If you are considering managed IT support one of the first things you may be wondering is how much it will cost.
You aren’t alone. We’ve answered this question for hundreds of customers and have a good idea of what your costs will look like.
In this article, I’ll walk you through different pricing models for managed IT support so you can have all of the information you need to decide what would work best for your organization.
Before we get into the pricing models, I’ll give you a brief overview of what managed IT support is and how it differs from other support offerings.
This information will give you have a complete understanding of the pricing and service structure of managed IT support providers.
What Is Managed IT Support?
Fully managed support includes everything your IT infrastructure needs to perform optimally. From monitoring to maintenance, to strategic planning, managed IT support is a proactive way to make sure your IT infrastructure has what it needs to support your business and to reduce your risk of security incidents.
With a predictable monthly cost, your organization gets the services it needs to keep your business running smoothly and safely.
Read this article to learn what managed IT support includes and what it costs.
Wondering if managed IT is a good solution for your organization? Click the button below for a managed IT support checklist you can use to self-assess whether it might be a good fit for your organization.
This article explains what isn’t included in managed IT support so that you'll have a full understanding of this option.
Is There More Than One Pricing Model For Managed IT Support?
The short answer is yes!
Some providers allow clients to pick and choose the options they want included in their service package.
Others have different levels of support that they offer in a tiered approach.
Still others encourage customers to commit to an all-inclusive support package that provides optimal coverage for their entire infrastructure.
What Does Each Option For Managed IT Support Pricing Plans Look Like?
When considering managed IT support, there are several pricing plans to consider. Typically priced based on the number of users and the length of the commitment, your options for managed IT support typically fall into the following pricing models:
1. Fully Managed
This pricing plan includes all of the monitoring and maintenance every infrastructure needs to reduce risk and perform optimally.
The thinking behind this approach is that no matter the size of the organization and technology backbone, every infrastructure needs the same elements of care just on a different scale.
2. A La Carte
There are providers that allow customers to pick and choose the services they need based on the size of their organization, complexity of their infrastructure, and presumed level of risk. This model can work well for organizations that have some dedicated internal resources and want help with specific tasks.
Have the provider explain all of the services available to you. Make sure you understand the choices you are making, so that you don’t forego a critical service simply due to cost.
3. Packages
Some providers offer different levels of care packages at different price points.
Organizations pay more for the premium package which typically includes a full complement of IT maintenance and support similar to the fully managed option mentioned above.
This model allows flexibility for organizations that might have internal staff members who can handle some of their IT tasks.
Be mindful that you may not find managed networks and managed backup solutions included in base-level packages. These are critical elements of infrastructure care that should not be ignored.
Are There Other Options Besides Managed IT Support?
Yes! Some organizations opt for break-fix IT support, a pay-as-you-go, reactive model. Something breaks, you pay someone to fix it. The advantage of this type of support is that you pay only for the services you use. The main disadvantage is that your costs are unpredictable and the quality of service may vary.
Learn 4 key differences between break/fix and managed IT support.
This is a viable option for some organizations, so I never discount it.
Related article: What Is A Break/Fix Support Provider: The Pros & Cons
What’s The Bottom Line?
In this article, we’ve explored what managed IT support is, whether there is more than once pricing model for this type of support, what the options are and even other options for IT support.
The bottom line is that there are different pricing models for managed IT support that can make it work for different organizations.
Related article: Are Managed IT Services Worth The Cost?
In addition to the pricing model, it’s important to understand that your cost will depend on a number of factors including the number of devices (or users) and the term of your agreement. Shorter terms are typically a little bit more expensive than longer agreements.
Related article: What Factors Affect IT Support Costs? (10 You Need To Know)
Whether you are considering external IT support for the first time or are just looking for a change, make sure to explore several options so that you get a provider that works for your organization.
When evaluating providers, look for one that asks about your business and your goals rather than assuming they know what is best for you. You want your provider to be an extension of your organization and a partner that has your best interests at heart.
Learn 10 of the best questions to ask any external IT support provider.
