It is every organization’s goal to remain top-notch within their respective industries. In 2021, Facebook and WhatsApp suffered an outage for one hour. During that time, Facebook lost $163,565 per minute. Unfortunately, even the best organizations can be prone to losses that are exacerbated by poor IT management.
Businesses not only suffer losses due to high churn rates, but they might also experience losses due to outside malicious activities such as cyber-attacks and hacking. The rising cases of data breaches are a major concern for small, medium, and large-sized organizations. Utilizing IT services to protect your IT infrastructure is vital, considering the ever-changing technological advancement of malicious outside parties. As the methods of hacking have become more sophisticated, there is an even greater need for advanced protection and prevention.
When considering the losses to your business due to downtime, managed IT services are critical for keeping your organization on the path to success.
There are many important factors when considering managed IT services pricing.
Key Considerations for IT services
Before choosing the managed IT services from a third party in Atlanta, there are a few pointers important factors to consider:
- Budget
- Offered Services and Needs
- Financial and legal risks
- Services pricing
BUDGET
Every successful organization seeks the smartest the most cost-effective solution. Given the prevalence of cyber security risks, finding the services that suit your budget is essential.
The importance of budgeting for managed IT services cannot be understated. Having the right managed IT services budget is critical. For example, your organization may have budgeted $2000 or $3000 per month, whereby you can choose your managed IT needs.
However, your budget may not fulfill the basic needs of your company. Is your budget enough to cover that downtime? There is an important question to consider before allocating a budget for IT services.
In addition, the third-party MSP you are considering hiring might charge you for products already used by your organization. Hence, you could be unknowingly paying for services already bought. Therefore, it is important to get to know about the products offered by the potential service providers beforehand.
Many organizations choose to implement partial protection or compulsory protection. This policy is unwise and should be avoided. It is unrealistic to have only a few aspects of a business covered under IT services. Full IT protection is the only sure way for an organization to manage and prevent any losses. Risking your organization’s productivity and efficiency by cutting IT service costs is poor planning. Properly budgeting for IT services will defiantly save you from huge losses in the future.
When considering managed IT services pricing, here are three main pricing hierarchies:
“Break/Fix” type of managed IT services are based on an hourly rate or a single price. The key benefit is that you pay as long as you take the service. The usual charges are between $150- $200 per hour. There are no liabilities later on. However, it is not a service commonly used among companies. Break/Fix IT service is not recommended for long-term usage.
Per device type of managed IT services are based on monthly charges. An organization might have to pay $35 to $250 per device to manage several services. With each service type, 24/7 coverage is available. It has a more predictable pricing structure than “Break/Fix” IT services. The charges may vary depending on the number of devices under management. Also, it can be customized according to devices used in the organization.
A full-stack IT Managed services facility is offered per user. A monthly charge of $125 to $175 Is applicable. It has the most predictable pricing and it also provides 24×7 coverage. The key benefit is 100% network protection and hardware coverage. A support team of experts is provided for the same price. It is the most recommended IT service package for companies of any size. Full-stack IT service comprehensively integrates all the essential aspects of IT services required to run an organization smoothly and securely.
OFFERED SERVICES AND NEEDS
Before signing up with a third-party managed service provider, carefully consider your organization’s needs, as well as the services offered by the potential provider.
Most large IT service companies offer technical assistance through service calls from your employees. It is essentially a type of remote support. However, it is complex and difficult for a non-technical individual to understand. Many managed IT service providers take a direct look at the problem only if it is a tier II or tier III issue. Otherwise, you are most likely to speak to a representative before any help arrives.
This is a way to lower the cost of IT services for your business. But this could also mean an increased vulnerability of employees and client data. In this scenario, your organization is more likely to suffer from a data breach. But if this does not concern you, your organization can go for an outsourced helpdesk provider for IT management.
For an optimized and robust IT system, you can choose IT services that can meet your specific needs. It is worthwhile to consider an IT service provider that has a Network Operations Center (NOC). Consider the following essential services:
- Virtual Servers
- Data Backup
- Disaster Recovery
- On-site Support
- Software support
- Hardware support
- Additional IT Service
Virtual Servers
Server virtualization is a great option to keep your company protected. Most IT companies offer this service. The key benefit is that the physical location of the servers is spread among several locations.
On average, one-third of organizations experience some form of downtime every month. However, utilizing a service that incorporates vital servers can substantially reduce losses due to technical glitches.
Hosting virtual servers is provided by a third-party company providing IT services. If your organization suffered from a network loss, CMIT managed IT services can prevent further network losses. Preventing network losses maintains productivity and keeps your business running smoothly.
Data Backup
Data Backup is one of the most comprehensive IT managed service plans offered. Data backup is employed to prevent any data loss during server downtime or corruption. Data backup is a critical step to stop data loss from breaches.
External hard drives and clouds are the best way to store information. A system backup saves data until normal IT functional conditions are available.
Disaster Recovery
Once the network downtime period is over, you can re-access the data from the cloud to your local data storage space. A good quality managed IT service company offers the best cloud services that effectively back up data at specific intervals and quickly reestablish data post network downtime.
On-site Support
Most IT services in Atlanta offer on-site support to the organizations. However, it is important to investigate the cost of on-site visits and services. Here are some important questions to ask a potential service provider:
- What is the number of help desks for each month?
- How many free help desks are available before the actual fee charge?
- What does an “all-inclusive” tagline mean?
- How are updates and issues resolved?
- What method is used to keep current with new technology?
- Is there an on-site fee for engineer visits? If so, what are the costs?
- How to understand the needs of the company?
- Are there testimonials and references of the previous customers available?
- Is there a local presence?
Software Support
A third-party managed IT service provider offers software and essential tools. However, the cost for software is additional unless it is included in the network security offering.
As mentioned above, you may already be paying for specific software. Therefore, it might be a repetitive expense. You must confirm with the IT team before signing up for the features.
Hardware Support
Maintaining hardware is an additional cost. Adding new devices and equipment to your organization can be quite expensive. While third-party partners often include expenses in their service contracts, it is prudent to examine the specifics regarding additional hardware products. Do not lay your trust in the IT services, until you are sure that their service contract is in line with your organization’s IT strategy.
Additional IT Service
Important budget-friendly IT service factors to consider by any organization by any Atlanta-based organization are described below:
Mobile Device Management
Organizations with employees utilizing mobile devices are vulnerable to security breaches internally and unintentionally. Malicious emails to employees are the easiest way to damage a company’s data. Adequate mobile device management ensures complete protection.
Compliance Considerations
Managed IT service providers offer an internal IT professional who can support all the organization’s needs. The biggest advantage to the organization is properly aligning IT professionals with compliance considerations.
Firewall Protection
A firewall is a device that acts as a protective barrier between your company’s network and the outside network. The purpose is to block specific data managed by internal IT specialists or managed IT, service providers.
Service Level Agreement
Always ensure that a comprehensive service level agreement is present between your organization and managed IT, service provider.
Virtual Chief Information Office
The Virtual Chief Information Office is a valuable feature offered by managed IT service providers. The virtual chief information office acts in the same manner as an actual chief officer for any company. The virtual chief information office suggests valuable recommendations on best practices and new technologies to improve company strategy. In addition, it adds layers of security within the same expense.
Experience
Qualified managed service providers for IT needs have professionals with extensive knowledge, experience and are up to date on the latest devices and technology. They have a deep grasp of the cyber world and the latest IT-related events.
Interestingly, most IT companies Host information technology functions by hiring experts in specific areas. They have comprehensive teams of professionals. A third-party IT service team could have decades of experience.
SERVICES PRICING
Break/Fix Managed Services Pricing
These are very short-term services just like fixing small repairs. These services are used only for specific situations. It will come under full-service managed services.
The cost for break/fix services is usually charged by the hour. Often, the cost of services is $150 or more per hour. The company fixes the issues on-site and offers full services. However, the lost data cannot be recovered under such circumstances.
If an organization can only afford break/fix services, then you must take steps to maintain the hardware and systems on your own.
This option will be less expensive however, it comes with a lot of self-management. Therefore, you must decide very carefully.
Per Device Services Pricing
Per Device Protection Services are mainly for the company devices such as laptops and computer systems. For every device used, the network is protected for a specific price per device. The services can be extended depending on the number of devices used.
The typical cost per device is $35-$250 per month. Each piece of equipment used within the company can be insured under this pricing.
Managed IT Services Per User
The managed IT services include all the essential considerations mentioned above. It is a very comprehensive IT service plan that safeguards your network, equipment, and offers help desk support during a crisis. Such services also provide advice and consultations to implement and maintain the best plans for your business.
Some third-party companies offer partial assortment. However, a program offering a partial assortment is not beneficial in the long run. It is essential to go for full protection to avoid any vulnerability.
The full-stack services offered by an IT company ensure the implementation of software to keep away the hackers. It also comes with assistance during data breaches or data theft issues.
The typical cost of such a full-stack managed IT service is $125-$175 per month. These are the most common prices in Atlanta and nearby regions. However, the prices may vary depending on factors such as location and company size.
Advantages of Full-stack Managed Services
Full-stack managed IT services are best suited for an organization of any size. You can prevent an impending cyber-attack or threat by installing fully protected IT services. A full-stack managed IT service ensures that you can rely on a third party to support and assist you at every step with mitigating IT-related issues.
There are many benefits and risks associated with managed services. The major benefits are discussed below:
Unconditional Support
The best part of full-stack managed IT services is the consistent and full-time support. Network issues can happen at any time and require instant solutions. The IT specialists offered by full-stack managed IT services are available 24 hours. Resolving issues becomes very simple and quick with remote access to them.
The help from third-party IT vendors is instantaneous once an organization’s employee alerts the vendor. This usually entails having an engineer respond on-site if the error is within the internal systems. Otherwise, the outside team resolves any external issues. With such comprehensive and timely support, you can rest assured that your organization operates within an optimal protected environment.
Expert Team
The full IT service support is offered by a team of professionals at a starting price of $18 per hour. Again, the prices may vary depending on the number of employees within a company. Full IT service support offers the best value because IT professionals have extensive IT backgrounds and experience.
The prevalence of malicious technology and cyber threats have evolved for many years. Therefore, keeping tabs on those threats by a single IT professional is insufficient. To adequately be protected against these threats, experienced individuals with extensive problem-solving capabilities are required. Budgeting for a small increase in IT expenses to get the best team of professionals is a wise investment.
IT companies effectively handle the security of your organization, as well as the security of other companies, meaning that they are acquiring vast knowledge and experience that adds value to the entire IT industry. Certainly, it is beneficial for you since they have a better grasp of specific IT problems and respective solutions to fix them.
Prevention of Downtime Cost
Managed IT services ensure that your network is protected with updated cyber security protection. They install a virtual server to provide critical backup when the main server goes down, thereby ensuring that all of an organization’s important files are backed up to the cloud. Thus, protecting from downtime losses.
Downtime losses are the costs incurred when an organization’s network goes down. Financial losses can be catastrophic to an organization due to losing contact with its customers, or when sensitive or confidential data is accessed during the downtime by a hacker. It is an unseen cost, but it can ruin your organization’s reputation quickly.
Businesses are often targeted by malicious hackers during such situations to extort money. Hackers have become so adept, that they can conduct malicious activities instantly and easily steal data once they decode the loopholes in an organization’s network. Managed IT services ensure that downtime will not be a disaster for your organization.
Highly Cost-effective
Out of all the types of IT services by third parties, Full-stack managed IT services pricing is the best option. Investing money efficiently with optimum output is the best choice. Full-stack managed services offer the best IT protection efficiency and value for the money invested. Just like any other effective business requirement, network security is essential. Having a team of expert IT professionals can help your organization prevent big losses in reputation and money.
The benefit of having a highly customized and integrated managed IT service is best experienced when organizations opt for full stack protection. Doing so means an organization can encounter negligible data breaches or data thefts. Further, the productivity of employees in a protected environment increases due to enhanced confidence in the operating environment and working methodologies of the overall business.
Are our managed IT services worth the cost?
According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 60% of small-sized businesses experiencing security breaches do not recover from the losses, at least for the next six months. Another report by CNBC, in 2019, elaborates that around 43% of cyberattacks are executed on small businesses since 14% of these organizations are unprepared to prevent cyberattacks.
While a business owner or an organization employs managed IT services to protect the long-term, it is prudent to consider additional features that will enhance an organization’s network protection. Doing so will allow your employees can work in a stress-free, well-protected environment for achieving maximum productivity knowing that everything is running smoothly.
A smart way to consider whether managed IT services is affordable is to calculate the potential financial losses of network downtime.
The true cost of network downtime, where your network goes down and your organization cannot access the data on the computer, can be enormous, thereby eclipsing this initial expense requires to prevent such an event. Failure to adequately address this risk is not prudent for any organization hoping to be a leader in their respective market. The threat of hackers demanding ransom payments can have serious repercussions on the entire organization. Can you afford the loss of reputation in case a data breach occurs? If any of these issues concern you, then your company must install third-party IT features.
Managed IT services provide an organization with peace of mind. Managed IT Service providers have an in-depth understanding of your organization’s networks and corporate culture and will provide services according to your budget while providing effective solutions during network emergencies. Thus, full-stack IT Service is a better choice than conditional prevention (break/fix IT Service) for optimal network protection.
Given all these factors, it is completely worthwhile for an organization to invest in your company’s network protection from outside threats, as well as internal human errors.
Conclusion
We have briefly discussed how managed IT services protect your organization. Also, special attention was focused on different IT services pricing and their features. Based on your organization’s size and requirements, you can choose any type of managed IT service.
Professionals suggest that a fully protected IT environment is preferable over a service that covers only a few aspects of your business. It is like locking up the doors of home at night but keeping the windows wide open, allowing hackers to breach your network and steal data. Therefore, having a full-stack network protection service is better to prevent downtime losses and adversely affect productivity.
Several managed IT services in Atlanta offer exclusive benefits at affordable prices. You can examine IT services with inclusive offers and review the testimonials and experiences of previous clients. Also, do not rely on the third-party IT firm hired for your company until you fully understand the services they provide. Thoroughly research all potential third-party vendors before deciding on which third-party service you want. Trust your intuitions and then make informed decisions regarding your system protection. At the end of the day, it is your decision that will impact the entire company in either a positive way or a negative way.
