Managed IT services and flat rate fees: what to expect

If you plan to hire a managed IT service provider (MSP), then you’ll want to know the fees they usually charge. 

Most MSPs have flat rate fees, which may range on a sliding scale depending on your exact requirements, number of users and servers.

Compared with paying IT professionals for a call out each time you have a problem, MSPs provide a range of ongoing monthly services which can help you avoid costly problems from arising. 

By charging you a monthly fee, you are able to know what your expenses will be each month, so you can plan your budget. Depending on your contract, that fee may however change - for example if it’s linked to the number of users you have and you hire more staff. 

How to estimate your MSP costs and needs

Before you hire an MSP, you’ll need to figure out what services you actually require, as that will affect the fees you’ll pay.

Do you need help with your computers, your network, performing routine backups, with cybersecurity and training?

Once you are more specific about your needs, you can then find a provider who can assist you.

Remember that not all MSPs are able to provide comprehensive services, so you’ll need to be discerning when choosing an MSP partner.

At NB Technology, we provide a comprehensive range of IT services, which include:

• Managed IT services and support
• Managed cloud backup and disaster recovery 
• Managed cloud services
• Cybersecurity services
• Network consulting
• Structured voice and data cabling
• Web services
• Phone and internet services 

In terms of NB Technology’s managed IT services and support, we can help you manage the most complex IT projects.

Our friendly, highly trained and specialized team is able to provide you with:

• IT systems monitoring 24/7 and 365-days a year
• Remote and on-site technical support
• Ransomware and malware protection
• Network and firewall management
• Server and PC backup management
• WiFi management
• Remote workforce management
• Proactive system maintenance
• Hardware and software procurement
• An online support ticket system
• Vendor management

By partnering with NB Technology, you’ll get peace of mind that our proactive and expert team will provide you with around the clock and ongoing monthly IT support so that you can stay productive and not have to deal with IT disruptions.

MSP pricing structures: user based, device based or tiered

It’s important to bear in mind that some MSPs charge fees based on how many users you have, while others will charge fees based on how many devices or workstations you have. 

Many MSPs charge per device as that makes it easy to manage, although it may not be as easy to scale when you add new devices. Charging per user can cover all devices a user may have including laptop, printer, smartphone etc. and is easier to scale as you add or remove employees. 

Tiered packages often bundle various services at a flat fee for each company.

What factors affect your MSP fees?

No two company needs and requirements will be the same. That's why an MSP needs to assess your particular needs and create a customized solution.

However, the main factors that affect the MSP’s price include the range and complexity of services that you require, the number or users or devices, the number of servers and how much data you have, whether your MSP will provide all or just some of your IT services, and whether you will need additional services in future or not. 

It’s critical that you have an in-depth chat with any prospective MSP before discussing fees, so that they can properly assess your needs and goals and give you a reliable and appropriate cost estimate.

MSP service level agreements: how do they work?

When you enter into an agreement with an MSP to provide you with managed IT services, you will typically sign a service-level agreement (SLA) which will detail exactly what they will provide you with each month.

That helps to set expectations and manage your professional working relationship.

A SLA will also often provide the metrics by which you can measure the quality of their services. And it should include expectations around response times, and on-site service calls or remote assistance. 

Most MSPs will detail what level of network uptime and availability they can provide (typically around 99.9%), what guarantees they provide for their help desk support services, and whether they can provide 24/7 support.

How much will I be charged for add-on IT services?

Most standard packages provided by MSPs are comprehensive, but there could be additional optional extras that you may like to opt for. 

That could include advanced cybersecurity protection services for example, which may come with a 24-hour security operations center that monitors, detects, analyzes and deals with any threats - beyond the standard level of protection that most companies would opt for. 

The cost of additional services will depend on the nature and complexity of the service, and the size of your network.

Final thoughts on the cost of managed IT support

Many companies are realizing the range of benefits from having managed IT services that are provided by an outsourced partner. 

These include the ability to access a range of specialized IT skill sets, having access to 24/7 IT support and being able to save costs on IT services. 

It’s important that you choose an MSP who can provide you with a range of comprehensive MSP services, and who understands your exact needs and can customize and scale solutions to suit those requirements. 

At NB Technology we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive MSP services. Our expert and friendly staff can assist you with even the most complex IT projects. 

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your managed IT support and services needs and any inquiries you may have.