IT services pricing is one of the most important considerations for any business owner. While there are a wide variety of factors to consider when evaluating different service providers, one of the most important aspects to take into account is pricing.
Before you start searching for a managed service provider (MSP) in Massachusetts, there are a few things to know and consider.
What are managed IT services?
Managed IT services are outsourced IT services in which a third-party provider takes over the monitoring, maintenance and fixing of technology issues remotely. They are often used in conjunction with other solutions, like cloud computing or cybersecurity, to provide a reliable network and computer environment for businesses.
Managed IT services can be a good option for organizations which need to offload some of their IT responsibilities but don't have the resources or expertise to do so themselves.
Managed IT services can include:
- Remote IT support: to track the performance of computers, servers and other devices from a centralized console.
- IT consulting: design, engineering, implementation and maintenance of computer systems.
- Software/hardware support: installation, maintenance, and upgrades of your software and hardware.
- Cybersecurity: providing a strategic approach to protecting your organization from cyber threats and attacks.
- Cloud support: managing and maintaining your cloud environment, data, or conducting migrations.
What influences the cost of managed IT services?
Before deciding on a fee, a managed service provider will assess the complexity of your IT infrastructure. Whether your business needs advanced services instead of basic monitoring and management or has a complicated infrastructure, this will also influence the IT services cost. This price - and any future changes to services - will be determined in the service level agreement (SLA).
The level of service you choose is also important; typically, the more services you require, the higher your fee will be. Some MSPs provide support for only certain devices, while others support a wide range.
Factors to consider:
- What are my IT needs?
- What IT issues does my internal team struggle with?
- Do I need to meet any regulatory requirements?
- What is my budget?
Cost-effective benefits of outsourcing your IT
With a managed IT service provider, you can be confident all the necessary maintenance, upgrades and replacements are being performed at the right time and there will be no downtime when these tasks have to be completed.
Managed IT services offer businesses a way to cut costs by outsourcing the day-to-day tasks their internal teams need to do. This includes everything from managing IT networks and devices to providing technical support. By outsourcing these tasks, you can focus on your core competencies and running your business. In addition, managed IT services can help reduce downtime, which in turn, increases productivity and efficiency.
MSP pricing models
Per device
Your managed service provider will charge you a fee based on the number of devices which require their services. This is not limited to desktops and laptops, but also includes servers and cell phones. However, the types and number of devices will impact the pricing.
Per user
This managed service pricing model will charge you based on the amount of users in your environment who require monitoring and support. If you have a number of part-time employees who use the same devices, this will be more costly - particularly if your employees are seasonal workers.
This model usually does not include servers, and you will need to specify their support and maintenance in your SLA.
Flat rate
A flat rate model will only cover the most basic or essential IT needs of your business, such as monitoring your networks and logging any errors or suspicious activity. Active maintenance of any issues discovered will incur additional charges.
This model is generally a more cost-effective option for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), or those who do not utilize much IT in their daily operations.
What services do MSPs offer?
Most MSPs offer a wide range of common IT services which caters to most businesses. These include:
- Remote and/or onsite IT support
- Network monitoring and management
- Cloud computing services
- Cybersecurity services
- Data backup and disaster recovery
- IT consulting
- Unified communications
- Service desk support
Essential services
Essential services will cover your most basic IT needs, but generally will not include proactive maintenance or fixing issues when they arise.
Mid-range services
Most businesses fall into the mid-range services model; this builds on the essential services model, but your MSP will proactively fix errors and bugs as they arise, and take action against suspicious activity.
This service level can also include basic cybersecurity needs, strategic IT, backup and disaster recovery and service desk support.
Fully managed IT
Some businesses require advanced IT service support, and may choose to have their MSP manage their cloud environment and infrastructure, regulatory compliance control, advanced cybersecurity needs such as endpoint management, or fully hosted systems.
Discover the right IT services for your Massachusetts business
The IT experts at BCS365 offer a wide range of IT services to cover all your business's needs. Talk to them today about your specific requirements, and find out how much you will save when you can focus on growing your business.