Today, small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face complex decisions when IT support is needed. The million-dollar question: should they hire an in-house IT team or outsource to a Managed Service Provider?
The key factor that always tips this scale is IT support cost.
Outsourcing IT support is the typical choice for SMEs because of its long-term cost savings. Although it can streamline IT operations, other factors can affect the actual cost of IT support for Perth businesses, such as service level agreements (SLAs), scalability options, integration and subscription prices, and other add-on charges.
In this article, we’ll cover the factors that affect your IT support costs, the types of pricing available and best for your business, and how to optimise your overall costs to get the best bang for your buck. We’ll lay out everything you need to know about your IT support pricing to help you make a more informed decision that caters to your financial constraints and operational efficiency.
Factors That Can Affect Your IT Support Costs
Since IT Support is not a one-size-fits-all solution, there is no one-size-fits-all-cost. The cost of IT Support in Perth depends on the extent of the support required and the IT needs of the business. When determining IT support pricing, several key factors play a role in shaping the final cost.
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Key business elements
Initially, the Managed Service Provider will assess business-related factors like industry, current assets, and business models. Then, they will consider the levels of support you need, the type and length of your service contract, the number of users and devices you have.
On top of that, substantial factors such as network setup, software updates, technical issue response, system backups, threat monitoring and other cyber security measures are also crucial in assessing the extent of your IT support costs. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring your IT infrastructure functions smoothly.
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Business size
Business size is also a crucial factor in how much your IT support costs.
Compared to larger enterprises, SMEs often require more basic IT support services. This is mainly due to the complexities associated with having lots of different users. -
Industry requirements & expertise
Another factor (not typically considered by other organisations) that affects IT support pricing is the handling of confidential customer information.
Companies in the healthcare, finance, legal, and government sectors require robust cybersecurity measures and must comply with regulation standards to maintain data security and confidentiality. Due to the handling of sensitive information, and the additional required support, these industries may see higher costs of IT support in Perth business.
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Complexity
How complex is your IT?
Do you require the typical IT support service that only covers the basic stuff, or do you need a more robust and intricate system? Well, the latter can lead to higher support costs.
Assessing the makeup of your current infrastructure and understanding any necessary improvements can help you anticipate potential expenses accurately. Furthermore, this also includes conducting regular IT infrastructure assessments to get valuable insights into where improvements are needed and how they will impact your overall support costs.
Average Costs of IT Support Services
Navigating the cost of IT support for Perth SMEs involves budget constraints and effective service. Although self-managed IT support looks like an attractive option for SMEs with modest infrastructure, it does limit your growth and innovation on top of its premium price.
Outsourcing your IT services opens doors to a broader talent pool and specialised expertise that in-house teams may lack. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right IT solutions that strategically align with your operational goals while remaining mindful of your budgets.
So how much does IT support cost?
If we’re talking about the average costs of IT support services from a Managed Service Provider, for an organisation with 25 users, you’re looking at approximately AUD $5000 a month - for the entire outsourced service including subscriptions, and licenses. Of course, this would highly depend on individual company needs, existing infrastructure, industry dynamics, and more.
Types of IT Support Service Costs
There are different types of IT support service costs that can fit into different business needs. No matter which one you choose, it will help businesses to budget effectively and optimise their IT investment.
Outsourced IT Support
Outsourced IT support can be a highly affordable option for small and medium-sized businesses. While the initial upfront cost can seem high, it is an initial investment that pays off in the long run.
So instead of making do with a reactive approach to IT support, you can switch to a more proactive one by outsourcing it to a Managed Service Provider. IT service providers implement preventive measures that enhance security and efficiency, which will help you reduce long-term IT costs. Additionally, you can access cutting-edge technologies without the burdensome investment in staff salary and benefits, training, and tools – ultimately freeing your internal teams to focus on strategic initiatives and stay competitive without diverting resources away from core initiatives.
Although the initial cost of IT support in Perth through an IT service provider may seem high, it ultimately proves to be a worthwhile investment in the long term. Not only does it significantly enhance overall operational efficiency, but it also fosters greater resilience and growth potential within your organisation.
One-time IT Support
Also known as break/fix IT support, a one-time IT support contract allows you to pay for services as needed, aligning your IT support costs directly with specific incidents rather than ongoing fees. One-time IT support is a great option if your organisation only requires occasional assistance here and there. You only pay when you need help fixing something in your IT.
The break/fix IT support model offers a flexible approach to managing your IT needs. Instead of committing to a costly ongoing contract, you can only engage with IT professionals only when an issue arises. This approach ensures that critical issues get addressed promptly and effectively without high overhead costs.
Some outsourced IT support services let you opt for a block of hours, allowing you to budget while gaining access to essential services exactly when needed. This service also introduces flexibility in responding to demands needing sporadic bursts of support without commitment.
Self-Managed IT Support
Self-managed IT support is a great option for organisations seeking complete control over their IT operations. It is often seen as a cost-effective solution, allowing businesses to save money by minimising their dependence on external services and avoiding unexpected expenses related to vendor management.
If you’re not interested in letting a third party handle your IT support, there is the choice of managing your in-house IT team.
Many Perth SMEs weigh the allure of in-house IT support against hiring a Managed Service Provider. Although in-house teams may appear more budget-friendly, the hidden costs often spiral when recruitment expenses, ongoing training, software, systems and processes, and employee turnover get involved.
These factors can burden your financial resources and distract the decision-makers from core business objectives, which stunt growth.
Outsourcing your IT support (whether full or partial) can broaden your access to specialised skills without overwhelming overhead costs. A reputable IT service provider like Office Solutions IT has a team of experts with skills varying from cybersecurity to cloud management that can act as your virtual IT department. This approach means you can implement current technologies and best practices without doing the hard work yourself.
How do outsourced IT support costs compare to one-time and self-managed?
Outsourced IT support offers a more predictable cost model compared to one-time engagements or self-managed solutions.
When companies opt for one-time services, they may face unexpected expenses as issues arise, leading to sporadic budgeting challenges. This reactive approach can ultimately increase the cost of IT support in Perth SMEs in the long term, making it challenging for businesses to forecast their financial commitments. In contrast, outsourced IT support typically operates on a subscription model that includes comprehensive services, providing ongoing expertise and maintenance for a fixed monthly fee.
As for self-managed IT systems, they may appear cost-effective initially; however, they risk diverting valuable internal resources from core business functions. The hidden costs associated with training staff or dealing with downtime when issues occur can quickly add up, negating any initial savings.
How To Minimise IT Support Cost
Minimising how much your IT support costs requires a strategic shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive, which minimises expenses and drives overall efficiency within your business.
Understand your requirements
One of the first steps in minimising the cost of IT support in your Perth business is to assess your current IT requirements. By conducting regular audits of your IT infrastructure and workflows, you can pinpoint inefficiencies and identify areas that demand specialised attention from your Managed Service Provider.
They should be your trusted advisor, offering valuable insights into which areas are critical to keep in-house versus those you can outsource. For example, core functions like cybersecurity and compliance may fare well from in-house expertise due to their direct impact on your security posture. More routine tasks like software updates or helpdesk support can make the cost of IT support in Perth businesses cost-effective if handed over to an outsourced IT team.
Always be proactive
A smart business will always go for proactive maintenance over break-fix support any day. Proactive maintenance is synonymous with preventive strategies in the IT industry. So, when issues get addressed before they become problems, you save on emergency repairs and minimise downtime and productivity losses.
One of the ways you can do that is by prioritising patches. Although it sounds trivial, patching can save you from the financial implications of unexpected outages or system failures due to widely outdated systems.
When looking for a Managed Service Provider, look into their proactive approach. A forward-thinking IT support company will react to problems and implement robust strategies that remediate issues before they escalate.
The Cloud is your friend
The Cloud has become a cornerstone of modern businesses. Migrating to cloud servers has helped many declutter their physical storage space and reduce their IT support costs in maintaining on-premise servers. Imagine the energy bill and maintenance savings you’ll get, which you can redirect towards more dynamic areas.
Compared to on-premise servers, cloud servers offer better data integrity wherein cyber risks get mitigated and disaster recovery is quick, making it essential for maintaining client trust and operational continuity.
Outsource your IT support
One of the best ways to streamline operations without breaking the bank is outsourcing. They’re ideal for Perth SMEs looking to optimise their operations without stretching their IT support pricing.
As you leverage their expertise, you can access high-level IT support at a fraction of the cost required to maintain an in-house team. Functions such as remote monitoring, end-user support, data migration, and maintenance are often bundled into packages, allowing SMEs to scale their IT flexibly according to their demands.
If you have an existing in-house IT team and want to have the support of an outsourced IT team, you can always opt for a hybrid support model. This way, you can get the support you require while controlling your IT systems.
Considerations for Choosing Cost-Effective IT Support
IT support prices are evolving to cater to diverse (and constantly changing) business needs. But, with managed IT service packages, SMEs can choose and tailor solutions that align with their unique goals and operational requirements. When it’s time to plan for your IT support, here’s some points to consider:
- The benefits of flat pricing - When you work with an outsourced IT Support provider, your business can benefit from flat pricing. Your IT Support costs will remain the same regardless, providing improved budget control and helping you predict your monthly IT support fees.
- Unexpected technical issues – Your business can undergo technical issues at any point, and without the right IT provider, this can become a huge liability. Working with an IT provider gives you control back over your IT expenses. Make sure to look beyond the price tag when choosing an IT service provider.
- Your business and industry – Understand how IT support pricing changes with your number of total employees, industry, and other factors. We’ve provided some guidance in this article but you can also speak with our team for a defined quote.
- Expertise – Working with a team of outsourced IT experts provides you with high levels of experience which is hard to match with an in-house team. Always check if your prospective Managed Service Provider genuinely comprehends your unique business landscape.
- Your budget – Ensure you strike a balance between what you are willing to invest today, and how much money your IT support plan will save you in the future.
Want to Know the IT Support Cost for Your Business?
In an era where cost-effective IT is a must, Perth businesses seek a strategic IT partner who prioritises value as much as expertise. That’s where Office Solutions IT comes in. With almost three decades of experience in the IT landscape, we’ve mastered the art of tailoring IT support that resonates with unique business needs and can provide you with an IT support quote that matches your business objectives. We’ve helped thousands of SMEs and organisations across Australia by providing them with tailored IT support services that are effective and budget-friendly.
Fill out the form below, and let’s chat about how our IT support services can propel your business forward.
