybersecurity roadmap aligned to NIST CSF 2.0
Implement the right tools and processes for your size and budget
Train your team on today’s threats, including AI-driven scams
Support and improve your security over time
Call (440) 808-0468 or visit starfishcomputer.com to schedule a security assessment.
About the author
R.J. Arhar is President of Starfish Computer Corporation. He has more than 35 years of experience in IT, served as a consultant to the National Institutes of Health, led IT operations for an international security company with more than 8,000 users, and is the author of Attack or Defend – When is Enough Cybersecurity Enough?
This post provides general cybersecurity guidance. Requirements vary by industry and business. Statistics are current as of October 2026; consult Starfish Computer Corporation for a plan tailored to your risk profile.