Guides to buying managed IT
Guides to buying managed IT
These guides help you understand managed IT before you buy. We explain the common terms, typical costs, and contract basics in plain English, then help you find an independent provider if you want.
A managed IT services provider (MSP) is a company that runs your business technology for a flat monthly fee — support, security, cloud, and backups. Here's what that means in
Open → How much do managed IT services cost?Managed IT is usually priced per user, per device, or as a flat monthly retainer. Here are honest 2025-era ranges and what changes the number — without naming a single quote a
Open → What is an SLA, and why it mattersA service-level agreement (SLA) is the written promise about how fast your provider responds and what 'fixed' means. We explain response targets, uptime ranges, and what to in
Open → Managed IT vs. break-fix vs. in-houseShould you pay monthly (managed), call someone only when it breaks (break-fix), or hire your own person (in-house)? Here's how the three models compare for a small business.
Open → Cybersecurity basics every small business needsMFA, backups, patching, email filtering, and staff training cover most of the risk for a small business. Here's the plain-language baseline a good provider should give you.
Open → How to choose a managed IT providerA clear checklist for picking an MSP: scope, response times, security approach, references, and contract terms — so you compare providers fairly and avoid surprises.
Open → Red flags in a managed IT contractAuto-renewing lock-ins, vague scope, security promises with no detail, and untested backups are warning signs. Here's how to read a managed IT contract before you sign.
Open → IT compliance explained: HIPAA, PCI, SOC 2If a customer, regulator, or insurer is asking about your security, you're dealing with compliance. Here's what HIPAA, PCI, and SOC 2 mean for a small business in plain terms.
Open → Data backup and ransomware recoveryA tested backup is the difference between a bad day and a closed business. Here's how the 3-2-1 backup rule works and what 'we can restore it' should really mean.
Open → Managed IT help in your languageYou shouldn't have to navigate IT contracts in a second language. Here's how to find a managed IT provider that supports your business in the language you're most comfortable
Open → Per-user vs. per-device managed IT pricingShould you pay per person or per computer? Here's how per-user and per-device managed IT pricing differ and which fits your business.
Open → Managed IT (MSP) vs. managed security (MSSP)An MSP runs your IT; an MSSP focuses on security. Here's the difference and when a small business needs each.
Open → Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace for small businessEmail, files, and apps in the cloud: how Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace compare, and how a managed IT provider helps you run either well.
Open → Cloud vs. on-premise serversShould your business run servers in your office or in the cloud? Here's an honest comparison of cost, control, and risk for a small business.
Open → Contract vs. month-to-month IT supportLocked-in contracts can mean better SLAs but less flexibility. Here's how to weigh contract terms against month-to-month managed IT.
Open → Outsourced IT vs. hiring an internal personWhen does a managed provider beat hiring your own IT person — and when is in-house the better call? A plain comparison for growing businesses.
Open →Ready to find a managed IT provider that fits?
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