The term IT managed service provider, often abbreviated simply as MSP, can be confusing to new and small business owners. However, because we’re most beneficial to small and medium sized businesses, we want to help you understand what we are and do.
What is an MSP?
An IT managed service provider can be lots of things. For very small businesses, we can act as you entire IT team. We can supply and configure hardware, offer troubleshooting services, manage your software licenses and ensure that your data is safe and backed up. For larger businesses who have an IT team on staff, we offer supplemental services like cybersecurity and WiFi testing and configuration. Other companies simply rely on us for data backup and restoration when needed.
How Much Does an MSP Cost?
That very much depends on your business and needs. You can choose to pay an IT managed service provider a monthly fee that covers a contracted list of services each month if you need a predicable monthly cost. Or, if your needs are only occasional, hire an MSP on an as needed basis. You can also choose a contract for some services and pay as needed for other services offered. Most MSPs can create a contract that will work with your budget.
Why Choose an MSP Over Hiring One IT Staff Member?
This is one of the most common questions we’re asked as an IT managed service provider. Although you may at first think that hiring a staff member will be less expensive, there are drawbacks. For example, what do you do when they are on vacation or sick and an issue arises? Are you planning on paying for their ongoing training and certification as they need it? What kind of bulk buying discount can you get vs. an MSP? Also, don’t forget that your staff member costs more than just their salary. When you partner with an IT managed service provider, you essentially hire their entire team of professionals to be on call for when you need them.
Let Toucan Technology Group Provide You With Managed Services
As a locally owned and operated IT managed service provider, we customize our contracts to meet each individual business’s needs. Whether you want full MSP services or need us to fill in on the services your IT staff can’t provide, we are ready to help. Call us today for your free consultation at (317) 376-4874 or fill out our contact form and we’ll call you.
