Businesses heavily rely on their IT infrastructure to operate efficiently and securely. As a result, many organizations are turning to managed IT service providers (MSPs) to handle their IT needs. However, when considering outsourcing IT services, one crucial question arises: How much does managed IT cost?
In this article, we will delve into some key factors that influence managed services pricing, such as the number of users, servers, and amount of data stored and collected, as well as the importance of risk tolerance level and cybersecurity considerations.
Number of Users/Computers: The number of users within an organization is a significant factor in determining the cost of managed IT services. Managed Service Providers typically charge on a per-user/machine, per-month basis, as each user requires IT support, security measures, software licenses, and hardware provisions. As the number of users increases, so do the workload and resources needed to manage and support their IT needs, resulting in higher service costs.
Number of Locations: The number of locations an organization operates can also be a determining factor when budgeting the cost of managed IT services, as each site will require networking infrastructure, hardware, software provisioning, network security measures, and ongoing maintenance. As the number of locations increases, the complexity of managing and supporting the IT infrastructure multiplies, resulting in higher MSP expenses.
Number of Servers: Another important budget item to consider is the number of servers an organization operates. Servers serve as the backbone of an organization’s IT infrastructure, hosting critical applications, databases, and files. Each server requires maintenance, updates, security measures, and ongoing monitoring for optimal performance and security. As the number of servers grows, the workload and resources needed to manage and support them effectively increase, leading to higher MSP costs.
Data Quantity: Where the number of users, machines, and servers are easy to identify and discuss when first meeting with a potential IT provider, gaining insight into the volume of data generated and stored is much more difficult to ascertain and usually takes time to map out fully.
Data management, security, and backup are critical aspects of modern business operations. MSPs need to allocate resources to monitor and maintain data storage systems, implement robust backup and recovery strategies, and ensure data integrity and compliance. As the amount of data increases, these tasks’ complexity and resource-intensive nature also grow, resulting in additional costs.
Cybersecurity and Risk Tolerance: An organization’s risk tolerance level and associated cybersecurity requirements are crucial considerations in the budgeting process of managed IT services. Industries with high-risk profiles, stringent compliance regulations, and significant cyber threats may require extensive security measures. Compliance with laws such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others necessitates specific security controls, regular audits, and ongoing monitoring. Meeting these compliance standards and implementing robust cybersecurity measures incur additional monthly costs.
Changing Needs: Organizations and their environments are dynamic entities, and their IT requirements change accordingly. MSPs must adapt to these evolving needs, offering scalable solutions and responsive support. However, accommodating such changes requires additional planning, resources, and flexibility; when determining your budget for MSP services, it is essential to consider your future growth plans and the potential need for future IT infrastructure expansion or upgrades.
Open communication with MSPs is vital for aligning the pricing of their services. Considering the factors discussed here, you can make informed decisions and effectively balance IT management within your operating budget.
IT costs are usually charged as monthly flat fees, making them predictable, scalable, and easy to budget for. Here are two-tiered pricing models that we at Meeting Tree Computer offer:
Basic Security 2023 ($60 monthly per user/$39 per machine)
BS2023 is the cheapest entry-level service on our tier list. At $99 per user/machine per month, you get the most fundamental IT support and security protection every business needs. Endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication (MFA), 24/7 helpdesk support, data backup and recovery, and email anti-spoofing are provided with this package.
Excluded from this package a.o.: site security, training
Advanced Security 2023 ($60 monthly per user/$59 machine)
AS2023 is our mid-tier plan and the most popular. It costs $119 per user/machine per month and expands on the basic plan. The additional services in this package further improve security through better threat hunting, detection, and response. It also focuses on user protection, including cybersecurity awareness training and phishing simulations.
Excluded from this package a.o.: site security and compliance management/ requirements.
For enterprise-level solutions and packages suited for those in highly regulated industries such as healthcare and finance, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
In our 20+ years of service, Meeting Tree Computer has partnered with businesses of different types and sizes. If you’re interested in working with us and are looking for tailor-made or enterprise-level solutions for your business, please get in touch. We’re looking forward to learning more about your business.
