So your business has outgrown break/fix IT support, and the small IT shop you’ve been working with just isn’t cutting it anymore.
Maybe you’re looking for something more reliable, more structured, and frankly, less reactive. This is usually when businesses start exploring the world of managed services providers (MSPs).
A basic MSP can be a solid choice for a lot of organizations. Now, before you think "basic" means bad — it doesn’t. These providers offer a step up from traditional IT shops in terms of service delivery, structure, and consistency. If your business has simple IT needs and you're looking for someone to take the day-to-day tech stress off your plate, a basic MSP might be exactly what you need.
Basic MSPs typically offer:
- More robust, always available services
- Managing of software updates
- Patching of security vulnerabilities
- Rapid responses to help desk tickets
- Fixed monthly pricing models
They also offer what’s often called an “all-in-one” solution. That means you get network management, user support, endpoint protection, cloud services, and sometimes even basic backup and disaster recovery. It’s all bundled up into a neat little package.
Sounds pretty good, right? And for many businesses, it is. Especially for small to mid-sized companies that don’t need an overly complex infrastructure or customized solutions. If your IT needs are straightforward and you just want things to work reliably, a basic MSP can check all the boxes.
But there are some important limitations to be aware of, including:
No real strategic support
The most common drawback of a basic MSP is their lack of strategic support. Many operate on a highly templated model, offering the same stack of tools and services to every client. While this helps keep costs down and operations efficient, it doesn’t leave much room for tailoring solutions to fit your specific business goals or challenges.
If you’re in a highly regulated industry — think healthcare, finance, or legal — this can be a problem. A cookie-cutter approach doesn’t always cut it when you're dealing with strict compliance requirements or unique cyber security concerns.
Scaling limitations
If your business is growing fast or going through a digital transformation, you may need more than just maintenance — you need a partner who can help guide your IT roadmap. That’s where basic MSPs tend to fall short.
Let’s say you’re launching a new product line or opening multiple locations. A basic MSP might keep things running, but they may not sit down with you to help plan scalable infrastructure, design secure remote access strategies, or align your IT investments with your business objectives. In other words, they’re great at keeping the lights on but not always at helping you grow.
That’s not necessarily a deal-breaker — it just depends on what you need.
Inconsistent support
MSPs aren’t all the same. Even among those that fall into the “basic” category, there’s a wide range in terms of quality, responsiveness, and customer service.
It’s worth doing your homework. Ask potential providers about their response times, what kind of clients they specialize in, and whether they offer any level of strategic planning or virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) services.
Why? Because while you might not need advanced IT consulting right now, you don’t want to outgrow your provider too quickly either. Switching MSPs can be a hassle, and growing into a provider that’s already thinking about your future needs can save a lot of time and money down the road.
Basically, finding the right IT partner is all about fit. A basic MSP can be a reliable, cost-effective solution for many businesses. But it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. Understand their strengths, be realistic about your needs, and make sure their level of service matches where your business is today — and where you want to go tomorrow.
