Outsourcing IT Doesn’t Mean Out of USA

Why Local MSPs Are the Smart Choice for IT

For many business owners, the word “outsourcing” triggers a common misconception: sending jobs overseas to save costs. It conjures images of language barriers, timezone conflicts, and losing control over vital business operations.

SofTouch Systems is the #1 MSP to outsource IT

But outsourcing IT isn’t synonymous with offshoring — especially not for small and midsize businesses in the U.S. In fact, outsourcing your IT to a local Managed Service Provider (MSP) is often a smarter, more cost-effective, and secure choice than hiring an in-house team or working with overseas vendors.

This article explains the real meaning of outsourcing IT, breaks down the cost comparisons, and highlights why local partnerships provide the communication, trust, and value your business truly needs.

What Does Outsourcing IT Really Mean?

Outsourcing IT refers to the practice of partnering with a third-party company to manage some or all of your information technology needs. This includes:

  • Network and server management
  • Cybersecurity protection and monitoring
  • Data backups and disaster recovery
  • Help desk support
  • Cloud services
  • Compliance and regulatory support

While some large corporations offshore these tasks to reduce costs, many businesses partner with domestic providers—especially local MSPs—who offer all the benefits of outsourcing without the drawbacks of language and cultural barriers.

The Myth: Outsourcing Equals Offshoring

The confusion between outsourcing and offshoring is understandable, but inaccurate. According to a 2022 Deloitte study, 65% of organizations that outsource IT functions do so within their own country. In the U.S., MSPs like SofTouch Systems serve regional clients with high-touch, highly personalized support that offshoring simply cannot match.

Source: Deloitte Global Outsourcing Survey 2022

The Reality: Local Outsourcing Offers Better Value than In-House IT

Let’s break down the numbers and scenarios:

1. The Real Cost of In-House IT

Hiring a full-time IT specialist costs more than their salary. Consider:

  • Base Salary: ~$75,000/year for a mid-level technician in Texas
  • Benefits & Taxes: 20–30% on top of salary
  • Downtime & Training Costs: New hires often require ramp-up periods
  • Specialized Expertise: You may need multiple hires to cover all IT needs

Total Estimated Annual Cost: $90,000–$110,000+

And that still doesn’t cover 24/7 support or cybersecurity expertise.

2. The Cost of Local Outsourced IT

A local MSP like SofTouch Systems provides comprehensive IT support, including 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, help desk support, and strategic consulting, at a fraction of the in-house cost.

Typical pricing ranges from $1,000–$3,000/month, depending on business size and service level. That’s $12,000–$36,000/year — for an entire IT department.

That’s a minimum savings of $50,000/year, without sacrificing coverage.

Communication and Trust: The Hidden Costs of Offshoring

Many business owners worry about relinquishing control when outsourcing. That fear doubles when the provider is overseas.

Some of the most common pain points include:

  • Language barriers: Miscommunications during troubleshooting or high-stress situations
  • Time zone delays: Waiting overnight for resolution
  • Data compliance risks: Unclear international laws on data privacy
  • Harder to hold accountable: Offshore vendors are beyond the reach of U.S. consumer and business protections

According to the National Small Business Association (NSBA), 57% of small businesses cite “trust” and “clear communication” as essential factors when choosing IT partners.

When you work with a local MSP, you’re not just getting tech support — you’re building a relationship with someone who understands your regional challenges, communicates in your language (both literally and technically), and can be held accountable to U.S. standards.

Why Local MSPs Make Business Sense

Here’s why working with a local IT partner delivers better results:

1. You Know Who You’re Talking To

You’re not routed through international call centers. You get to know your techs, and they get to know your business.

2. Faster, In-Person Support

Local MSPs can show up onsite in emergencies — something offshore teams can’t do.

3. Shared Business Values

Trust grows faster when your IT partner understands the same economic, cultural, and legal environment you operate in.

4. Data Compliance Confidence

Working with a U.S.-based MSP ensures you remain compliant with local data laws like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and CMMC.

You’re Not Just Buying Tech: You’re Buying Peace of Mind

Let’s be honest — most business owners aren’t fluent in cybersecurity, backup protocols, or server specs. You’re experts at your business, not at IT. And that’s okay.

But it’s hard to trust someone you can’t reach, can’t understand, or can’t visit.

A local MSP creates a bridge between your expertise and your IT infrastructure. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. You also don’t have to surrender control to someone a world away. There is a middle ground.

Real-World Examples: Local MSPs Outperform Overseas Vendors

In a 2023 survey by CompTIA, small businesses rated “responsiveness” and “trust” as the top two deciding factors for keeping their MSP. Companies who outsourced locally reported:

  • 4x faster issue resolution
  • 2x more satisfaction with cybersecurity readiness
  • 3x likelihood of renewing the service annually

In contrast, offshore support ranked lowest in user satisfaction, largely due to communication challenges and inconsistent service quality.

When You’re Ready to Outsource IT the Right Way

If your business needs:

  • Professional IT support
  • Reliable cybersecurity
  • Scalable, affordable tech solutions
  • Local partners who speak your language and have your back

Then it’s time to stop thinking of outsourcing as “out of the country.”

Think of it as partnering with a dedicated local team who’s invested in your success.

Ready to Chat with a Local MSP You Can Trust?

SofTouch Systems provides full-service IT management for small and midsize businesses across Central and South Texas. We don’t outsource overseas and neither should you.

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Japan Breaks the Internet Speed Record Using Old Tech

What It Means for IT Infrastructure and Digital Transformation

In a groundbreaking achievement, Japan has shattered the world internet speed record, reaching a staggering 402 terabits per second (Tbps). They did so using standard optical fiber, an accomplishment that dwarfs typical home and business connections worldwide. This milestone not only showcases Japan’s technological prowess but also raises important questions about how IT infrastructure, Managed IT Services, and digital strategies differ between Japan and the United States. Especially in the context of recent 4G to 5G upgrades and the future of Small Business IT Support, Cybersecurity Solutions, and Cloud Services for Business.

Japan breaks the internet speed record: What it means for IT infrastructure and digital transformation by SofTouch Systems.

Japan’s Record-Breaking Internet Speed: A Quantum Leap

Researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) achieved the 402 Tbps speed in March 2024, using commercially available optical fiber. To put this into perspective, the fastest average public internet speed globally is around 291.85 Mbps (megabits per second) in the United Arab Emirates. The United States averages 279.93 Mbps, while Japan’s average is 217.11 Mbps, impressive, but not the fastest for consumers. However, the record-setting 402 Tbps equals 402 million Mbps, a capability that could transform everything from Data Backup and Recovery to Server Management for enterprises and Managed IT Services providers.

Comparing IT Infrastructure: Japan vs. United States

Investment and Expansion

Japan’s digital transformation is fueled by robust government and private sector investments. The country’s data center market is growing from 2,320 MW to 3,660 MW by 2030, with colocation revenue to double. Strategic initiatives like the Digital Garden City Nation, backed by a ¥5.7 trillion investment, are driving digital infrastructure into both urban and rural areas, emphasizing decentralization, sustainability, and IT Compliance and Risk Management.

Meanwhile, the United States is also experiencing a data center boom, driven by the rise of Artificial Intelligence and cloud adoption. Major expansions are underway, with tech giants and energy innovators building new facilities across the country, including Texas, where Texas IT Services and Small Business IT Support are in high demand. The US IT infrastructure landscape is characterized by vast scale, diversity, and a strong focus on integrating AI, cloud, and hybrid models to support enterprise growth.

IT Management and Productivity

A comparative analysis reveals that Japanese firms generally exhibit high IT-use intensity but are less reliant on informational and mission-critical back-office systems compared to their US counterparts. Interestingly, it’s the depth of integration, rather than sheer IT investment, that correlates with higher productivity in both nations. US firms often lead in leveraging advanced information systems for business processes, while Japanese companies focus on holistic digital integration and operational efficiency.

AspectJapanUnited States
Avg. Consumer Speed (2025)217.11 Mbps279.93 Mbps
Data Center GrowthRapid, gov’t-driven, focus on decentralizationRapid, enterprise-driven, focus on AI/cloud
IT Management FocusHigh IT-use intensity, less back-office focusAdvanced info systems, mission-critical use
5G Coverage Target98% by 2024Extensive, but varies by region

The 4G to 5G Leap: A Catalyst for Digital Transformation

The transition from 4G to 5G has been a game-changer for both countries. In Japan, the accelerated rollout of 5G—driven by over $14 billion in investment—has enabled higher data consumption, distributed cloud computing, and edge data center expansion. By targeting 98% national 5G coverage, Japan is laying the groundwork for a digitally integrated society where Network Security, Data Backup and Recovery, and Cloud Services for Business become even more critical.

In the US, 5G has similarly sparked new opportunities for Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity Solutions, especially as businesses adopt hybrid work models and demand faster, more reliable connectivity. However, the US faces challenges in achieving uniform 5G coverage due to its vast geography and regulatory complexities, impacting the consistency of Small Business IT Support and Server Management across regions.

Why This Matters for Businesses and IT Leaders

Japan’s internet speed record is more than a technical feat, it’s a glimpse into the future of digital infrastructure. As both Japan and the US race to expand their IT capabilities, the focus is shifting toward:

  • Managed IT Services: Essential for navigating rapid technological change and ensuring seamless integration of new capabilities.
  • Cybersecurity Solutions: As speeds and connectivity increase, so do risks—making robust Network Security and IT Compliance and Risk Management vital.
  • Small Business IT Support: High-speed, reliable networks enable small businesses to compete globally, leveraging Cloud Services for Business and Data Backup and Recovery for resilience.
  • Server Management and Data Centers: The explosion in data and AI-driven applications demands scalable, energy-efficient, and secure server environments.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s 402 Tbps internet speed record is a wake-up call for the global IT community. It highlights the importance of not just speed, but also strategic investment in IT infrastructure, Managed IT Services, and digital transformation. As 5G becomes the norm and data volumes skyrocket, businesses in both Japan and the US must prioritize cybersecurity, cloud adoption, and IT Consulting Services to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The future of IT belongs to those who can adapt, innovate, and secure their digital assets, whether in Tokyo, Texas, or anywhere in between.

10 AI Prompts Small Business Owners Must Use Now

You’ve heard the buzz. Maybe even tried ChatGPT or Copilot once or twice. But now it’s time to get serious. At SofTouch Systems, we help small business owners actually use AI to save time, spark creativity, and make smarter decisions. These 10 AI prompts small business owners must use now are designed to give you an edge this quarter—whether you’re a roofer, retailer, nonprofit, or local cafe.

Each prompt below includes what to say, why it matters, and how to use the results. Let’s go.

1. “Summarize the biggest changes in my industry over the past 12 months.”

Why this matters:
You’re busy running a business, not reading trade journals. This prompt gives you a quick executive summary of what’s changed, and what to watch out for.

Use it to: Adjust your pricing, packages, or positioning before your competitors do.

2. “What are my local competitors doing differently in their marketing?”

Why this matters:
You can learn a lot from what’s already working, especially in your own ZIP code.

Use it to: Get ideas for social posts, seasonal promos, or SEO keywords your competition is winning with.

3. “Write a 60-second sales pitch tailored to [my business type] customers.”

Why this matters:
Great pitches open doors. Use AI to write one that’s short, powerful, and designed for your exact audience.

Use it to: Post on LinkedIn, record a voicemail greeting, or prep your team for networking events.

4. “Create a list of blog post topics that would attract new [your customer type] this season.”

Why this matters:
Content builds trust. AI can brainstorm titles that rank well and address your customer’s seasonal concerns.

Use it to: Build your blog calendar, newsletter themes, or YouTube scripts.

5. “Draft 5 email subject lines that will increase my open rates for [promotion or update].”

Why this matters:
Even the best email is useless if it doesn’t get opened. AI tests proven patterns (urgency, curiosity, clarity) and tailors them to your topic.

Use it to: Breathe life into your next Mailchimp or CRM campaign.

6. “What are 3 common mistakes businesses like mine make with pricing strategy?”

Why this matters:
You’re leaving money on the table—or scaring off buyers—if your pricing isn’t right. AI can offer insight fast.

Use it to: Rethink service tiers, delivery charges, or bundling ideas.

7. “Write a follow-up message for a lead who hasn’t replied in 7 days.”

Why this matters:
The fortune is in the follow-up. But it’s hard to sound friendly and confident. AI helps strike that balance.

Use it to: Reignite stalled deals without sounding pushy.

8. “Turn this customer testimonial into a social media post that builds trust.”

(Paste the testimonial after the prompt)

Why this matters:
Social proof sells. AI formats it into a post with a hook, call to action, and friendly tone.

Use it to: Create your next Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google post.

9. “What’s one task I do weekly that could be automated?”

Why this matters:
You might be spending hours on work AI can do in seconds. Let it point out one quick win.

Use it to: Start your automation journey with Zapier, Google Sheets, or Trello.

10. “Forecast one trend that could impact [your industry] over the next year, and how I should prepare.”

Why this matters:
This prompt keeps you ahead of the curve. AI scans reports, patterns, and news to help you future-proof your plan.

Use it to: Lead your market instead of reacting to it.

Let SofTouch Systems help show you the power of AI.

Ready to Go From Prompts to Profits?

These AI prompts small business owners must use now aren’t just tricks, they’re tools. The kind that smart business owners use to delegate smarter, plan faster, and outthink the competition.

At SofTouch Systems, we don’t just protect your business—we help you run it better. Let us show you how to plug AI into your workflow the right way.

Schedule a free AI strategy session and we’ll help you customize these prompts for your team, your systems, and your goals.