IT consultancy and systems integrator Eurodata Systems has launched a new service for mid-market firms designed to provide them with short to medium cover for IT skills shortages.

Neil Keating, commercial director at Eurodata Systems, said that midmarket firms faced with short-term skills shortages traditionally had little choice but to recruit new staff or sign up contractors.

Recruitment is time-consuming and costly, however, Keating argued, while it is difficult to guarantee service consistency when using individual contractors.

Eurodata predicted it will see strong demand for the new service during the summer months when IT departments at midmarket firms often come under pressure - sometimes leading to IT staff being contacted to resolve problems while on leave.