If you've heard the term 'managed IT' and weren't quite sure what it means, you're not alone. Here's a simple explanation and how to know if it's right for your business.
Managed IT in one sentence
Managed IT means an external team maintains an agreed scope of your technology for a monthly fee. Monitoring, maintenance, security and support inclusions depend on the plan; a managed agreement does not automatically cover every IT cost.
Break-fix vs managed IT
Ad-hoc support is billed for the work you request. Managed IT adds ongoing responsibilities such as monitoring, patching and technology planning. Simple IT's Bronze plan charges end-user support labour separately, while Silver and Gold include support under their plan terms.
What's usually included
- Monitoring, patching and antivirus management on Bronze, Silver and Gold
- Remote and onsite support under Silver and Gold plan terms; Bronze support labour charged separately
- Server backups on Silver and Gold, with Microsoft 365 backup on Gold
- Defined security inclusions, supplier coordination and technology planning
Is it right for you?
Managed plans generally suit businesses with five or more users and an ongoing need for maintenance and support. Compare the included work with your actual requirements, then allow for licences, equipment and projects charged separately. Simple IT's managed agreements are generally a minimum 12-month term; ad-hoc support is available without an ongoing commitment.
