Businesses trust managed service providers (MSPs) to handle their information technology needs — everything from maintaining data security to ensuring the smooth operation of the apps and devices employees use daily. One of the primary benefits of MSPs is that they’re a more cost-effective option than attempting to replicate all of the same services in-house. However, it can be challenging to pinpoint exactly how much managed IT services should cost.
What Is the Average Cost of Managed IT Services for Businesses?
MSPs usually calculate their IT services pricing hourly or by charging a monthly fee for each user. Hourly rates make sense when a business has contracted services for a specific project or when it wants outside experts available to resolve potential issues. The rate will depend on the MSP’s size and resources and the included services, but it’s reasonable to expect a range from about $150 to $225 per hour.
The range for monthly per-user (also called “per-seat”) pricing can vary even more widely. Many MSPs charge between $50 and $100 per month per user. But, depending on what’s included and the MSP’s pricing model, monthly costs of more than $100 per user — sometimes several hundred dollars per month — aren’t unusual.
What Is Included in Managed IT Services?
How much managed service providers charge depends, in part, on what they offer their customers. In general, MSPs take responsibility for day-to-day IT services, including:
- Administration of the business’s network and its IT infrastructure.
- Technical support for individual users and for issues affecting the business more broadly.
- Maintenance of the company’s servers, workstations and other IT hardware.
- Data security, including preventing unauthorized access and defending against viruses and other threats.
- Making sure the business’s data and infrastructure are backed up and can be quickly recovered in the event of an emergency.
Some of these functions can be handled entirely off-site, but MSPs have technicians available for regular on-site visits and for specific projects or concerns.
Contact Ascendant for Managed IT Services Today
Ascendant has spent decades managing IT for companies in the tristate area. We work with companies like Microsoft, Nextiva and SonicWall to provide unmatched service to our customers at prices that can’t be beat. Our combination of expertise and cost-effectiveness means that choosing Ascendant makes more financial sense than maintaining an expensive in-house IT department.
Contact us today to get started with a free network assessment and find out how we can help your business.