When you are searching for an IT Provider to assist you with managing Information Technology for your business, it helps to know what services are available in the marketplace.
Historically, IT Services were provided under a reactive support model referred to as Break/Fix. This model is similar to the way that most home services work – i.e.- plumbers, HVAC, etc. Most IT Providers are now moving towards proactive support models where your IT partner provides a managed service that requires them to provide the daily maintenance of the security controls and stability of your IT environment.
Functions of Tech Support Services
There is no need for the company to build up an in-house IT department if it contracts with an outside IT services provider. This is great news for startups who lack in-house IT departments and monetary backing. At Blue Maven IT, we provide small businesses with technical support so that they may save money by not having to pay in-house experts.
Everything necessary for your system to function properly will be taken care of by your IT service including the following:
- Dealing with technological difficulties
- Making sure that all software is up-to-date
- Make sure you’re protecting your data by creating backups.
- Cyber Security programming
- Establishing an Organization’s Computer System Infrastructure
- Online platform upkeep and layout
- Maintaining cutting-edge hardware and software for your company.
- Training employees to effectively use IT resources
- Maintaining vigilance to detect potential security breaches or operational problems
In a nutshell, you can expect uninterrupted service from your system at all times. To prevent any lasting damage to the business, the IT service must be proactive in finding and fixing any issues that arise. This sounds wonderful, but there is a cost associated with all of this help and support.
Average Cost of Tech Support
This is not a question with a straightforward answer. The price of IT support services may change depending on several elements, including the company’s level of expertise, the size of the project, and your location. You should expect to pay a different rate for IT assistance in each city across the USA.
The occasional use of Technical support is possible. Compare that to the expense of managed services, which handle all areas of your IT system and leave you free to focus on running your business. Nonetheless, the typical monthly cost for IT support for a small business is between $1,000 and $3,000.
Types of Billing Structures
Depending on your needs, IT support firms offer a variety of pricing structures. You should learn about them before seeking an IT support service.
- Hourly
- Hourly w/Prepaid Hours
- Flat Rate
Hourly
With Hourly services, costs are only incurred when you have an issue and need IT support. This pricing structure rewards your IT Provider whenever you have an issue.
Prepaid Hourly
With Prepaid hourly services, the cost structure assumes a certain minimum number of hours that you will require support each month. Anything over those minimum hours is charged an additional fee. This is similar to Hourly services in that, your IT Provider is rewarded according to the more issues that you have.
Flat Rate
With Flat rate services, the cost structure is based on either the number of users or devices that you have in your fleet. Devices can include computers, servers, network appliances, or mobile devices. Some premium service plans may include future project-related fees which anticipate technology changes in your environment (e.g.- planned computer replacements).
Types of Tech Support
Average IT support costs for small organizations will be based on the managed services pricing model chosen and the type of service required. Most small firms need both in-house and external IT support services.
Self Managed IT Support
As the name suggests, self-managed IT services are handled independently. They typically operate during the same business hours and out of the same physical location as you. When you work with a managed service provider, you free up internal resources to focus on revenue-generating activities.
PayScale.com estimates that the average salary of an in-house IT tech in the United States is $50,913 to $63,447 per year, with the highest earners making approximately $60,000. Around $46,000 is the typical wage for technicians with some experience, and the top pay might approach $65,000. These pay scales account for base salary, incentive pay, and profit sharing, but exclude perks like health insurance.
It’s important to include not only $45,000 but also employee perks, sick leave, vacation time, and income tax when making comparisons. Around $13,000 will be spent annually on this. You should expect to spend an extra $1000 on the IT Management System software and an additional $2500 on training for each user. A one-time investment of $3,000, $5,000, or $10,000 may be necessary, depending on the number of machines involved. In addition, an information technology specialist may make between $58,000 and $65,000 a year, without including bonuses.
The average cost of providing your own self-managed IT services is $40k per year. If you need assistance with technical issues, it’s not too pricey.
Pros
For one, they are always available to you so long as your company is open, which is a huge plus.
Cons
Self-managed services can be costly because they lack the economies of scale enjoyed by their outsourced counterparts. But, if cost-cutting is your top priority, self-managed services might not be the ideal choice for you.
Outsourced IT Support.
Small businesses can gain a lot by outsourcing their IT support services to a reliable outside firm, but it takes careful preparation and budgeting on their part. Outsourced IT services are not physically located on your premises, but can assist with your IT issues over the internet.
Remember that these services are not always subpar in comparison to those you run on your own. The majority of IT outsourcing firms provide first-rate support without the hefty price tag associated with on-site employees.
The cost of this form of service might vary substantially depending on factors like the age and quantity of your company’s servers and workstations. You can only save money with this method if you buy blocks of time in advance and then use only the hours you need.
Average Cost
While some outsourcing providers may provide a pay-as-you-go model, the majority of businesses charge between $1,000 and $3,000 per month.
Pros
Outsourcing IT is a great way to save money, but it is also a great way to improve the performance of your organization in general. If you don’t have a regular need for IT development projects, or if you live in a country where IT development is more expensive (the United States, Australia, Canada, etc.), outsourcing IT will save you money compared to developing it in-house.
Cons
And because they aren’t based there, they can’t deliver the speedy assistance you require. If dependability is crucial, it could be beneficial to explore outsourcing.
Need Help Implementing IT Support for your business?
As the saying goes, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Similarly, a business doesn’t realize how important it is to have an IT partner until it’s too late. Without proper technology safeguards, you’re at risk of losing:
- Data
- Client work
- Productivity, and ultimately
- Profits
At Blue Maven IT, we help you protect these valuable assets! Feel free to contact us here for your data protection solutions and sign up for a business subscription.