If you’re a business owner in Utah, you’re likely looking for ways to cut costs and save money. One way you can do this is by outsourcing your IT services to an IT company, or what is often referred to in the industry as a Managed Service Provider (MSP). But how much does it cost to hire an MSP in Utah? And what are the differences in pricing between companies? In this article, we’ll go over the cost of IT services and what you can expect to pay.
Understanding the Types of MSPs
Before we dive into pricing, it’s important to understand the different types of Manage Service Providers that you will find in Utah.
Immature MSPs: These MSPs generally have 2 to 4 people on staff. They’re often less expensive, but lack established processes, experience and the ability to scale with you over time. They may offer the same tool set for you as larger MSPs, but their immaturity might leave you disappointed.
Break-Fix MSPs: These MSPs can range in size from 1 to 15 employees. They often provide “break-fix” services which may solve your immediate problems, but will fail to address long-term business goals and how technology plays a part. They are not partnering with your business, but rather putting a bandaid on your IT problems and calling it a day. They usually charge an hourly rate.
Bolt-On MSPs: These types of IT companies specialize in the sale of business phone systems, internet services and more. Their core competency is not Managed Services. They often lack the experience that a mature MSP will have so they may lack the level of support your business demands.
Mature MSPs: These MSPs typically have over 25 employees and they’ve been offering Managed Services for over 10 years. They have well developed departments with documented processes for IT support, projects, purchasing, sales and account management. They charge a monthly subscription fee.
How much do MSPs charge?
Now that you understand the different MSPs and the pros and cons of each, let’s talk about the costs.
Most IT companies who offer break-fix IT services will charge between $125 and $225 per hour with a two-hour minimum.
IT companies who offer Managed IT Services will charge between $100 to $150 per person per month. MSPs that offer advanced cybersecurity solutions and consulting may charge between $200 to $250 per person per month.
Which MSP is Right for You?
Well that depends on your expectations of what you’re looking to get out of IT services and what your business goals are.
If you’re a very small business with less than 20 employees and/or are not looking to expand and grow, then Immature, Break-Fix and Bolt-On MSPs may be right for you.
However, if your business is larger than 20 employees or has high aspirations for growth, then a Mature MSP will likely be a better fit for your needs. It’s also recommended to choose a Mature MSP if you’ve been burned in the past by any of the other types of MSPs.
Ask the Right Questions
Since all mature MSPs typically charge the same amount for IT services, it’s important to ask the following qualifying questions so that you can choose the best company for your business:
- How long have you been in business, and how long have you provided Managed Services, specifically?
- How quickly do you respond to support requests, and is this in your Service Level Agreement (SLA)?
- Do you have well developed and documented processes? If so, can you tell me about some of them?
- What certifications do your technicians have and how often do they renew them?
- Can you tell me about the history of your business?
- How many employees do you have?
- Do you outsource any of your core services?
Asking these questions when shopping for an MSP will help you understand if this MSP will be able to effectively support your IT needs.
We’re Here to Help
As a top-rated IT company in Utah, Simple Systems is here to help you determine which MSP is right for you, and the associated costs you can expect to pay for your unique situation. Feel free to give us a call, or schedule a consultation.
